The Barrett Model 82A1 is a semi-automatic .50 BMG rifle with a 20-inch barrel, 10-round capacity, and Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish. Overall length is 48 inches and weight is approximately 30.9 lbs. It has been in service with military and law enforcement units for decades and remains the baseline against which other .50 BMG semi-autos are measured. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Barrett Model 82A1 
• Caliber: .50 BMG 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 48 inches 
• Capacity: 10 rounds 
• Weight: Approximately 30.9 lbs (503.2 oz) 
• Action Type: Semi-Automatic 
• Safety Type: Manual Thumb Lever 
• Finish Color: Flat Dark Earth Cerakote 
   

Detailed Features 

The chrome-plated chamber accepts both commercial and military-spec .50 BMG ammunition. The muzzle brake reduces felt recoil substantially for a caliber of this size, making extended shooting sessions manageable. The receivers are aluminum and chrome-moly steel. Upper and lower separate for transport and can be reassembled quickly without losing scope zero, thanks to the M1913 optics rail that maintains its zero through takedown and reassembly. The manual thumb-lever safety is positive and easy to operate.

Conversations about the Barrett 82A1 Gen 2 consistently reflect respect for its engineering alongside practical concerns about cost and weight.

Accuracy and long-range capability are the most praised attributes. Owners report consistent performance at distances where most other platforms fall apart, and the .50 BMG's energy is noted as genuinely impressive in person versus on paper. Build quality comments are uniformly positive. The rifle tolerates rough conditions and heavy use without issue, which is what you expect from a platform with this kind of military track record.

Weight is the most common drawback. At roughly 30.9 lbs before glass, the 82A1 is not something you carry far on foot. That is understood going in, but still shapes how people use it. Most own it as a range rifle or bench gun, not a field-carry option. Ammunition cost and availability come up in nearly every thread; .50 BMG is not cheap or always easy to find, and that affects how often people actually shoot it. Some buyers also discuss legal considerations, since .50 BMG ownership has restrictions in certain states. Owners who budget for the ammo cost and accept the weight as a given tend to be satisfied with the rifle.