M99 Question

[miamivicedade]

So I am getting an M99 Barrett next week and wanted to get people's thoughts on what the pros and cons are for the heavy 32 inch barrel or fluted 29 inch barrel. I will be shooting it at the range 1000-1200 yards.

Thank you.

 

[792mauser]

I've got the 32inch barreled one and shot the 29 one a friend has. Not much difference. A bit more blast from the muzzlebreak and maybe 2 lbs less.

Not much difference in accuracy either way. I shoot mine out to about 12-1800yds out in the desert. Normally at a rock in the desert the size of a small school bus and a rusted out Ford hulk someone left out decades ago.
Took longer and more ammo than I care to admit to get on target. We've taken it as long as 2100 yds and connected a couple of times.

Unfortunately the Barrett isn't a gilt edged target rifle. Ammo is a big issue. Most is MG delinked blaster ball. Good ammunition is in the $5+ a shot area, reloading is a bit better but EXPENSIVE to setup.

Either way it's fun. If you want to make noise and friends at the range, it'll be harder to pick a rifle that'll draw a bigger crowd. And did I mention it's fun!

Ps: With the brake that's on the Barrett, make sure you warn the bench or people on either side of you. You can clear benches and or send gravel and dirt flying a ways to pelt someone.

 

[miamivicedade]

Thank you for the reply. I'm leaning fluted, just haven't decided yet.

 

[Mk-211]

It's basically going to come down to personal preference, flutes or no flutes. The 99 is a nice rifle and with quality ammo, will shoot MOA or better.

Budget in for some quality glass and rings for it. The Barrett zero gap rings are a good choice.

Lastly, depending on how much you plan on shooting it, look into reloading. It will keep your overall cost down and you can make better ammo.

Look up Blue Grass Armory, they sell a copy (Viper) of the M99, not sure what the price is. They used to make parts for Barrett, decided to sell their version.