Page 23 - Airsoft Action Issue 126 June 2021

a r m o u ry
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ver the past nine months or so I’ve been But enough of this meandering! What does this
concentrating to some degree on finding a have to do with the latest rifle I have laid beside me
Obolt-action rifle that I really feel comfortable you may ask? I would reply that THIS RIFLE is just a
with. Starting at the “budget-end” to get my little bit special and it’s already brought me much
target-eye back in, I’ve already had heaps of fun satisfaction; it’s not often that you get your hands on
rediscovering a part of airsoft that really got me a Barrett, even in licenced airsoft form!
started so many years ago and that’s the delight of the
not-so-humble-these-days bolt-action spring rifle! IT’S ALL IN THE NAME!
I’ve waxed lyrical before on the joys of being at If you don’t immediately link the name of “Barrett”
one with your tactical tool of choice and nowhere is with precision rifles then oh my, it’s time you went
this more true than when it’s just you and your rifle back to “precision airsoft 101” and learnt your basics!
out on the range on a beautiful day, To give you a helping hand though, I’ll paraphrase
and more recently I haven’t even from Barrett’s history and tell you that “more than
cared about the weather, as with the thirty years ago, Ronnie Barrett built something no
right gear, even being outside on a one thought possible, a shoulder-fired .50 caliber rifle
cold, wet day has been better than so innovative, the Army itself would sing its praises.

From sketching his designs at the dining room table
another confined to my office at home! to working with a local tool and die maker to create
In fact, when I’ve felt at my lowest (and loneliest!), parts that didn’t yet exist, every millimeter of the
a short hike to the woodland range I have set up on Model 82 was a direct result of Ronnie’s passion for
a friend’s grounds has immediately lifted my spirits! the ultimate firearm.”
Airsoft is for many a chance to hang out with friends Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Barrett
and enjoy some not-so-quiet social interaction, but is still the world leader in large-calibre rifle design
even when you’re on your own with a gentle rain and manufacturing. Their products are used by law
pattering through the leaves and branches overhead, enforcement agencies, the US military and more than
wrapped in a contemplative cocoon of your own 70 US State Department approved countries across
concentration to make a great shot with a great rifle the world! Standardised by the U.S. military as the
in your hands, “life” and its accompanying anxieties M107, Barrett’s best-known creation, the M82, has
just seem to melt away… or perhaps that’s just me! become a thing of legend; despite its designation as
The fact is, in my opinion, any “shooter” that can an anti-materiel rifle, it is used by some as an anti-
call themselves such, whether it’s real-steel or airsoft, personnel system. Found in three variants, the original
will appreciate a good rifle and the solitary satisfaction M82A1 (and A3), the bullpup M82A2 and Barrett
it can bring and I’ve been lucky enough to be able M107A1 with muzzle brake designed to accept a
to try quite a few different bolt-action models now suppressor and made out of titanium instead of steel,
thanks to industry friends who have fed my habit… the range of all these rifles staggers belief! It’s quoted
This habit to me though, as a man guilty of many that the maximum effective range of the M107 is
bad habits over the years, is a thing of purity and 2,000 yards (1,830 m), whilst the “true” maximum
enlightenment and if I could be on the range in the range of this weapon (specifically the M107) is 4,400
woods every single day I’d be happy with that. yards (4,000 m)!

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