From the Barrett Firearms Archive

Rock Island Auction Company is fortunate enough to enjoy a friendly relationship with Barrett Firearms.  In fact, last year a handful of RIAC executives headed down to Murfreesboro, TN to Barrett Headquarters and were given more than just the 25 cent tour.  A tour of the factory was involved, but so were some "behind the scenes" glimpses.  This included several memorable experiences such as being shown around certain R&D areas, and some fun range time which included handling and firing the (then) brand new MRAD.  It would later be named Shooting Illustrated Magazine's 2012 Rifle of the Year as well as receive the NRA's prestigious Golden Bullseye Award.  They truly extended their hospitality to us that day.  We were even more honored when Barrett contacted us earlier this year to sell some of the items residing in the Barrett Firearms Archive!

This week's article highlights a pair of Barrett rifles.  Both are the famous M82A1 that has enjoyed immense success with numerous law enforcement agencies, tactical groups, and over 73 different governments!  That success didn't come easy.  Founder and President Ronnie Barrett, then a professional photographer with no engineering education, personally hand-sketched the designs of every single part of the weapon at his dining room table.  What parts didn't yet exist, he would work with a local tool and die maker to create.  He then marketed and mass-produced it out of this own pocket.  Some of the production work would take place in a gravel-floored garage with the finished products resting on gun racks made in his father's cabinet shop.  All the hard work would, of course, pay off.  It would be a gun that no one thought possible: a shoulder-fired, .50 caliber rifle.  It could be used to disable and immobilize vehicles, as a sniper/counter-sniper rifle at extended ranges, as an explosive ordinance disposal tool, and potentially to fire through/breach barriers.  With standard .50 BMG ammunition, the M82A1 can engage man-sized targets over a mile away (as we will soon discuss), armored objectives from 2,000 meters, and can penetrate up to 30mm of of steel plate.  It is a behemoth of a gun, weighing in at around 30 pounds and firing cartridges with an overall length of 5.45".  Lest you think this gun will dislocate your shoulder upon firing, the semi-automatic action, double chambered muzzle brake, dual barrel springs, heavy weight, and long mainspring design keep the recoil quite manageable despite its awesome power.

These two rifles aren't your typical, wildly-acclaimed Barretts.  Each one has a feature or story all its own, which is bound to drive collectors' interest as our September 2013 Premiere Auction nears.


Desirable Barrett Firearms M82A1 Semi-Automatic Anti-Material Rifle with Experimental NP3 Nickel-Teflon Finish

The lot description above is far from saying it all.  First of all, the nickel-teflon finish is applied in an unexpected manner.  The NP3 method uses an electroless nickel coating with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, a.k.a. Teflon) co-deposited.  In simpler terms, instead of impregnated Teflon which is applied afterwards as a protective overcoat, co-deposited Teflon is mixed throughout the entire depth of the nickel, providing greater wear resistance, easy cleaning, and an attractive, deep silver color.  The finish is applied inside and out and thus, the rifle is self-lubricated.  This same finish was applied to the Barrett 30th Anniversary "One of One" tribute rifle, a one-of-a-kind rifle patterned after their M107A1.  Any Barrett is bound to get you attention when you bring it out, but this one is guaranteed to earn some envious looks even among fellow Barrett owners!

Barrett Firearms M82A1 Semi-Automatic 50 BMG Anti-Material Rifle Factory Used By Steve Reichert, U.S.M.C., Bronze Star with V Device Winner and One-Mile Sniper

While our first gun is special for what happened to it at the factory, our next gun earns its collectability for what happened once it left the factory grounds in Tennessee.  Upon its return to Barrett it was adorned with its current mixed green and brown camouflage, with the initials "SR" applied to the right side of the upper receiver and magazine, and the magazine also marked with an arrow passing through a stylized "S."  Information from the Barrett Firearms Archives attribute these markings and paint job to Staff Sergeant Steve Reichert U.S.M.C. (Ret.).  Steve received the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions in Lutafiya, Iraq on April 9, 2004, while serving overwatch for a Marine patrol.  The events that happened that day are well documented and have even been featured in a segment entitled "One Mile Kill Shot" on History Channel's sniper special "Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs."

