[Divemaster]

Back when I was on the sniper committee, we went to the Barrett factory to get some work done on our M82A1s. After dropping the guns and touring the plant, probably much smaller in the early 90s than what they have now, Ronnie invited us out to their range to test fire some newly built .50s.

Back then the "range" was a cow pasture with a hill at the far end acting as the bullet stop. This is the first time I fired the relatively new M90 (I think that's what it was), a bolt action .50.

The highlight of the range session, however, was when I test fired a new M82A1 standing off hand. Think something like Longrange 1947's profile pic, but with a much younger and better looking lad (but much worse of a shot) on the gun. I settled into the position, support hand under a full mag. Aiming aimlessly at the hillside, I squeezed the trigger...and got a three round burst. Just to make sure, I did it a couple more times.

"Uh, Ronnie?", I inquire.
"Yeah, we need to take a look at that one back at the plant."

Not sure how many guys have fired a Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle full auto from standing offhand (at least two of us that day). But, come to think of it, that feature could come in handy now and then.