Barrett Ships 6 mm ARC Rifles to DoD

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing partnered with Hornady Manufacturing to chamber its REC7 rifle series in the new 6 mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) cartridge, and the first production run of these rifles has been delivered to the United States Department of Defense (DoD). The shipment fulfills a contract awarded to Barrett late last year.

The combination of the proven REC7 DI gas system and the potent 6 mm ARC cartridge creates a consistently accurate and easy-to-shoot combination. Carrying 24 rounds in the magazine, the 108-grain ELD Match bullets leave the 18-inch Proof Research match-grade stainless steel or carbon-fiber barrel at over 2,630 fps. That provides the rifle supersonic capabilities past 1,000 yards.

Barrett anticipates its rifles in 6 mm ARC will be available to civilian enthusiasts after completion of all U.S. Military deliveries. Shooting Illustrated was unable to locate details of the contract or volume of order on DoD contract websites. The latest entry for Barrett Firearms Manufacturing appeared in March 2019, when it was awarded a nearly $50 million contact for MRAD rifles.

The REC7 rifle systems delivered to the military include variants of the HX-QD 762 suppressor, which is manufactured by Utah-based OSS Suppressors. Barrett is a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Tennessee.

Hornady officially launched the 6 mm ARC to civilian enthusiasts last week, although the technical drawings and specifications were published earlier this year on the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute website. Loads initially available to consumers include a 105-grain BTHP and 108-grain ELD in the company’s Black and Match lines, respectively. A 103-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter is scheduled to be shipped sometime before fall.

CMMG, San Tan Tactical and Lantac introduced rifles chambered for 6 mm ARC last week that are commercially available. There will almost certainly be more new introductions from other manufacturers in the coming weeks.