Date: 2009-04-09
Location: Lutafiya, Iraq

Fourteen Fox Company Marines are patrolling the roads outside of Lutafiya (loot-ah-FEE-yah) for IEDs and insurgents.  25 year-old, S Sgt Reichert is providing overwatch with a Barrett M82A3 from an observation post set up on top of an oil tank roughly 1,000 yards away.  The A3 is different from the A1 by having a detatchable bipod and carry handle, long Picatinny rail atop the receiver, slightly lighter barrel and mechanism, and a slightly redesigned muzzle brake.  His spotter, Cpl Tucker, noticed a dead animal in the road that had not been there the night before.  The carcass appeared to be "glinting" in a spot and so the Marines cordoned off the area around the potential IED.  30 seconds later, in the midst of setting up a perimeter, in Reichert's words, "Everything erupted."  Insurgents attacked the Marine Company with a volley of RPGs, followed immediately with AK fire.  Dirt and dust clouds exploded with machine gun fire as the sniper team watched the action unfold.  With not a second to spare, Reichert begins "doping the scope" and looking for targets of opportunity.  He sets his scope to 1,000 yards +2 MOA (minutes of angle).  In this brief amount of time the Marines have fought their way into the town and have hunkered down in an abandoned school house.  As the gunfire continues more and more insurgents, hearing the chatter of automatic weapons, come running to join the action.  The situation is rapidly escalating out of control and insurgents already outnumber the Marines.

Reichert sights up a target.

At this time in the battle Reichert spots his first targets, men on rooftops firing down on the Marines, about 1,350 yards away.  In his words, "That's when we went to work."  His first shot is a miss, the fighting having moved several hundred yards away since he last adjusted his scope, but after a quick readjustment, the second shot slams its way home and all the sniper team sees remaining is a, quote, "pink mist."  Remember, this is a weapon known more familiarly as the Special Application Scoped Rifle or SASR (pronounced: "sasser").  The SASR was intended by the Army for use as an explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) tool and anti-material targets.  In other words: shoot it into explosives, engine blocks, armored vehicles, parked planes, and various other large, heavy, METAL targets.  When this weapon engages personnel, the results are catastrophic.

With the Marines pinned down, the sniper team notices 3 insurgents duck behind a wall with a belt-fed RPK machine gun.  An RPK fires the same 7.62x39 round as the AK-47, but utilizes a stronger barrel designed for continuous firing.  This is bad news for the Marines fighting for their lives inside the schoolhouse.  Reichert immediately switches targets and swings the crosshairs to a point on the wall where he feels the group will be, over 1,600 meters away.  The insurgents are preparing their weapon for use on the Marines, but Reichert has already prepared his.  In his M82A3 are Raufoss M211 .50 caliber rounds.

After adjusting his scope a third time, Reichert takes his shot.  The Raufoss round hits the brick wall at over 2,500 feet per second and makes a .50 caliber-sized hole.  The RDX inside the bullet then explodes, sending a tungsten-steel core punching through the wall, while Zirconium sparks and deadly brick shrapnel shower its opposite side.  Reichert calls it "basically a shotgun blast of shrapnel and a penetrating dart flying through."  The shot lands true and the ensuing explosion instantly destroys the insurgents taking cover there, painting an opposite wall red.  No insurgents were seen leaving the area.  Despite the powerful Raufoss round, only one of the attackers was killed and both other men were severely injured.  All were out of the fight.

Shrapnel pattern of a Raufoss MK211 round.

Reichert provides sniper support for the next 12 hours and saves Marines' lives.  He even continued to fight after a communications failure put him and his spotter under friendly fire from another unit also attempting to assist Fox Company.  For his actions and performance, Reichert received the Bronze Star with V Device (for Valor).



