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I am new here with a 98B question

NAVY_RET_SUBS

Private
Minuteman
Jun 1, 2025
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0
CA
As the headline states, I am a new member to this website and a very infrequent reader of blogs, posts and the like. I am a retired Navy MMC/ss and am very enthusiastic about our rights and our sport. In 2012 I selected a brand new Barrett 98B in .338 Lapua with the fluted barrel. Due to life's wonderful turn of events I have not been able to get to the range. I recently went on to Barrett's web page and learned that they had a recall on the 98B for a certain serial number range, in which my rifle is not affected. I then read further that Barrett's site has little to no support for it but they do have recall info. Everything else is all about the MRAD. That is about it. I also went on to a popular website where you can list whatever firearms you like and did a search for 'Barrett 98B'. There was only one listing. One guy had his listed and had a bunch of different accessories that would come with it; bipod, scope, magazines, etc.

My question, on reflecting back to the recall and the simple lack of availability of the 98B, am I sitting on an excellent piece of machine work or am I sitting on a twelve-pound paper-weight?? This is NOT an offer for sale. This is just a question of do I hold on to it or should I just float test it? It is bone stock with the standard Barrett issue, case, magazines, etcetera. Any insight would greatly be appreciated.

USN, Retired!
 
I had one for a while and sold it. It shot great and I made a couple podium finishes in ELR matches. I added quite a bit of weight to it as well as a TBAC suppressor.
It was honestly more gun than I need and not exactly tame to shoot.
PM me if you have any specific questions or are looking for load data, I'm sure i could dig thru my notes and find something.
 
You’re definitely not sitting on a paperweight. The 98B is still a well-made, accurate, and desirable precision rifle, even if Barrett shifted focus to the MRAD. Its limited production actually helps its value I would think, especially in .338 Lapua. Unless you really need to sell, it’s worth holding on to…. it’s a quality platform and will keep collector and shooter interest if I’m not mistaken.
 
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