Barrett Model 98B

Lore & Background

Barrett engineers began designing the Model 98B in 1997, with a goal of developing a precision tactical .338 Lapua rifle not based on any sporting rifles. An 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. 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 in) 1913 style Picatinny rail for mounting optics, lasers, etc., and two additional accessory rails are mounted forward of the main rail on each side of the upper.

The Model 98B also features a fluted medium-heavy 27 in barrel made of 4150 MIL-B-11595 steel. The barrel is rifled in a six groove, 1:10" right hand twist pattern, 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. 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. This separate bolt head design allows for simple caliber changes, as well as future pre-headspaced barrel and bolt-head sets.

The lower receiver is forged from 7075 aluminum, 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. 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 in of variable comb height, and an adjustable monopod. The rifle also comes from the factory with a Harris brand S-BR bipod attached to the fore-end.

Reader's Guide

The Barrett Model 98B represents a significant entry in the precision tactical rifle market, being a dedicated .338 Lapua Magnum design not derived from sporting rifles. Its development, beginning in 1997, reflects a long-term commitment to this caliber by Barrett, with the project revived by Chris Barrett. The rifle's design borrows heavily from the AR-15/M16 platform, incorporating a hinged aluminum receiver, ergonomic pistol grip, and thumb safety, which likely eased adoption for users familiar with that system. The bolt guide system, using Teflon-infused polymer guides, aimed to improve reliability and reduce maintenance. The separate bolt head design facilitated caliber changes and future barrel swaps. The Model 98B was featured on the cover and in an article of the April 2009 issue of American Rifleman magazine. A safety recall was issued on September 9, 2009, after it was determined that if the rifle is dropped or subjected to a significant impact, it could accidentally discharge, requiring a modification to the lower receiver. Barrett's offering for USSOCOM's Precision Sniper Rifle contract, the MRAD, is derived from the Model 98B, incorporating a folding adjustable stock, Desert Tan finish, and a front loading quick change barrel. As of 2011, the only barrel and caliber offered for the MRAD was a 24.5 in fluted barrel chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum.

Did You Know?

• The Model 98B was officially announced in October 2008 and became available in early 2009.
• The bolt head features nine lugs arranged in three sets of three.
• A safety recall was issued on September 9, 2009, due to a risk of accidental discharge if dropped.
• The MRAD, Barrett's entry for USSOCOM's Precision Sniper Rifle contract, is derived from the Model 98B.