After taking medical retirement from the Marines, Reichert entered the private sector as a military consultant and trainer, and in that capacity received this M82A1 from Barrett Firearms (circa 2011-2012) for use in his training courses.  When the rifle was returned to Barrett, it sported quite a different look than when it had left.  It was wearing warpaint.

Once again, Rock Island Auction Company is selling the tools of a legend!  Not only is this model of firearm revered by firearms users world wide, but each of these guns has its own unique details that truly set it apart from the pack.  You can see all the unique firearms that RIAC has to offer, by ordering a catalog or by viewing our Online Catalog; each one is full of gorgeous photos that are sure to please collectors of all levels.  Enjoy!

SOURCES:

"One Mile Kill Shot." Sniper: Inside the Crosshairs. History Channel. Dec. 20, 2009.

http://www.barrett.net/firearms/model82a1

http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=25833

Call of Duty

Hello everybody!  My name is Joel and I'm in charge of social media responsibilities here at Rock Island Auction Co.  Yes, that is as cool as it sounds.  I'm ridiculously excited to start a career here and to show you a glimpse of just some the amazing firearms we have here at RIAC.  Most will be upcoming auction items, some will be stuff that I find personally fascinating, and others will just have a significant and sometimes unique history behind them.  Let's jump right in shall we?

Today's post will be for something we can all get behind: Call of Duty.  Younger readers know this as a  video game series stretching all the way back to 2003.  It is a game that initially puts players in a World War II setting in the role of soldiers in the U.S., British, and Russian armies.  While those who don't play video games may not care too much about this, they should definitely appreciate the familiarity with firearms that these games are bestowing to a much younger audience.  All of a sudden, kids could tell you the differences between a MP40 and an MP44, or between a M1 Garand and an M1903 Springfield.

More recent versions of the game take place in modern times with updated combat weapons.  Instead of the former weapons of war, players are using modern combat tools.  This includes everything from Steyr Augs, FN P90s, Remington's MSR, to Javelin missle launchers.  While RIAC does not have any Javelins, we certainly have a variety of the new and old guns that have been capturing the interest of players.  I write about these guns not because they're trendy, but because new and experienced enthusiasts alike can both appreciate the active legislative climate for gun owners.  Whether it's the aficionado with a collection spanning several hundred pieces or the person with the tried and true, handed down rifle, all gun owners need to pay special attention to the debates and legislation taking place.  That's a Call of Duty that we should all heed.

To show what's at stake, I'm going to show some of the guns that appear in these video games.  Both new and old collectors would be lucky to include any of these guns in their collection, but in order to maintain the right to collect these fine pieces it's going to take both groups using their respective passions to move toward a common goal.  I promise that I'll try to keep the political pieces to a minimum and to keep the focus on exciting, unique firearms of all eras, but with all these great firearms that I've seen here in my first month and the current national debate, I really couldn't resist.  Now how about some pictures of some amazing weapons?  I'll start with some more of the historic pieces.


Colt Model 1921 "Thompson" Submachine Gun 
Who could deny the desire to collect this piece of Americana?  The "Tommy" Gun brings up visions of everything from World War II to Prohibition-era mobsters.  It has earned such nicknames as, The Chicago Typewriter, The Chicago Piano, The Trench Sweeper, The Trench Broom, The Chicago Organ Grinder, its prototype name The Annihilator, its more personable common name The Tommy Gun, and my personal favorite, The Chopper.  Their mingled history of sordid and noble deeds combined with their quality and reliability make these guns highly desirable collectors items. The model that we'll be selling in our April auction is described below.

