Last updated on July 8th, 2025
The Barrett MRAD is a bolt action rifle system designed from the ground up for long range work. Built with flexibility and durability in mind, it’s a rifle made for the field. While it was developed to meet military demands, the civilian market can purchase it too. This makes it one of the few rifles on the market that gives you access to the same system used by military units around the world.
The MRAD’s Design
After a bit of research I found that MRAD stands for ‘Multi-Role Adaptive Design’. Its made from a mix of steel and tough polymer. It has a folding stock that swings to the side, helping with storage and transport. When folded, the stock locks around the bolt handle side so everything stays secure. You can adjust the cheek rest and the length of pull to suit your needs. These adjustments help you line up your scope properly and make the rifle more comfortable to shoot.
The trigger unit is removable without tools, which makes cleaning and maintenance easy. It also means you can change the trigger pull weight depending on how you like it between 1.5 to 4 pounds. The rifle comes with 10 round magazines as standard.
Multi-Calibre Capability
The standout features of the MRAD for me is that it can be switched between different calibres. This means you can change the barrel and bolt face to shoot different types of ammunition, from .308 to .338 Lapua Magnum. You don’t need to be a gunsmith to do it. The barrel change system uses just two screws, and it only takes a couple of minutes. Something I wish I could do with my Sako TRG.
This flexibility lets you train with cheaper or lower recoil rounds, then switch to larger calibres when you need more range or power. It saves money and space. Instead of buying several rifles for different jobs, you can buy one MRAD and change it to suit the task.
The rifle is accurate. It will produces tight groups, which means you can trust where the bullet will go if your fundamentals are on point. Doing some research, you could expect half MOA accuracy or better, which is more than enough for long range target shooting or precision competitions. It’s capable of reaching out past one and a half kilometres in the right calibre.
In The Field
The MRAD is heavy. Most setups weigh between 6.5 and 7 kilos without a scope. Add a large scope, a bipod, and other accessories, and the total weight can go over 9 kilos. That’s not a problem if you shoot from a bench or a static prone position. But it’s not something you want to carry on a long hike or use for hunting in the mountains.
That said, the weight works in your favour when firing from the bench or a static position. It absorbs recoil and keeps the rifle stable. Combined with a good muzzle brake, the recoil will feel more like a strong push than a kick. The bolt on these are smooth, making follow up shots quicker than you might expect for such a large rifle.
Controls are easy to reach and use. The safety and magazine release work for both left and right-handed shooters. The pistol grip is similar to the kind used on an AR-style rifle and can be swapped out if you want a different shape. The whole rifle is designed to be ergonomic, adaptable, and easy to run once you’re familiar with it.
Military Adoption
The MRAD has been chosen by a number of military and law enforcement units. In the United States, it’s been adopted as the Mk 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle by special forces and the Army. Other countries that use the MRAD include Norway, Israel, New Zealand, and South Korea, among others. There’s no doubt these groups use it because of its performance, flexibility, and durability.
For civilians like me, this military use adds a little credibility. When a rifle is selected by a bunch of defence forces after testing and evaluation, it’s a sign that it performs well under pressure. It also boosts interest in the civi market. People want gear that works, and many folks are drawn to something that’s trusted by professionals.
The MRAD is not a cheap setup by any means. The base rifle alone is a substantial investment, and full setups with scope and accessories can easily exceed budget expectations. But for shooters who want one of the most advanced bolt action rifles available, the price reflects the quality.
Summing Up
In short, the Barrett MRAD is a long range tool for serious shooters. It’s built for precision work, it adapts to multiple calibres, and it’s trusted by some of the most demanding users in the world. For civi shooters who are looking for a long range platform that offers professional level performance, the MRAD is worth a look.
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