Barrett MRAD Review

In this Barrett MRAD review, we’ll explore the key features of this military grade sniper rifle. You’ll learn about the key features found in the MRAD, not to mention the extra information you need to help you decide if this is the right sniper rifle for you.

The Barrett MRAD is a heavy-duty precision bolt-action rifle that can easily change calibers from 6.5 Creedmoor up to 338 Lapua.

Unlike most other barrel change systems on bolt action rifles, the barrels are already headspaced with a barrel extension! This means that the user loosens two torx bolts, slide out the old barrel, slides in the new barrel, changes the bolt face, closes the bolt into the barrel’s extension, and then retightens the torx bolts.

This system is very similar to an AR-15’s barrel/bolt system wherein head-space is already set and the rifle is merely assembled instead of requiring gunsmith assistance or chamber gauges to ensure the correct tolerances.

Other notable features of the MRAD are the folding stock with adjustable comb (cheek piece), the adjustable trigger pack that can easily be removed and replaced, and a feature that contributes a lot to the MRAD’s unique look, a bolt that travels inside the upper receiver (again, much like an AR-15).

• Obscenely Accurate
• Easy to change between Multiple Calibers/Lengths
• Adjustable and Quick-change Trigger
• Folding Buttstock
• Adjustable Comb
• Integrated 20 MOA Base
• Full Length Rail

• Heavy
• Pricey
• Long Bolt Throw for Short Calibers

The MRAD is available in 8 calibers (6.5 Creedmoor through 338 Lapua), 4 colors (Black, Grey, Tan, OD Green), and various barrel lengths.

We’ve collected every MRAD variation and listed it below in this table for you so that you can quickly see which calibers the MRAD comes in as well as many other MRAD features – sort and filter away!

One of the great things about the Barrett MRAD is the ability to easily change barrels to different lengths and calibers.

Barrett sells conversion kits that include a new barrel, a new bolt, and a magazine for your MRAD. See the table below for all of the conversion kits available (all MRAD calibers and barrel lengths).

Here are some examples of conversion kits available for the MRAD:

Here’s a full breakdown/list of every conversion kit available for the Barrett MRAD rifle. You can filter this table by MRAD conversion kit caliber, barrel length and barrel type and you can also sort the results in the table. Enjoy!

Now that you know the full Gun University take on the Barrett MRAD sniper rifle, it’s time to delve deeper and check out some extra resources.

If you’re still interested in the MRAD at this point, we’re ready to provide you with the extra information you need to decide if the Barrett MRAD is the right sniper rifle for you.

No need to venture back and forth across the internet looking for the information you need. Therefore, we’ve taken the time to gather together and provide for you:

• The official owner’s manual from Barrett for the MRAD. Contains all the technical information you need about the Barrett MRAD to help you decide if it’s right for you.
• A full video showing the maintenance process for the Barrett MRAD. Watching this is the best way to decide whether the ownership experience of the Barrett MRAD is right for you.
• Answers to the most frequently asked questions we hear at Gun University about the Barrett MRAD.

Let’s check it out!

Has the Barrett MRAD been designed for customizability?

Yes, Barrett have explicitly designed this sniper rifle to be adaptable to your particular requirements. This is shown by the inclusion of the top Picatinny rail, not to mention the extra rails which can be mounted in the 3, 6, or 9 o clock position.

Does the Barrett MRAD have any military endorsement?

Yes, the MRAD has been designed specifically with military requirements in mind. Therefore, you can be sure that you are purchasing a military rifle with nothing but the best quality in terms of components, materials, and design. The Israeli special forces have chosen the Barrett MRAD as their sniper rifle of choice, and the US Military are in the process of purchasing a special order of the MRAD for their long range sniper needs.

Can a regular gun owner customize their Barrett MRAD, or does this need to be carried out by a specialist, professional gunsmith?

The Barrett MRAD is customizable by anyone. How? Barrett have made sure you can adapt different barrel lengths and calibers without any specialist outside intervention or help. In order to make adjustments to the Barrett MRAD, you only need a standard Torx wrench. There is no need for extra, expensive help to customize your Barrett MRAD.

What calibers are available for the Barrett MRAD?

The Barrett MRAD sniper rifle is available in multiple calibers. You can purchase this particular sniper rifle in the following calibers, or adapt your existing firearm for suitability with the following calibers:

• 338 Lapua
• 338 Norma
• 300 Norma
• 300 Win
• 308 Win
• 7MM Rem Mag
• 260 Rem
• 6.5 Creedmoor

See the table above for a full breakdown of every option available.

What are the key features Barrett had in mind when designing the MRAD?

Barrett have stated in their owner’s manual for the Barrett MRAD that they had 3 key hallmarks in mind when designing the Barrett M4. These are:

1. Complete system modularity
2. Reduced logistical and operational burden
3. Maximum operator-level sustainability

Therefore, the design of the MRAD sniper rifle and all of the components included have been chosen with these three objectives in mind.

When I made the decision, and the  purchase, of the Barrett MRAD, I knew that was just the beginning of my journey with this extremely capable firearm.  I learned very quickly that my rifle is only as good as the scope I have on it.  Even with the stellar firepower of the MRAD, you can only do so much with iron sights.  So to maximize this caliber of rifle I wanted to make sure I had the absolute best scope I could get on it.  Below are some of my recommendations for scopes that I would consider getting for this type of firearm.

WIth the 100 M.O.A. of internal adjustment, exceptional optical integrity, and highest grade aircraft material used this scope is an easy pick for my Editors Choice.  This has fantastic clarity out to 800 yards and beyond and with the zeo stop I couldn’t ask for more.  Check Amazon Price

Burris started in optics back in the early 90’s with binoculars and eventually grew into scopes very quickly.  They are a long leader in creating excellent optics and are worth every penny on the quality you would come to expect.  There is nothing that would hold me back from highly recommending this scope to you for your Barrett MRAD or any other rife for that matter.  CHECK AMAZON PRICE

The MRAD is generally regarded as one of–if not, THE–most reliable rifles available on the market today.  But reliability is only as good as the care you take with your firearm.  It can quickly degrade due to improper maintenance and negligence. Alans Firearms does a magnificent job at showing you exactly how to break down this gun, clean and lubricate it, and put it back together safely.

• • GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

There’s so many Glock models out there. In order to get you some more info on the G48, check out our list of recommended reading. 

• Barrett MRAD Manual Download
• Barrett MRAD
• Barrett MRAD Video