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Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

S

skr

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 24, 2011
9
4
CA
I've been impressed by the design and though put into the Barrett MRAD system. Despite it's price it seems to have a lot going for it.

There's just one problem, I can't seem to find any information about the rifle in any other configuration than .338LM right now. Perhaps this is about to be announced during the SHOT show, but if not, would it be possible to find a gunsmith that could produce a barrel and a bolt suitable for the MRAD in another caliber? Are there any technical issues or restrictions put in place by Barrett that makes that impossible? Even if it is announced this month they seemed to be limited to just three calibers.

For a couple of different reasons I'd like to get just one really good rifle to get familiar with and one good scope to put on it. Perhaps for example in 308 to begin with. Then as my long range shooting improves or once the wallet has had a rest I could try my hand at .338LM or one of the other cheaper long range calibers out there. Alternatively I might go with an AX chassi, but I'd rather have a well known complete system to ensure good resale value.

Thoughts?
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

At this point an AI or SRS would be a better choice, in my opinion.

Edited to clarify, the reason I say this is while the MRAD appears to be one of the best rifles Barrett has so far produced, its price point is roughly the same as the SRS or an AI AIX, yet with its modular features there still does not appear to be any availability of different barrels/bolts/mags. An AI AX can be had in a variety of configurations and there is some flexibility with different cartridges. I would say the only advantage the SRS has over the AI in that area is a currently a wider availability of different cartridges and ease of switching.

However, you may want to wait and see what Barrett has at SHOT before deciding.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Thanks for the answer, all good points.

The AX certainly looks like a great rifle. The reason I was leaning towards the MRAD was due to the higher price of the AX ($1500-2000 more on gunbroker.com for an AX308 vs MRAD 338LM last I looked). I get the feeling that the general consensus is that the AX is a more accurate rifle, haven't been able to convince myself it is worth the extra investment though. It also seems to be a bit more involved to change caliber if these pictures are anything to go by: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150388490667953.411204.368638077952&type=3
Maybe that contributes to the accuracy, but I don't have access to anywhere I could do that kind of work myself right now.

I will wait until after SHOT and see what happens, but it would still be interesting to know if anyone but Barrett is planning to produce caliber conversion kits. A bit of competition might bring the prices down.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Just remember, the AX is only as good as the glass and rings you sit on top of it. If buying the AX will cut into your budget too much, consider an AW or MRAD with some top quality glass instead of the pricey AX.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

They're coming.

I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin......
grin.gif



As for anything being more accurate than an MRAD, good luck with that!

Not a complete array, but a few pieces I just happen to have on my desk at the moment:

MultiCal2.jpg


MultiCal3.jpg


 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

That is awesome. I was wondering when the caliber conversions for the mrad were gonna hit the market
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

No dog in this hunt, but it is always worth noting that seeing product at SHOT Show and actually getting that product in hand are usually two very different things.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

I thought the day would never come! What about any .260 conversions? Or just the Military Calibers?
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

That is fantastic news! Thanks for posting those pics greentimber. Looking forward even more to the announcements at SHOT now.

I assume you are not at liberty to disclose prices of those kits? Would also love to hear some impressions when you've tried any of them out at the range.

Thanks again!
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Why not announce that the conversion kits are available? That would just hype up sales for the general public to know that they are available. I think people lost interest when they heard the MRAD was out but only in 338LM. While it might be nice, not everyone can afford to shoot 5 dollar bills after spending 6 k on a rifle and 3k in optics....
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

No firm dates or prices are set yet. Rest assured, they're coming and we're working to make sure they are RIGHT when they get here. That may mean soon or it may mean a little later.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

I prefer quality over quantity most of the time. I have no trouble waiting until it is RIGHT. Sure will be interesting to see what the COAL for the mags will be?
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

I don't think they have any clue now when its going to come out. They are rapidly approaching a year past when 300wm or 308 was supposed to come out.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

My prediction -- They won't come out until the installed base of MRADs insures they will be profitable.

That will be a while.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Well on the other side of the coin.. why would pay extra for a gun that can do something but i cant because they will not sell the parts.. There at lest needs to be a price out there so people can know how much a caliber change is going to cost them so they can weigh the other options in the market place..

