...not at this rate anyway. Another 5-year, $50 million military contract. Sigh...

https://www.shootingwire.com/releases/f206e3b3-2b1f-4290-b19b-90f7c570eefb

Barrett Awarded United States Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle Contract


Murfreesboro, TN: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a five-year $49.9 million contract under the United States Army Precision Sniper Rifle program with its MRAD® (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) MK22TM MOD 0 rifle, paired with a Leupold & Stevens Mark 5 HD scope and sniper-accessory kit. The MK22TM will replace several current fielded Army sniper rifles.

Designed with precision and modularity in mind, the MK22TM provides even greater flexibility within the highly successful MRAD® rifle platform. This multi-caliber bolt action sniper rifle is capable of converting between 7.62x51mm, .300 Norma Magnum (NM) and .338 Norma Magnum (NM) calibers, based on the mission.

The Army said in its budget request that the MRAD® MK22TM rifle platform "increases stand-off distances ensuring overmatch against enemy counter sniper engagements and increases sniper capability."

“We are honored to have been awarded the Army’s Precision Sniper Rifle Program in addition to SOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle contract. The MK22TM is an extremely capable rifle system that meets the demanding requirements of our military branches.” said Joel Miller, Barrett's director of global military sales.

I’m glad I already have one. My late wife chose to buy one for me as my 50th birthday gift.

I’ve been waiting to see if they would start producing them again. It looks like I’ll start looking at Proof Research Elevation.

Well they're busy making rifles for the military to use on us

Glad I was able to get a couple FC's when I did. I was just showing a coworker my FC 270 1:9 barely 5 minutes ago and he is still kicking himself for not getting one when I told him he needed to.

Yep, I'm kicking myself for not getting one too. I would have but no one had the chambering I wanted in stock.

So, I wonder who will jump in and fill the void?

The Proof Research elevation and Seekins Precision Havak are both similarly priced rifles that maybe have a slightly more “tactical” look depending on the stock choice but will fill a similar niche IMO as do some of the Kimber’s if going for a more stock factory rifle.

They should sell the rights to Remington to produce haaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!

Mike

Don't miss mine at all. It never fit me right , it sure was well made. t

I had my heart set on one and really wanted to buy one. I came into some extra money last year and found a 6.5 Creedmoor one at the local SW. man, that thing did not fit me at all, oh well, I’m pretty sure another forum member bought it. I finally bought a Tikka T3X and couldn’t be happier and $900 more in the account as well.

Why wouldn't they contract someone else to make them and take a cut? As long as the QC stays in place, why not?

Ask Melvin how that worked out for him a coupla times....

Very nice, and I’m glad I pounced on one. Honestly, I like my Howa Alpine almost as much, and it was a third the price, has a floorplate, three-position safety, and was a third the price; had to say it twice.

If mine vanished, I’d look for another Alpine, or build a faux one. Might even try one of the light Tikkas. Wouldn’t spring for a Melvin at this point in life, though I think they’re absolutely worth the ticket price.

Kinda sad I didn’t buy a couple of the LW Howas Whittakers was selling, but info on them was sparse.

Tikka for the win!

I didn’t love the grip angle but it was a hell of the deal for the money before the price was inflated. Mine in 270 shot great. If you look at the base components and scaled action I don’t know how they made any money on them at 14-1500 bucks.

I can understand a 5 year contract but damn, how stupid is ignoring much $$$$$ in the sporting rifle market?

Not like they can't do both..

Maybe it's just that they don't have to do both.

Coffee napkin math says they made around 3k fieldcrafts in the short duration they were produced. If their profit was $250 a unit (WAG) ... I can understand why they would be focusing on the military contracts.

They are making nice stuff for the mil right now. I’m okay with Joe getting what he needs first.

I had two and could care less.

That’s the spirit Brad!! 😂😂

I’ll one up ya, I’ve never had one, and could even care less, less than you!! 😂😂

So you do care.😁

You have a smart coffee napkin!

This coffee napkin says when there is a high demand but no supply.... you know the rest.

They had no intents of bringing it back. Just BS and smokescreen the cusomers to satisfy them.

Could NOT care less?

Kimber Montana, Adirondack, Mountain Ascent all day long.

On Proof Research website the cheapest Elevation is $2999 and goes up to$3099, almost double what I paid for my FC. I have thought of a Proof Research so was wondering where they are priced like a FC. (Not what people are selling their used ones for.)

I’m waiting for the day when you get the opportunity to use your math and grammar-nazi powers at the same time. It’s coming; I just know it!

That's what the QC is for. Seems like turning down profit to me to drop it all together.

