Page 345 - 88-BOOK1

LOT 414
Extremely Rare Documented Gulf War U.S.
Barrett M82A1 Semi-Automatic .50 BMG
Sniper Rifle, One of the First 100 Rifles Delivered
to the U.S. Marine Corps for Use in Operation Desert Storm - Serial no. 0969, 50 BMG cal., 29 inch fluted round bbl., parkerized
finish, metal stock. Developed in the early 1980s, the M82 series of weapons has been adopted by a number of military forces, where
its long range striking power makes it useful for disabling vehicles, detonating enemy ordnance, and sniping at ranges well beyond
a conventional rifle. This impressive weapon has the standard Barrett Manufacturing Inc. markings on the left side of the magazine well, with the
addition of “U.S.” directly below the patent marking. Fitted with a “SLAP” marked fluted barrel with Barrett chevron muzzle brake, ventilated steel chassis, folding hooded blade front sight, carry handle, scope base, flip up rear peep sight, AR style fire controls and checkered grip, and solid rubber recoil pad. This rifle is listed on page 23 in Norman Chandler’s “Death from Afar, Vol. 1” as one of the first 100 Barrett M82A1A sniper rifles delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield, which was the buildup of troops and defense. Operation Desert Storm was the combat phase. The original SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) barrel is dated “2/91”. Reportedly, the first 100 Barrett’s were sent straight from the factory to Saudi Arabia to be distributed
to combat elements, with this one likely being in-theater for the main thrust. The scope rail is a mid-90s military adjustment, noted with a two-piece welded base and a one piece top picatinny rail. The rail is topped with a Leupold Ultra 16X-M1A scope. Includes a Pelican hard case, cleaning kit, three extra magazines, black nylon sling, breech gauge, and ten
round of Barrett M33 ball ammunition. Today only about 35 of
these scarce and collectible rifles are known to be in private collections, as the rest were given to foreign allies, police departments, museums or the shredder.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% original parkerized finish with a smooth grey patina on the balance, handling marks, a couple small spots of minor surface oxidation. Mechanically excellent. Scope is excellent with clear optics and a crisp reticle. These seldom seen Barretts are missing from even the most advanced sniper rifle collections, do not squander your opportunity to fill that gap.
Estimate: 22,500 - 37,500
SERIAL NUMBER LISTED IN THE BOOK DEATH FROM AFAR BY CHANDLER
343