Barrett Firearms Model 98B 98-B & Tango Down Bipod, Black & Parkerized 20” Bolt Action Rifle, 4 10-round Mags & Pelican Case
SOLD FOR: $3,360
LSB#: 160412TA02
Make: Barrett Firearms
Model: 98B
Serial Number: 98B01750
Year of Manufacture: Modern; there is no established serial number database, production began in 2009.
Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Removable Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The left side of the upper receiver is marked “BEFORE HANDLING RIFLE READ MANUAL FROM: / BARRETT FIREARMS MFG., INC. / MURFREESBORO, TN. U.S.A. / MODEL: 98B / SERIAL NO.: 98B01750”, the right side is marked “BARRETT / FIREARMS”. The upper receiver’s integral 1913 Picatinny pattern rail is “T” marked from 2 to 46 for repeatable optics mounting. The flanks of the lower receiver are marked “F / S” for safety indication. The barrel is marked “.338LM / 1-9.35” The underside of the bipod is marked “www.tangodownllc.com”. The magazine floorplates are marked “BARRETT FIREARMS”. The hard case is marked “PELICAN / 1750 CASE”.
Barrel Length: 0.902” diameter 20” barrel; the overall length is about 22” including the muzzle brake.
Sights / Optics: The rifle does not have iron sights; the top of the upper receiver has a “T” marked 1913 Picatinny pattern rail that can mount optics, red dot sights or back up iron sights (none of which are included). The right side of the chassis has a 4” Picatinny rail installed for flashlights or lasers (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle’s upper receiver is a monolithic shroud that presents an integral forend. The flanks have four drilled and tapped holes for Picatinny rail attachments; the left side does not have a rail, the right and underside Picatinny rails are 4” long. The top of the monolithic upper receiver is “T” marked from 2 to 46 for repeatable optics mounting; the rail is 19” long. The upper receiver presents oval cutouts to help the barrel cool down naturally. The lower receiver has a black polymer pistol grip installed, which presents a pebbled finger-grooved fore strap and checkered, arched back strap; the bottom has a flip-open compartment that houses a removable battery storage unit, the inside is hollow for storage. The butt stock is integral to the lower receiver, presenting a skeletonized profile. The stock has a large knob that gives adjustment to the high density polymer cheek piece, which sits flush to the upper receiver and can be adjusted up to 5/8” from the seated position. A second knob drops a monopod from the rear belly; the shaft has stop holes for fine adjustment. The stock has a quick disconnect swivel port on each side of the butt stock, this rifle’s forward right side Picatinny rail has a QD port. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the cushioned rubber recoil pad; the pad has extremely light storage scuffs and rates in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Black High Strength Aluminum Upper & Lower Receiver, Parkerized Barrel, Bolt & Muzzle Brake
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. The barrel has a 1 in 9.35 inch twist rate.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows only a few scuff marks on the barrel and some very light marks on the top rail, it appears from having an optic temporarily mounted to the platform. This rifle looks to have been used very seldom outside of factory testing and was well taken care of in the interim. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle’s bore axis is on line with the shooter’s shoulder, making for efficient transfer of power from the cartridge; the barrel has a two chamber, four large-port muzzle brake with a recessed crown for optimal recoil reduction. The bolt has a polymer guide, which makes for a low noise and extremely smooth action. The trigger is fully adjustable and currently breaks at about 2lbs 12oz. The bolt is situated about 1” forward and just above the trigger, for swift loading. The rifle has an ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release (the magazines are a tad tight in removal and installation, we believe this to be from lack of prolonged use) and an adjustable cheek piece. The belly of the stock has a monopod feature, which is adjustable by means of set holes and can be micro-adjusted on its threaded base; in conjunction with the included Tango Down adjustable tripod, the rifle can be set up like a TRIpod! We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with four 10-round high density polymer magazines, all showing only very light scuff wear from normal use, all in Excellent condition. An adjustable polymer Tango Down Model ACB-4 adjustable bipod, which has 8” legs, can be adjusted to 9 ½” & 10 ½” lengths on the inside of the legs; the bipod pivots from left to right for ‘lead’ and target tracking and has wide feet for ample traction; the bipod shows very little sighs of use, with no major marks, rating in Excellent condition. The stock has two quick disconnect sling swivels in gray phosphate, both in Excellent condition. An instruction manual for the bipod is included, along with a star-pattern wrench, both in Excellent condition. Also included is a Pelican brand Model 1750 Polypropylene all weather rolling hard case with factory foam cutouts for the rifle and its four magazines; the cutout includes room for a 19” optic. The case has light marks and rates in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: If the word “BAD ASS” could be summed up in one platform, this would be it. Every aspect of the ergonomics on this rifle have been well thought out, the smooth polymer guided bolt gives a low noise, smooth and crisp lockup and the bolt handle is located just above the trigger guard for swift loading. Despite its enormous chambering, the rifle only weighs about 13lbs 2oz, which is competitive against other rifles of its caliber and application. The rifle takes 10 round magazines with an ambidextrous magazine release (four magazines are provided), the cheek piece is adjustable and the stock has a rear monopod which, when used in conjunction with the provided Tango Down ACB-4 polymer adjustable bipod, turns the rifle into its own tripod! The upper receiver has a monolithic barrel shroud with vents for faster cooling, with an integral Picatinny top rail and two 4” Picatinny rails (one on the right, one underneath, which holds the bipod); the Picatinny top rail is able to accommodate all sorts of optics, from red dots to variable scopes (not included); the rifle does not have any iron sights, but companies the world over have developed backup iron sights for such platforms (none included). The barrel is a heavy 0.902” diameter beast with a bright, sharp bore and very little evidence of use outside of factory testing; the exterior has some minor scuff marks. The lower receiver has a sensible left side thumb safety location, ergonomic polymer pistol grip and an adjustable trigger. The rifle comes with a Pelican 1750 foam cutout hard case with wheels and all weather construction, showing only light marks. From Wikipedia: “The .338 Lapua Magnum fills the gap between weapons chambered for standard military rounds such as the 7.62×51mm NATO and large, weighty rifles firing the .50 BMGcartridge.[13] It also offers a tolerable amount of barrel wear, which is important to military snipers who tend to fire thousands of rounds a year in practice.[notes 1] Like every other comparable big magnum rifle cartridge the .338 Lapua Magnum presents a stout recoil.[14] An appropriate fitting stock and an effective muzzle brake will help to reduce recoil induced problems, enabling the operator to fire more rounds before getting too uncomfortable to shoot accurately. Good factory loads, multiple projectile weights and factory special application ammunition are all available.[notes 2][15]: With said ballistic performance and proven results of its chambering, this rifle will make any target Lapua its pants!!! Please see our pictures and good luck.
