Developed in the early 1980s, the M82 series of weapons has been adopted by a number of military forces, where its long range striking power makes it useful for disabling vehicles, detonating enemy ordnance, and sniping at ranges well beyond a conventional rifle. This impressive weapon has the standard Barrett Manufacturing Inc. markings on the left side of the magazine well, with the addition of "U.S." directly below the patent marking. Fitted with a matching numbered, "SLAP" marked fluted barrel with Barrett chevron muzzle brake, ventilated steel chassis, folding hooded blade front sight, carry handle, scope base, flip up rear peep sight, AR style fire controls and checkered grip, and solid rubber recoil pad. This rifle is listed on page 23 in Norman Chandler's "Death from Afar, Vol. 1" as one of the first 100 Barrett M82A1A sniper rifles delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield, which was the buildup of troops and defense. Operation Desert Storm was the combat phase. The original SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) barrel is dated "1/91". Reportedly, the first 100 Barrett's were sent straight from the factory to Saudi Arabia to be distributed to combat elements, with this one likely being in-theater for the main thrust. The scope rail is a mid-90s military adjustment, noted with a two-piece welded base and a one piece top picatinny rail. Today only about 35 of these scarce and collectible rifles are known to be in private collections, as the rest were given to foreign allies, police departments, museums or the shredder. J. D. Jones is an American firearms and cartridge designer, firearms writer and retired former owner of SSK Industries. Jones founded SSK Industries (now SSK Firearms), a company focused on cartridges and barrels for high-power handgun hunting and target shooting – and suppressed sub sonic military cartridges known as Whispers. Jones also founded Handgun Hunters International. Provenance: The J.D. Jones Collection

Very fine, the period added camouflage finish shows areas of wear and loss, typical of a Marine Corps issued, combat used weapon, and some green/blue oxidation visible within the muzzle brake. Where visible, the underlying metal retains strong parkerized finish with minor spotting and wear. There are some significant tears and pieces absent from the rubber recoil pad. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own an extremely scarce, U.S. Marine Corps issued, Barrett Model 82A1 sniper rifle!