Auction Description

Excellent Colt Model 1921 Full Automatic Class III "Thompson" Submachine Gun

"This is a beautiful example of an early production Model 1921 Thompson submachine gun as produced by the Colt Firearms Company circa 1921/22. This specific submachine gun remains in it's early original 1921 configuration. The Thompson SMG is probably one of the most famous and easily recognized SMGs ever produced and made infamous during the prohibition and gangland warfare era by both U.S. law enforcement agencies, the Mafia and again by the USMC in 1928 during their time in Nicaragua. These 1921 models had mediocre sales for the first few years with most being later upgraded to the 1928 configuration, however this example remains in it's original 1921 configuration...These were one of the best if not the best made SMG ever and if you ever have a chance to disassemble one of these weapons you will be amazed at how well they were manufactured, the parts just slide together like glass"

The full description and markings of this great weapon can be found by clicking here.

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Springfield Model 1903

Countless numbers of our fathers and grandfathers have held and used this weapon in a number of international wars.  While it saw its heyday in WWI, it continued as the standard infantry issue in WWII until adequate numbers of the M1 Garand could be manufactured.  Heck, it was so prized for its reliability and accuracy that it even saw service as a sniper rifle in WWII, Korea, and even early in Vietnam.  Besides its importance in combat, it also provided an ample template for experimentation as the U.S. attempted to develop a serviceable semi-automatic weapon for military use.  In fact, one of those experiments will be available at our upcoming Premiere Auction in April 2013.  I refer to the M1903 Mark I, which involved a hole on the left side of the receiver to accommodate a Pedersen Device, essentially converting the M1903 into a semi-automatic rifle capable of firing .30 caliber cartridges from a horizontally inserted magazine.  The Pedersen Device was discussed in-depth in a previous article. This type of unique item really makes history exciting!

Auction Description

Outstanding All Complete Model 1903 Mark I U.S. Springfield Bolt Rifle with Ultra Rare Original Pedersen Device with Metal Case Magazine Canvas Pouch and 1906 Dated Bayonet

Wow what a fantastic find! A complete 1919 dated U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Mark I rifle rig that is complete with an original "Remington-Bridgeport" 1918 Mark I Pedersen Device that is complete with the original Pedersen device metal carrying case, disassembly tool, two original stick magazines, canvas pouch for the magazines, and an original canvas pouch for the 1903 bolt when removed from the rifle. What a complete turn-key type set up... This super rare device is accompanied by an original, Model 1903 Mark I rifle.

The full description and markings of this great weapon can be found by clicking here.


StG 44
A continuation of the MP43 and MP44, the Sturmgewehr (StG) literally translated as "storm rifle" and was allegedly named such by Adolf Hitler himself for propaganda purposes.  It was largely developed to compensate for the shortcomings of other German rifles of the era.  German cartridges prior to 1942 were larger than necessary, so a less powerful and shorter ("Kurz") version of the standard German 7.92mm cartridge was developed.  This gave the Germans a weapon with less recoil, and a controllable, high rate of fire weapon good for mid range engagements.  It is largely credited as being the granddaddy to all modern assault rifles, even the quintessential AK47 and M16.  To say that this is an important part of firearms history is an understatement.

Auction Description

Sturmgewehr 44

This is an outstanding example of an extremely rare, all original and unaltered WWII Nazi STG44 (SturmGewehr 44) assault rifle with all matching numbers that is complete with one late war "MP44" marked magazine. The STG44 select fire rifle was a continuation of the MP44 series of weapons which was designed for mass production using several stamped sheet and welded steel parts. This series of assault rifle was developed to give the German soldier more fire power by using the shorter/lighter 7.92 X33 mm Kurz cartridge in a 30 round magazine, with select fire capability. The 7.92 X 33mm cartridge provides far more power and greater range than the standard 9 mm SMG round as used in the MP40 series of SMGs, and it allowed the German Infantryman to carry considerably more ammunition that the standard 8mm ammunition for the 98K rifles. The MP44/STG44 series of rifles is considered to be the father of the modern assault rifle concept/design and was the basis of the later Russian AK series of weapons.

Here's the link to this item's lot and more high resolution photos!

