Barrett M99

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Barrett Model 99 Specifications
Country of origin:	United States
Operation:	Single shot bolt action
Caliber:	.50 BMG (12.7 X 99mm)
Barrel Length:	32 inches (81.28 cm)
Overall Length:	50.4 inches (128 cm)
Barrel Weight:	14 pounds (6.4 kg)
Rifle Weight:	25 pounds (11.36 kg)

The Barrett Model 99 "Big Shot" rifle was first introduced in 1999 by the Barrett Firearms Company (USA). The company is better known worldwide for its earlier .50 caliber rifles, the semi-automatic M82A1 and bolt-action M95.

The M99 is positioned on the market as an inexpensive yet extremely accurate long range, .50 caliber sniper / special applications rifle. The M99 is available in two basically similar modifications, M99 and M99-1, with the latter being fitted with a shorter barrel.

M99 is intended as a long range weapon or sniper rifle when applications where rate of fire is of less value than the accuracy. M99-1 is better suited for urban operations (like counter-sniper operations or explosive ordnance disposal) where ranges are relatively shorter but powerful .50 caliber bullets are still required to do the job.

Barrett M99 is also used for long range competition, and it was used in 2001 to set a world record in 1000 yards .50BMG competition, with smallest recorded group of 5 shots being only 4.09 inch (104 mm) small.

[edit] Comparison to M95 and M82

The M99 (msrp $3,399.00) was designed to be a lower cost alternative to the Barrett Model 95 (msrp $5,540.00). Despite being externally similar to earlier Barrett M95 rifle (smaller magazine), the M99 differs from it in many aspects.

• M99 is a single-shot bolt action rifle rather than the magazine feed. This means that after each shot a fresh cartridge must be manually loaded into the receiver opening (spent case is ejected automatically when bolt is opened).
• The M99 bolt has multiple lugs instead of three lugs as with the M95 bolt.
• The one piece receiver of the M99 is made from an aluminum alloy, instead of the two-part stamped steel receivers on M82 and M95.
• The heavy fluted barrels are equipped with large and effective muzzle brakes.
• M99 rifles have no open sights installed by default, and a M1913 Picatinny (modified Weaver) rail is formed as an integral part of the receiver, allowing for wide variety of sighting devices to be easily installed.
• M99 rifles are equipped with the detachable folding bi-pod with adjustable legs.
• The trigger group along with the pistol handle is attached to the receiver by the simple push-pins and could be quickly detached for cleaning and maintenance.

[edit] See also

• Barrett M95