Weapons of Choice: Barrett M82

M82

The M82 designated by the US military as M107 is a recoil-operated, semi-automatic sniper rifle produced by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Company in the United States. It has a heavy-duty SASR (Special Application Scope) and is considered a light fifty despite its .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) chambering. It is produced in two models, the original M82A1 and M82A3 as well as a “bullpup” model M82A2 that is no longer manufactured. It is an anti-material as well as long-range anti-personnel weapon, able to rip through vehicles like butter.

Weapons of Choice: Remington M24E1

The Remington M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) was originally produced in the 7.62mm (.308-caliber), but in 2010, it was upgraded to .300 Winchester Magnum ammunition for precise engagement and improved capabilities and range. The initial upgraded rifles, 3,600, were produced and classified as M24E1 with a five-year contract. The effective range increased from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, important in operations in Afghanistan for long-range sniper activities, especially for the 10^th Mountain Division. Civilian hunters have used that caliber for big game hunting and required long-range shooting of the American western states.

Weapons of Choice: Caliber Myths and Safe Defense Information

There is a lot of talk about calibers and ballistics and much has to do with personal preference and myth. Smart preppers choose calibers that will give them a reasonable amount of range and dual purpose: hunting and defense. Some rely upon Hollywood action films who have been partly to blame for much of the myths that is circulating. Still others make their choice, especially in pistol calibers, “stopping power”.