When it comes to heavy hitting, long-range sniper rifles, two names come to mind – the M107 and the M82. These rifles have been the go-to choice for military snipers and law enforcement personnel for decades, due to their exceptional accuracy and ability to take down targets at extended ranges.
The M107 and M82 are both .50 caliber sniper rifles, but they have some key differences. So, let’s break it down and compare the two in this article.
M107
The M107, also known as the Barrett M107, is a semi-automatic rifle that was first introduced in 2002. It is designed and manufactured by the Barrett Firearms Manufacturing company, and it is considered to be one of the most accurate sniper rifles in the world.
With a maximum effective range of 1,800 meters, the M107 is capable of taking down targets with precision from long distances. It weighs in at a hefty 28.5 pounds, with a barrel length of 20 inches. It uses the .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge, which is known for its high accuracy and stopping power.
One of the defining features of the M107 is its semi-automatic firing mechanism. This feature allows the sniper to fire rapidly, without the need to manually cycle the gun between shots. This can be especially useful in situations where multiple targets need to be taken out quickly.
The M107 also features a recoil reduction system, which helps to mitigate the strong recoil that is common when firing a .50 caliber rifle. This allows the shooter to maintain accuracy and stay on target, even after firing multiple rounds.
M82
The M82, also known as the Barrett M82, is a bolt-action rifle that was first introduced in 1982. It is also designed and manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, and it has been a fixture in the sniper rifle world for nearly four decades.
The M82 has a maximum effective range of 1,800 meters, which is the same as the M107. It weighs in at 30.9 pounds, with a barrel length of 29 inches. Like the M107, it also uses the .50 BMG cartridge.
The M82 is a bolt-action rifle, meaning that the shooter must manually cycle the gun between shots. While this can be slower than a semi-automatic firing mechanism, the bolt-action design allows for greater control and precision when shooting.
One of the main differences between the M107 and M82 is their respective firing mechanisms. While the M107 is semi-automatic, the M82 is bolt-action. This means that the M107 can fire more rapidly, but the M82 offers greater precision and control.
Additionally, the M82 does not have a recoil reduction system, meaning that the shooter will feel the full force of the rifle’s powerful recoil after each shot. This can make it more difficult to stay on target, especially when firing multiple rounds in quick succession.
Which is Better?
Both the M107 and M82 are exceptional sniper rifles, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to the shooter’s personal preferences and the specific situation.
The M107’s semi-automatic firing mechanism and recoil reduction system make it a popular choice for military and law enforcement snipers who need to take down multiple targets quickly and accurately. Its heavier bullets also make it more effective at penetrating armor and other barriers.
On the other hand, the M82’s bolt-action design provides greater control and precision, making it an ideal choice for snipers who need to take out a single target at long range. Its lack of a recoil reduction system means that it may be more difficult to maintain accuracy when firing multiple rounds, but its lighter weight can make it easier to maneuver.
Both rifles are capable of taking down targets at extended ranges, and both have been proven to be reliable and effective in the field. It ultimately comes down to the shooter’s needs and preferences, as well as the specific mission requirements.
Conclusion:
In summary, the M107 and M82 are two of the most powerful and accurate sniper rifles in the world. Both rifles have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to the shooter’s personal preferences and the specific situation.
Whether you’re a military or law enforcement sniper or a civilian shooter, both the M107 and M82 offer exceptional accuracy and stopping power, and are sure to get the job done when it counts.