MK 22 vs MRAD

[Bulldog47842]

Hello! New to the forum and looking to start dipping my toe into long range shooting. I’ve been doing some research into rifles and came across the Barrett MRAD. In my googling I also came across the MK 22 deployment kit. I am wondering if someone here could shed some light on the benefits of the MK 22 kit vs what appears to be the cheaper option of buying a MRAD in each of those three calibers. Wouldn’t you have to re-zero following each caliber change or would the standard practice be to carry multiple optics to cover the different calibers? I am curious how the kit would be beneficial in the field. Please forgive my ignorance.

 

[waveslayer]

I run a MRAD with 4 barrels, I write down all my zeros and use 1 scope. Same with my 6 barrels on my DT.

I also, use hold overs a lot of the time, using a Horus 59, Tremor 3 reticle. Doea that help?

What else can I shed some light on?

 

[Bulldog47842]

I run a MRAD with 4 barrels, I write down all my zeros and use 1 scope. Same with my 6 barrels on my DT.

I also, use hold overs a lot of the time, using a Horus 59, Tremor 3 reticle. Doea that help?

What else can I shed some light on?

Thanks for the reply! That all makes sense. Is there a benefit to the MK22 setup over a standard MRAD with multiple barrels? It seems like the MK22 is substantially more expensive and the only major difference I can see is that it’s easier to swap the barrels. Other than that it seems like the higher price point is driven by novelty. It’s intriguing to me because, while I’m sure there is some utility in that setup, I’m failing to understand it. I can see it making sense in military applications if there was a need to change between mid range engagement to long range engagement, but that benefit would only be available if the person was lugging the whole kit around and that seems like a lot.

Separately is there a rifle you would recommend to someone looking to get into long range shooting? Would it be better to start with a lower end setup and get better quality gear as skill improves or would you recommend more of a “dress for the job you want” approach and go with top of the line equipment? Budget wise, I’d like to stay under $15k for the whole setup.

 

[rustyinbend]

Hello! New to the forum and looking to start dipping my toe into long range shooting. I’ve been doing some research into rifles and came across the Barrett MRAD. In my googling I also came across the MK 22 deployment kit. I am wondering if someone here could shed some light on the benefits of the MK 22 kit vs what appears to be the cheaper option of buying a MRAD in each of those three calibers. Wouldn’t you have to re-zero following each caliber change or would the standard practice be to carry multiple optics to cover the different calibers? I am curious how the kit would be beneficial in the field. Please forgive my ignorance.

I carry multiple scopes, one for each of my three MRAD caliber kits/barrels (using ADM QD mounts) ... but that's just because I'm lazy and don't want to do the calculations to move barrels between the same scope. I have lots of MRAD buddies that just use one scope for multiple barrel kits.

 

[thrashergrant]

I think I can shed some light on this:

There are three versions of the MRAD:

• MK22: Essentially the mil-contract MRAD. Has special engraving, bespoke cerakote unique to the mk22, color matched bag rider and of course barrels, mags, bolt heads, etc if you go for the full deployment kit.
• MRAD: User interchangeable barrel capability. Folding stock.
• MRAD SMR: Same as MRAD, without the barrel change capability. Non-folding stock.

If it were my money and I didn't care about being "clone-correct", I'd buy an FDE MRAD in 6.5 CM and then get a couple barrel kits in calibers I'd actually shoot. The MK22 deployment kit comes with a 308, 300nm and 338 barrel kits. I'd personally rather shoot 6.5 over .308 and I'd never touch the 338 kit.

I'd argue there is no fundamental benefit to the MK22 over the MRAD unless you care about the markings and cerakote. They are functionally the same.

Now, you've asked about other rifles to get into long range shooting:

I'm a fan of anything AI. I've owned an MRAD and have had several AI's of every variety. The quick barrel change system in the AI is the absolute best in the industry. It's fast, repeatable and durable. Not to mention the accuracy is world-class. If you don't need to shoot magnum cartridges, I'd pick up a used AT/AXSA/ATX for at or under $5k. You can buy a couple barrels and a high end optic and come in well under $10k. If you want to shoot magnum stuff, you're going to want to go with the AXMC or AXSR. For under $15k you can certainly get the rifle, a couple caliber kits and a high end optic.

or you can spend $15k-$16k on a MK22 deployment kit (no optic) which is essentially a $6k MRAD with x2 extra $1,500 barrel kits and a cerakote job.

Eurooptic has an FDE 6.5 MRAD for $5700 right now: https://www.eurooptic.com/Barrett-M...Flat-Dark-Earth-Cerakote-24-Fluted-Bbl-1.aspx