Barrett Model 82/M107 Named Tennessee Official State Rifle

by
posted on February 27, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barrett_lede.jpg

The Barrett Model 82/M107 has been named Tennessee’s official state rifle, after the state's General Assembly passed a resolution initiated by a U.S. Marine—now a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives—who used the firearm in combat. 

“We are honored by the resolution and proud to have our rifle officially recognized within our home state,” said Chris Barrett, president of Barrett Firearms. “For more than 32 years, we have been committed to innovation in the firearms industry while maintaining the highest standards for precision and reliability.” The designation follows numerous accolades the company has received over the years for its innovation and ingenuity for a range of firearms produced at its plant and headquarters in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Barrett Rifle was born from sketches hand-drawn at a dining room table by then 26-year-old Ronnie Barrett (right), a photographer, who was born, raised, and educated in Tennessee with no design training or experience. The firearm design,  considered impossible at the time, was a shoulder-fired semi-automatic .50-cal. rifle. Using sketches of his design, Ronnie worked in a one-bay garage with a tool-and-die maker to build the first prototype. In 2010 NRA Publications honored Ronnie Barrett with the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.

His creation, the Model 82/M107, pioneered an entirely new classification of rifle, changed battlefield tactics and recognized as the world’s premier .50-cal. rifle fielded by approximately 70 allied governments.

Today, Ronnie Barrett is one of only four people in the past 100 years to invent a rifle type classified and adopted for use by the U. S. military. The M107 was recognized in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. by the Office of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army as one of the “top ten greatest inventions” for its service.

Barrett now manufactures eight distinct models of rifles and has recently launched a new line of shotguns under the Barrett Sovereign brand. In addition to the Model 82 rifle, Barrett’s MRAD rifle was named the 2012 “Rifle of the Year” by Shooting Illustrated magazine. Barrett is a family-owned and operated company and the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 73 State Department approved countries across the world.

For more on the Barrett Model 82/M107, please enjoy the following video:
Barrett M82/M107 .50-Caliber Rifle 

Latest

Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1
Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record—Again

The fall season is underway for the USA Clay Target League, and the number of student athletes participating speaks volumes about the growing popularity of shooting sports among high school- and college-age students.

Hunting For The Perfect Partner: Ruger/Dead Air’s Centerfire RXD

The result of a joint venture between two giants of their respective industries, the new RXD30Ti exemplifies just how beneficial a well-designed hunting suppressor can be in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.