The REC7 received for testing was visually impressive with evenly applied black anodizing on the upper and lower receivers and a matching manganese phosphated finish on the steel parts. All controls functioned positively and smoothly. Anyone familiar with the operation of a conventional AR would be right at home with the REC7, although its somewhat heavy weight of 7 pounds, 8 ounces, can be a bit noticeable compared to a 5.56x45 mm carbine with no piston system.

For testing, we fitted the rifle with a Leupold 1-3x14 mm Mark 4 CQ/T and fired a selection of loads from Remington, Hornady and Barrett. Through the course of a few hundred rounds, the rifle performed without a single malfunction.

The single-stage trigger of the rifle was somewhat heavy and gritty with a 6-pound., 8-ounce break. Accuracy was quite good with all three types of ammunition. After firing, a quick fieldstripping revealed an astoundingly clean rifle, with the bolt carrier assembly clear of fouling and the piston fouled only at its muzzle end.

The REC7 does an excellent job of addressing the two primary complaints aimed at the M4-style carbine, all in a well-made and highly capable package that continues Barrett’s tradition of innovative firearm design.

Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms Mfg.; (615) 896-2938; Barrettrifles.com

Caliber: 6.8x43 mm SPC

Action Type: Gas-piston-operated, semi-automatic center-fire rifle

Receiver: 7075 forged aluminum upper and lower

Barrel: 16", chrome-lined

Rifling: Four-groove; 1:10" RH twist

Magazine: Detachable box, 30-round capacity

Sights: None supplied, Picatinny-rail equipped

Trigger Pull: Single-stage, 6 lbs., 8 ozs.

Stock: M4-style collapsing synthetic: length of pull, 14¼"; drop at heel, 1½"; drop at comb, 1½"

Overall Length: 32¾" (collapsed), 36½" (fully extended)

Weight: 7 lbs., 8 ozs.

Accessories: Front sight assembly tool, operator’s manual

Suggested Retail Price: $2,399

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