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LOT 3407
Exceptional and Scarce J. Unertl .50 BMG Converted USMC 10x Sniper Rifle Scope
with CMP Certificate - Originally manufactured by the Unertl Optic Company as a 10x USMC
7.62x51 mm NATO calibrated optic, this scope is one of a limited number converted for the
U.S. Marine Corps to .50 BMG calibration for use with M82A1/M107 semi-automatic sniper/anti
material rifles. The left side of the adjustment body is marked “USMC” over the serial number “1521”, with the original “.30 CAL”
marking milled away and replaced with “.50 CAL”. As a part of the conversion, the elevation knob was replaced by Unertl with
a .50 BMG calibrated knob graduated from 100 to 1,800 yards. Fitted with a pair of “GGG” marked scope rings. Includes a matching numbered
Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) certificate of authenticity dated January 24, 2019.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall as converted to .50 BMG by Unertl, issued by the U.S. Marine corps, and subsequently surplussed
through the CMP, retaining 90% plus black finish with some minor edge wear, a few minor dents on the bell, some minor flaking on the windage turret, clear adjustment markings, and a few
minor handling marks. The optics are clear with a crisp reticle. Overall a very attractive example of a .50 BMG converted USMC Unertl 10x scope with less handling wear than what is typically expected from an issued optic.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3406
Extremely Rare, Historic, Documented Gulf War Era U.S.M.C.
Issued U.S. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. M82A1 Semi-
Automatic .50 BMG Sniper Rifle with Case, Nightforce Scope,
Ronnie Barrett Autograph, and Ronnie Barrett
Signed “Death From Afar” Book - Serial no. 0931, 50
BMG cal., 29 inch heavy fluted bbl., black/matte grey
phosphate finish, metal stock. Manufactured c.1990-
1991. Developed in the early 1980s, the M82 series of
semi-automatic, anti-material rifles was adopted by a
number of military forces around the world, including
the U.S., where its potent .50 BMG chambering makes it
useful for a range of tasks including disabling vehicles,
detonating enemy ordnance, and sniping at distances well beyond most conventional rifles. This specific rifle is listed by
serial number in the table on page 23 of “Death from Afar, Vol. 1” by Norman Chandler as one of the first 100 Barrett M82A1
sniper rifles delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield, the buildup to Operation Desert Storm, the
result of an unusually rapid crash acquisition program with the perceived need for a weapon that could reach out across
open desert. The time frame from initial order to a USMC instructor/armorer team touching down in Saudi Arabia with the first hundred M82A1s was only about 90 days. Individual deployment of the rifles was not documented, but
photographs during Desert Storm put the M82A1 in Kuwait and Iraq. Today it is estimated that only 35 of these scarce and collectible former USMC issued rifles are in private collections, as the rest were given to foreign allies, police
departments, museums, or were destroyed. Features folding hooded blade front and folding adjustable ladder rear (graduated from 0 to 35 Mils) sights, chevron shaped two chamber muzzle brake on the “03/91” dated 29 inch
straight fluted heavy barrel, ventilated steel receiver with a mid-90s military adjusted Picatinny rail running across the top with a two-piece welded base, Barrett Firearms Mfg. Inc. and “U.S.” markings on the left side of the magazine
well, folding metal bipod, carry handle eyelet, simple sheet-metal butt frame, and solid rubber recoil pad. Matching “0931” serial number electro-stenciled on top of the bolt carrier. Fitted with a “Stowaway 2” pistol grip. Topped
off with a Nightforce NX5 5.5-22x56 mm scope. Includes an autograph from Ronnie Barrett, president and founder of the company, signed “To Russ”, a copy of Chandler’s “Death from Afar, Vol. 1” with “Russ,/It’s great to know/and
together share a part/of history with 931” and Ronnie Barrett’s signature on the inside of the cover, a Nightforce box, a black padded hard case, an extra magazine, detached carry handle, and a pair of black rubber lens covers.
CONDITION: Excellent as a former U.S. Marine Corps issued M82A1 sniper rifle, retaining 90% plus original black and matte gray phosphate finishes, showing minor edge wear, some light scrapes, dust residue in protected areas,
carbon residue visible in the muzzle brake, and minor scuffs on the recoil pad and pistol grip. Mechanically excellent. The Scope is excellent with clear optics. The case is fine.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
Listed by serial number in
Death From Afar, Volume I by Chandler