I am just saying i see the sales of the rifle going up if there is more info out there.. thus making it more profitable.. BUT i would rather have no info than wrong info..
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

New to Long Range Shooting and just purchased a Barrett MRAD 338 the first of July #118. Plan to start shooting next week, after getting a scope and other necessary equipment. Hornaday Match BTHP available for $3.77 a round from Cheaper Than Dirt. I want the 308 conversion, but realize that may be a year or two. In the meantime have purchased a Savage Axis 308 for extra practice due to limited MRAD shooting due to cost. Barrett makes quality products and the other conversions will be available when they are right. I can learn a lot in meantime as I have on this Forum the last several months-from optics choices to data books. Thanks for all your input from Snipers Hide and good shooting. I'll eventually post some pictures, when I learn how.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Have you looked into the DTA SRS? You have your standard calibers and designer calibers readily available in a compact, extremely accurate, switch caliber package at a lesser price than both the Barrett MRAD or the AI AX.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Barrett has nothing to learn about caliber conversions. That's not what is holding up their introduction.

I believe it is the volume of sales of the MRAD, which has made the potential to sell conversions look less than attractive. They are simply waiting for enough MRADS to sell before they bother with conversions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sib1948</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Barrett makes quality products and the other conversions will be available when they are right. I can learn a lot in meantime as I have on this Forum the last several months-from optics choices to data books. Thanks for all your input from Snipers Hide and good shooting. I'll eventually post some pictures, when I learn how. </div></div>
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jAXDIALATION</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Barrett has nothing to learn about caliber conversions. That's not what is holding up their introduction.

I believe it is the volume of sales of the MRAD, which has made the potential to sell conversions look less than attractive. They are simply waiting for enough MRADS to sell before they bother with conversions.

</div></div>

That may be their thinking, but I believe they would sell many more in calibers other than 338 Lapua. Smaller calibers = less recoil, lower cost, etc.

-s
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jAXDIALATION</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Barrett has nothing to learn about caliber conversions. That's not what is holding up their introduction.

I believe it is the volume of sales of the MRAD, which has made the potential to sell conversions look less than attractive. They are simply waiting for enough MRADS to sell before they bother with conversions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sib1948</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Barrett makes quality products and the other conversions will be available when they are right. I can learn a lot in meantime as I have on this Forum the last several months-from optics choices to data books. Thanks for all your input from Snipers Hide and good shooting. I'll eventually post some pictures, when I learn how. </div></div> </div></div>

They should have probably released it in .308 and sold up. There may never be the demand if they are not careful.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Any word yet if they will be offered in the other calibers as an initial purchase? I've been thinking it would be great to buy it in 300 WM, then get a 308 or 260 conversion down the road. I just dont' have the room around here to stretch the legs on a 338. CKruse
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

As usual, it's a waiting game. Announce new caliber conversions at SHOT, then wait a few years.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

I can't argue with that. In fact I agree. Where we may disagree is with the MRAD promise itself. It isn't happening IMO. And a major reason is the low user base for the MRAD. If there was major money to be made, trust me, someone would fill the void.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That may be their thinking, but I believe they would sell many more in calibers other than 338 Lapua. Smaller calibers = less recoil, lower cost, etc.

-s </div></div>
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Time will tell. We MRAD owner's at least have a little hope after viewing the posted pictures.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sib1948</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Time will tell. We MRAD owner's at least have a little hope after viewing the posted pictures. </div></div>

Ya...those pictures mean nothing when they Barrett posted that poll awhile back asking about "which barrel kit would you want to see next" and it included the above 300wm and 308.
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

Since I just picked an MRAD up today to augment my collection, I'll bump this. Any updates on the conversions? I'd love to get a 308!!
 
Re: Barrett MRAD - non 338LM barrels and bolts?

They may show something at SHOT soon, but don't expect anything within a year of showing it off on the exhibit floor. That's usually how it goes....
 
Spoke to a CS lady at Barret yesterday. She assured me the .308 was coming out in November and the 300WM would soon follow.........
 