Caught a podcast the other.

The son Barrett was asked about the field craft.

He said it’s not dead. It was a great success, and folks keep asking about it. He said there’s no plans for it in 2021.

But it’s definitely not dead.

They want to concentrate on supplying the ones that keep us safe.

I’m sure they are nice rifles but this moth never felt the urge to that flame....

Melvin tried, but as soon as he took his boot off their necks, it fell apart. Better to expand if there’s sufficient demand, and I suspect they don’t see that.

I had one and it didn't really fit me either. I was impressed with how well it was built.

Never owned one, and now, probably never will. But there is no void in my heart. There will always be other rifles. My Kimber Montanas do very nicely once I go through the Montana check list.

+1

Bullets matter wayyyyyyy more than headstamps and Ronnie beat Melvin at his own game and by a landslide. RPM,throat geometry and COAL have never been done better,over the counter. Hint.

The Montucky 84M 2.815" COAL 'box is a huge concession and they botched RPM to boot. For folks who actually fhuqking shoot. Hint.

LAUGHING!..............

Are you still haunting this site Tiny brain? If I were as smart as you think you are, I would be a double genius. Be Well, RZ.

LarryO!!!! Glad to see your back from your “hitch” bacon throat!!! You speak of “Melvin” and “Ronnie “ as if you’ve earned the right to be on first name basis with them? Is that true?? 😂😂

Fortunately for Crying Karens everywhere,Imagination and Pretend are free,so they can "afford" to "contribute". Hint.

Pardon wares that exist. Hint.

LAUGHING!




Reminds me...there's a purty good stack of Mail to open,along ith a gun case that ain't exactly empty. Hint...................

Fieldcraft here , now tell me about bullets and headstamps bacon throat...



Rubble rubble.... haha

PS, for the normal white man, we get to open “parcels “ daily.. hint 😂😂

Nice bull Judman. Where's the 1990's moly bullet technology and super-poseur scope?

I really like the FC's. Stock fit is great (for me), the short action is about perfection, all stainless, excellent bedding, twisted right. I like the slightly heavier contour on the special runs and the 22" barrel length....I really couldn't spec a better "custom" than the 22" cerakoted special run 6.5's.

Haha thanks. If bacon throat actually had to “hunt” it would be a fuucking miracle.. 😂😂

While Mel certainly saw the future,Ronnie simply connected all requisite mechanical dots. The advent of a S/S receiver is huge,as were the (5) 8x40's base fasteners. Hint.

Ergo's are subjective and I personally don't know anyone who prefers the FC version,over the Montucky's handle. As metal goes,it's not even close and FC steals The Show,for connecting all dots. Hint.



Don't mind the moisture,it's just more Crying Karen Melting Snowflakes..."living" vicariously. That High-Pitched Nasal Whine,sure is soothin' though! Hint.

LAUGHING!..............

I bet if someone asked "Mel" or "Ronnie" how Larry is doing, they say "who the hell is Larry!?"

Just ask if they know bacon throat, or LarryO!!! Haha

Poor poor(literally) Crying Karen. Just how many times a day do you think about me,on the average? While perusing wares WELL beyond your "means"...you "lucky" kchunt?!? Hint. Congratulations?!?



Pardon wares that exist,while you gals "get" to Pretend and GoogleFu,with ALL of your very WELL founded Insecurities. Hint.

Do NOT "forget",that Imitation is THE most Sincere form of Flattery. HINT.

LAUGHING!..................

LarryO!!! I do miss ya when your on your “hitches”!! Dig how you know him as “Mel” now!! 😂😂

Seeing moly bullets tells you all you need to know about poseur Larry

Agree.
The build quality and bedding as well.

For the price - especially when they were on sale - there wasn’t anything (factory) comparable.

Are you really?

We need more pics.........





Of Gene Imgram business cards..........

And rifles in the crick.

LarryO!!! The kreedmire kid.... 😂😂

I wish I’d bought one in .30-06. They are made nearby.

What’s going to be interesting is the price once they hit the shelves again after folks paying ridiculous prices for them.

I’m sure it’s happened before somewhere along the line, but reintroduction and improvements usually don’t come to market at lower prices. Think gen 2 Alaskan ti, LAW professional II, etc. *IF* it ever happens, the devaluation of the dollar alone will necessitate a higher MSRP. I’d personally rate the chance of seeing them again as low; and the chance of seeing them for $1799 as even lower.

You can build a custom for a lot less than $1800..

I see several on gunbroker starting at $2499.99.

My 270 Fieldcraft is very accurate but I keep thinking of selling it because since I got my ULA all others get passed by when I head out to hunt..

