Barrett Model 98B

Barrett engineers began designing the Model 98B in 1997,[1] with a goal of developing a precision tactical .338 Lapua rifle not based on any sporting rifles. The initial semi-auto design, the Model 98 was unveiled at the 1998 SHOT Show, but never went into full production. In past years, Ronnie Barrett's son, Chris, revived the company's interest in the .338 rifle.[1]

Many of the Model 98B's features are inspired by Stoner's AR-15/M16; the hinged aluminum upper and lower receivers, ergonomic pistol grip and thumb operated safety are all borrowed from Stoner's design. The upper receiver also features a full-length (18.125 inches (460.4 mm)) 1913 style Picatinny rail for mounting optics, lasers, etc.,[2] and two additional accessory rails are mounted forward of the main rail on each side of the upper.[1]

The Model 98B also features a fluted medium-heavy 27-inch (690 mm) barrel made of 4150 MIL-B-11595 steel. The barrel is rifled in a six groove, 1:10" right hand twist pattern,[1] and features a two-port muzzle brake threaded on and indexed by a jam nut. The bolt rides in a new "bolt guide" design, consisting of two tubular glass-filled polymer guides which have been infused with Teflon.[2][1] These guides allow the bolt to travel better, as well as reducing the need for lubrication, and helping to seal the ejection and bolt handle ports from dirt. The bolt head is made of case-hardened 8620 steel, features nine lugs (three sets of three), and is attached to the bolt body with a crosspin.[1] This separate bolt head design allows for simple caliber changes, as well as future pre-headspaced barrel and bolt-head sets.[1]

The lower receiver is forged from 7075 aluminum,[2] can mount any type of AR-15/M-16 pistol grip, and features an ambidextrous magazine latch just forward of the integral trigger guard. Also featured within the lower receiver is the rifle's trigger assembly. The trigger assembly can be removed from the receiver as a single unit, and features adjustment screws for weight (2 to 4 lbs.) and overtravel, as well as a reversible AR-15/M-16 style thumb safety.[1]

The skeletonized buttstock is also integral to the lower receiver, and features a thick Sorbothane buttpad with spacers for pull adjustment, a polymer cheekpiece with 0.75 inches (19 mm) of variable comb height, and an adjustable monopod.[2][1] The rifle also comes from the factory with a Harris brand S-BR bipod attached to the fore-end.

The Model 98B was featured both on the cover, and in an article, of the April 2009 issue of American Rifleman magazine.[1]

Barrett's offering for USSOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle Contract, the MRAD is derived from the Model 98B; changes include cutting back the fixed stock and integrating a folding adjustable stock, a Desert Tan finish color, a front loading quick change barrel for caliber change although at this point the only offered barrel and caliber is a 24.5-inch fluted barrel with a 1 turn in 10 right hand twist chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum.[5][6][7]

On September 9, 2009, Barrett released a recall notice regarding the Model 98B. They determined that if the rifle is dropped or subjected to a significant impact, it could accidentally discharge. A modification to the lower receiver is required to ensure user safety.[8]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Barrett M98B.

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• Barrett Model 98B operator's manual
• Poole, Eric, Barrett Model 98B .338 Lapua mag, Special Weapons for Military & Police
• Video Statistics and Shooting of the Model 98B from AmericanRifleman.org