Modern Weapons

Now for some of the modern weapons.  If you're a collector that leans toward more "history based" weapons, these may not have the same high level of appeal.  However, if you like contemporary design, high rates of fire, and large advances of technology, then these weapons are definitely for you.

Steyr Aug

The Steyr Aug's distinct appearance has earned it appearances in video games dating back at least to the year 2000.  Despite its development in the early 1970's, the gun enjoys a modern design by incorporating a built-in optical sight/carrying handle, one-piece plastic stock to help prevent uniform snags, a translucent magazine, and bullpup design.  

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Auction Description

Steyr AUG

"Produced before 1994. Blade and notch sights on the integral scope/carry handle. Gun South import marks are present on the quick-detach barrel, with a bird-cage flash hider, 2-position gas port and folding front handle. Matching numbers are present on the barrel, receiver, and bolt carrier. Textured pistol grip stock, with Steyr-Mannlicher markings and a smooth rubberized buttplate. With one 9-round magazine and one 30-round magazine, along with a cardboard shipping box."

The auction listing for this weapon can be seen here.  We also have 3 other AUGs for auction and many magazines for them!


FN PS90
Better known to gamers as the P90, the PS90 is the semi-automatic carbine version of this originally fully automatic weapon.  It is completely ambidextrous with no modifications, and features a patented "top-mounted, longitudinal magazine."  It looks like it was designed 25 years in the future and is designed to fire the fast 5.7 x 28mm round.

Auction Description

Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal PS90

"This is the early version, introduced in 2005 as a semi-automatic, civilian legal carbine based off the P90 Personal Defense Weapon. Fitted with the green military style polymer stock, extended barrel with integral bird cage flash hider, ambidextrous safety and charging handles, adjustable optical sight, and 50-round top feed magazine. With factory box numbered to gun, cable lock and three extra magazines with boxes."

PS90 auction listing can be found here!

Barrett Model 82A1
This may be a gun that both new enthusiasts and collectors can both appreciate.  There are few better ways to reach out and touch something than with this visually intimidating and brutally accurate rifle.  It is used by armies, law enforcement, and tactical teams worldwide - a testament to its performance, reliability, power, and uncanny ability to throw .50 BMG rounds downrange with incredible precision.

Auction Description

Barrett Model 82A1 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Accessories

"This is an impressive semi-automatic 50 caliber anti-material/anti-personnel rifle and is the same type as used by the U.S. Military. This rifle has a rear flip up adjustable iron sight mounted on top of the receiver and a fold down front sight. There is a removable fold-down carrying handle on the top rail, a factory "arrowhead" shaped muzzle brake, a rear monopod, a fold down M60 style bipod, an M-16 style pistol grip and a solid rubber recoil pad. The top of the receiver has a long Picatinny rail for optics/accessories with a Barrett Optical Ranging System (BORS)(not tested) that has been attached to the Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x50mm LRT scope in Barrett scope rings with Butler Creek flip up lens caps. Comes with original Pelican takedown case, 3 extra magazines, an Otis cleaning kit, software and cables for BORS equipped scope and 2 cases of Barrett 661 grain .50 BMG ammunition (159/160)."

We also have two other Barrets available in this auction!  You may click here and here to see them.


I hope that seeing some of these warfare weapons, both new and old, really got the old juices flowing! The best part is that these are only a fraction of the combat arms that we are going to feature.  Go ahead and run a search and see if we have your favorite firearms in our upcoming sale.  Thanks for checking out our great items and keep your eyes peeled for more.

FOR A FULL LISTING OF ALL OUR WEAPONS THAT HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN THE CALL OF DUTY SERIES, CLICK HERE!

SOURCES

Miller, D. (2005). The Illustrated Directory of Guns, A Collector's Guide to over 2000 Military, Sporting and Antique firearms. Colin Gower Enterprises Ltd.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_P90

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1903_Springfield

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyr_AUG

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StG_44