True, but lets count it up to match what you get with the lightweight FC using build options:

1. Defiance anTi mediaum action: $995
2. AG Composites CAT stock: $549
3. Lightweight stainless barrel of your choice: $325
4. Smith work for barrel: $325
5. Full length bedding: $100
6. Mag box, follower, spring, bottom metal/trigger guard: ~$100

...that's about $2394 with no shipping costs or tax added in. I didn't add in little things like the np3 bolt coating, etc. Just the action, stock, and barrel without install are $1869.

Of course if you want to build off a 700 you can do it cheaper....but you're not using a 20 oz action + trueing, etc... You can build something for less than $1800 but it will be very hard to match what you get apples to apples with the FC.

I’d agree with those numbers. Heck I think you worked a little cheap on labor. But yeah, generally your numbers are right on.

Just like building a bolt gun that matches a Kimber. Pretty danged tough.

A barrett action is equal to a defiance? Interesting...

That's not what he said but you know that...

You cannot compare apples to oranges in a price debate....

A barrett action is not a defiance. Poor example to lead with.

And the fundamental thing people forget when comparing a factory to a custom... with a custom you get exactly what YOU want. The stock you want, color, barrel contour, twist, length, weight.

That's not saying a barrett isn't nice, but you're lying if you think its apples to apples with a custom. I have a buddy that keeps dropping $2000-$3000 on semi custom package guns that are just ok. Everytime he complains I tell him to just have one built for less...

$1800 barrett + tax+ transfer+shipping = well over $2k. If that's worth it to you, then rock on.

The street price for the savy was more like $1400-$1500, and if you happened to get in on the Whitaker sale; significantly less than that.
I’m not sure how much a FC action gives up to an anTi. ... some, but it isn’t a Remington to Defiance comparison at all. The build and machining on the FC is damn good.

Ok....what 20 oz stainless short action with a 3" mag box would you prefer to use? TI action is fine as well as long as it has a 3" mag box.

I currently use multiple barretts and have owned several more. I own multiple defiance actions. In a short action lightweight rifle I prefer the barrett action to the defiance.

Build a 20 oz stainless short action with 3" mag box rifle with new parts that weights the same as a FC. List your parts and prices.

You can ... just not one that comes in at 5 pounds.

Edit - see JCs post above.

Exactly. I’d love to know the secret to a sub 5 pound custom for less than $1800. I’d build it tomorrow, since Barrett never came thru with the LH FC.

I just recently bought a really nice 2nd hand custom 6.5 CM on a 700 action and it was cheaper than some of the 2nd hand FC I’ve seen sell for lately. Mine also came with 2 (1 13.5 and 1 12.5 LOP) McMillan Edge stocks as well. To each their own though.

Sounds like a good buy Foreman.
In light of the current discussion, what does it weigh?

The other side of that coin is that a FC is going to retain value. A lower cost custom built by a non name builder on a Rem action even if blueprinted and with some nice parts isn’t going to command the the resale value to you or your heirs that a known higher end manufacturer or semi custom manufacture like a Cooper ect will.

He only mentioned a 945 dollar Defiance action. To get a 700 action to remotely compare to a field craft action would cost north of 1k easily and it would still weigh more. His estimate on full length bedding was way short as well at 100 dollars , t the one I owned looked like a 250-300 dollar bedding job it was that precise.

You don't know how to bed your own rifle? 🙄

What is your non poor comparison of receivers? What compares to the action on a fieldcraft? Apples to apples.

The goalposts keep moving.

You're missing my point. The barrett is probably a sweet gun and I'd like one.

My point is, when factory rifle prices are fetching the same as a custom, why not build? And not to mention the Fieldcraft has been discontinued regardless.

I was conservative on my gun smith costs.

The total does need to be updated to include a timney trigger..... so add another $125+/- to the custom total.

I just finished up a build and it's fresh on my mind.... so I'm not joking when I say you REALLY need to consider shipping costs.

Fieldcraft is a single shipping cost.

Custom can be several hundred spent on shipping all the different parts and pieces. Action to your FFL, then on to your smith then back again. If plan it strategically you can limit some of the triple shipping but it adds up...... fast.....

6 lbs 1 oz.

All work was done by LRI and Southern Precision Rifles
Remington 700 trued and bolt fluted
Bartlein 8 twist barrel, custom contour, measures .600 at muzzle, 23"
BDL bottom metal
Timney Calvin Elite trigger
2 bedded McMillan Classic Edge stocks
Tungsten Cerakote

If heeding 2.815" confines and talking Lightweight,it's no thang to rebarrel a Montucky and cut to the fhuqking chase. Hint.

