Lordy first post and here we go. I guess I'll have to find the picture complete with caption of the military unit using BARs at a competition. I can't remember if they were bull barrels or just after market but I'm sure they were custom as per the caption. Why is it that nothing brings out the daggers faster than firearms or politics. PLEASE if you don't have something positive to add to this thread, just move along!!!! Is that too much to ask???
EDIT: Didn't find the picture I wanted...yet. But I did find this and I HAPPEN TO LIKE IT! I think it's cool and obviously it is doable.
"ArmsTech doesn't exactly maintain a public profile, and is very tight-lipped, even their website ceased to exist after a while. First time I heard of them was when I was "invited" to KFOR in Bosnia, and saw some of our Army folks carrying the heavily modified Browning BARs around, working over the snipers who had previously been picking folks off from the apartment high-rises in Sarajevo. I managed to talk to them for a little while before I had to break off and resume my duties of looking for illicit mass graves - a job that still brings me nightmares from time to time.
Turns out the Army bought a handful of these .300 Win Mag bad boys from ArmsTech, and the contract ended there. They have new heavy stainless steel barrels, McMillan stocks, and are configured to use the original M1918 BAR 20-round magazines. They're called Interdiction Rifles, and have a greater effective range than the 7.62mm NATO round, or the 7.62x54R Moisin-Nagant round of the SVD Dragunov used by the enemy snipers. So you have an accurate, long-range rifle, capable of quick follow-on shots, perfect for multiple counter-sniper engagements. Here's a picture of the issued gun:
Here are the specs:
Arms Tech 0.300 Winchester Magnum Super Match Interdiction Rifle Development
The Arms Tech Super Match Interdiction rifle was developed as a private venture by Arms Tech. It was to fill a need for a precision rifle as accurate as a bolt-action rifle, able to reach targets beyond the range of standard 7.62 × 51mm weapons, and providing a quick follow-up shot capability, for tactical situations requiring the engagement of multiple targets.
Description
The Super Match Interdiction rifle is based on an extensively modified FN HERSTAL BAR semi-automatic sporting rifle. Stainless steel barrels are by either Douglas or Schneider, are fully free floated for accuracy and are blackened by a chrome sulphide process. Barrels are cryogenically treated to enhance accuracy and extend service life. The barrels are threaded to accept a sound suppressor. In the absence of a suppressor, a cap is screwed onto the muzzle to prevent damage.
Extraction has been improved for strength and reliability. For cold weather operations, the charging handle has been extended. Locking lug recesses, integral to the barrel in standard rifles, have been replaced by a proprietary carbon steel shank to improve reliability and strength. The bolt is lapped for smooth operation. The magazine release has been changed to one similar to a Kalashnikov type. Stocks are by McMillan (Harris Gun Works) and each action is custom-bedded using a powdered metal-filled epoxy compound.
The rifle incorporates an Arms Tech proprietary telescope mounting system that allows optics to be removed and replaced without loss of zero. The Super Match Rifle is warranted by the manufacturer to shoot with sub-minute of angle accuracy over its effective range.
Specifications
Cartridge: 0.300 Winchester Magnum
Operation: gas, semi-automatic
Locking: rotating bolt
Feed: 3- or 10-round detachable box magazine
Weight: empty, 6.3kg
Length: 1.193m
Barrel: 660mm
Rifling: 6 grooves, rh, 1 turn in 304mm
Sights: optical, to customer specifications
Muzzle velocity: 971m/s
Rate of fire: 3-4rds/min
Effective range: 1,000m
Manufacturer: Arms Tech Limited
5133 North Central, Phoenix, Arizona.
Status: In production.
Service: Unspecified special operations forces. "
And this article on Janes sight:
Browning Bar Interdiction Rifle
AND FINALLY from Arms Tech's own site, apparently still available:
SMIR Super Match Interdiction Rifle
So sorry Guntech, very doable and not ridiculous...