Based on the history of this issue, I'll believe it when I see it.
 
idaho1 said:
Spoke to a CS lady at Barret yesterday. She assured me the .308 was coming out in November and the 300WM would soon follow.........
Click to expand...

I shit you not...they've been saying that for like the past 2 years easy. Always 308 is right around the corner and the 300wm will follow very closely.

:/
 
Sure would make the decision to pull the trigger on a MRAD easier knowing they have their act together and have a complete system available. I wonder at what point does it become deceptive marketing and those that purchased one have a legal bone to pick with Barrett? We'll have to wait and see what the new year brings.
 
well we are knocking on the door of November! we will see if anything comes.. Personally i would rather buy it in 300WM and then step up to the .338..

But i will make it a point to harass them about it when i am a SHOT show this year!
 
I'd like to get my hands on the 308 bolt and mags, I'm sure any competent smith could contour a barrel in your 308 parent case of choice. IMO if the folks at BARRETT were paying attention they would make this a priority because it opens the door for 308, 6.5CM, .260, etc etc

The PSR contract went to Remington, sucks for you, I get that...but you can still sell these things to the recreational/competitive crowd if you give guys the ability to run a 308 bolt face and the child calibers it has spawned over the years
 
Hate to say it...but I think you guys are dreaming at this point. Its been over 3 years since the MRAD came out, and they've shown pictures of the 308/300 kits as far back as 2 years ago.
 
Bugholes is building me a 338NM - Stiller action, AMU barrel, w/ brake, 40MoA base, coated, and 'smithed. Add in a XLR chassis and trigger, and I'm at $3300.
 
I'll add this - I've had two different 308's... a Rem 700 bolt gun and a DPMS LR308 semi. Both shot well under 1 MoA. Once I got my handloads tweaked, half MoA. Both cost less than $1200 each w/o glass.

I can't see spending the big bux for a Big Name .308. Its money flushed, far as I'm concerned.
 
greentimber said:
No firm dates or prices are set yet. Rest assured, they're coming and we're working to make sure they are RIGHT when they get here. That may mean soon or it may mean a little later.
Click to expand...

Dear Mr Greentimber

I am one of those who invested in a MRAD. In part I considered my opinion of Ronnie Barrett's character, and I thought he would never leave us high and dry. At this point I am near to having to reconsider my opinion. I recommend to you that if you are or if you have any communication with management at Barrett that you advise them that the time for vague promises is passed. Today is the time for firm concrete accurate reliable honest information.

Even if that information is that you have decided to fuck over your customers and abandon the MRAD then at least we could sell the damm thing and move on. As it sits every day with no alternative calibers is another grain of salt in the wound.

Now if Ronnie wants to heal that wound completely he might consider offering discounts and priority shipping to those who have already invested in a MRAD.
 
Can't say I really care anymore. I ended up moving on and purchased a GAP. The posts regarding past promises of availability made me realize the problem isn't going to be corrected soon if ever. Shot the GAP this weekend and I made the right choice.
 
diverdon said:
Dear Mr Greentimber
Click to expand...

I left Barrett almost two years ago. You should contact Ronnie and tell him what you said here. At this point, I'm an MRAD owner waiting like everyone else. My MRAD kicks ass like the day I bought it, though. I'd like them to hurry up with the conversions, but won't get rid of my rifle in the meantime.
 
I just seen in a rifle mag (at CVS) two more conversions(one is a 300 WinMag) is suppose to be coming out in Jan 2014. I guess we will see.
 
Last edited:
Whit said:
I just seen in a rifle mag (at CVS) two more conversions(one is a 300 WinMag) is suppose to be coming out in Jan 2014. I guess we will see.
Click to expand...

They've been saying that for years. "Just wait til SHOT 2011....2012....2013....2014...."
 
oh, I didn't know. I was never interested in it enough to check it out.
 
well I thing the FN Ballista is coming out soon. may be what the MRAD should have been.. may not lol there is always the AI that is avalabal now I am pretty sure for 17k for the whole set up .. lol
 
AI should be showing off their AT modular model soon.
 
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