I'd certainly not want 264 Kreedmire COAL "latitude" that trite,no matter the price. Hint.

Nor a 243Win or 243 Kreedmire. Hint.

Oooooopsie!

Laughing!.................

Thanks ya broke digk Duncle fugker

LarryO!!! Aka bacon throat, you gonna shoot anything but your imagination and pretend??? Haha 😂😂😂😂

Does this expanded military contract mean that H1000 and retumbo are going to be tough to find for another 5 years? I believe they spec'd those 2 powders specifically for the 300 and 338 ammo.

Bb

I see H1000 in stock online occasionally and actually bought 5 pounds 2 weeks ago. Retumbo on the other hand is rare to find online.

Fortunately,Imagination and Pretend are free,so Melting Snowflake Crying Karens can "afford" to "contribute"...the "lucky" kchunts. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Oooooopsie!

700 box,compared to Robbie's. Hint.




Laughing!...................

In my opinion two "factory" rifles have made custom rifles a luxury instead of a need (for reasons that Larry and Jay pointed out; magazine length, twist rates, stock, high QC, triggers, fasteners, bedding, accuracy, etc.)

Light weight rifle - Barrett Fieldcraft

Sporter weight rifle - Seekins Havok

I've had many friends that aren't into rifles shoot one of my rigs and ask how to go about getting a custom. I always point them in the direction of Barrett or Seekins depending on their needs.

Mechanics just "happen" to "matter". Hint.(grin)





I've seen a critique by me,very much align the purchase of many others...if only to the perpetual chagrin of Crying Karens the world over. Which never ain't not fhuqking HILARIOUS! Hint.

Laughing!...............

LarryO!!! Hog neck, how’s the stock ergonomics for ya?? 😂😂

Right now a really interesting sporter and lightweight pair would be the Seekins Havak PH2 and the Seekins Havak Element, both in 6.5 PRC. Seekins put a little thought to it with an extended detachable mag for the PRC with a 3.14" length.

I'd like to play with one of the Element rifles. Neat concept with the aluminum action. It's light, I do think the stock will be a little bulkier than I prefer on a lightweight when carrying it in my hand.....I'd like to prove myself wrong though.

I lust after an Element...

I've long liked Glen and he gets alotta schit REALLY right,mainly because he fhuqking actually shoots. Quite the novel approach,given most of the Industry! Hint.(grin)

The 264 PRICK don't do much for me and I'd personally be slow to creep away from AICS footprint mags and DBM inlets. I'd happily go to lesser case length,to eek more boolit and binderless AICS DBM's for me,there. The .284" Hornie 190gr Beer Can steals alotta "thunder",not that a 284-264 PRICK wouldn't do nice thangs at 3.140" COAL latitude,with same(understatement). Tough to forget all of that great brass in S/A .473" boltface though. Hint.

Which reminds me,I've a new 7mm laying in wait to be assembled,if only to multiple Crying Karen chagrins. Hint.

Laughing!................

Jay and Greg, agree, got to have an Element.

And I'm the gay Creedmor dude from Bama so the AICS mag for me.

prodigious twig, think I saw your youtube videos. Your long range footage, very concise and pretty good. Maybe use VLC and "merge" them, or just make longer ones.

There’s multiple prototype Fieldcrafts for auction right now on gunbroker . 6.5 Grendel , 5.56 , and a 308(not sure the difference on this one from standard production)

Saw that.
Grendel - https://www.gunbroker.com/item/898075795

5.56 - https://www.gunbroker.com/item/898074054

Interesting. I guess those are the mini actions?? The SN’s are within the standard FC serial number range, so not sure. think I’ll stick with the FC 22-250 and 6.5 CM.

16" barrels- wow.

I purchased an old stock Forbes 280AI from Outpost, they were fine to deal with. Interesting they are lower serial numbers!

Yeah, everybody remembers the fire sale prices of $1200-$1300.........but not the original street price of $1700-$1800.

Given the last few years and future inflation, the street price of future Fieldcraft production will probably be well north of $2000 without any untoward markup by Barrett, and then everybody will scream "It's a nice rifle but not worth that much!" Barrett is probably taking that into consideration..........

Kinda looks that way.
The grendel has a sticker on it indicating fall of 2018.
Pretty neat little rig.

Does the Barrett Family have some sort of ownership stake in Outpost Armory in Murfreesboro?

I think they do but don't know for certain.

I reached out to Barrett yesterday through the “Contact us” form on their website. Guess that pretty much settles it.