Barrett M468
Summary
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Barrett |
Technical specifications
| Barrett M468 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 700 - 850 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 6.8 mm Remington SPC |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 899 mm (35.4 in) |
| Weight | 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) |
| Range | 450 m (1476 ft) |
Description
The Barrett M468 was initially developed as a variant of the M4 Carbine, chambered in the 6.8mm SPC cartridge to enhance terminal performance. It was designed as a carbine optimized for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) roles within special operations. Production of the rifle by Barrett ceased in 2010. The Barrett REC7, which features a short-stroke piston system, has largely superseded the M468.
The M468 utilized the same Stoner bolt and carrier system as the M4. However, the direct impingement system channeled hot gases and propellant directly into the receiver, a condition aggravated by the higher power of the 6.8mm round compared to 5.56mm NATO, which led to reduced reliability when compared to the M4 Carbine.
Designated M468 for its M4 platform origin and 6.8mm SPC chambering, the rifle featured design elements derived from and modified from the standard M4/AR-15 platform.
Furniture options included:
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A standard forend
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An ARMS Selective Integrated Rail (SIR) system with an integrated Picatinny rail and a 4-position forend on the M468A1 variant.
Sighting options included:
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An ARMS Back Up Iron Sight rear sight
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An integral folding front sight located on the gas block
Stock choices were a solid M16A2 style or an optional 4-position M4 collapsible stock, used with an M16A2 style pistol grip.
The muzzle brake was initially a proprietary four-vent design, later changed to an M16A2-style "birdcage" on subsequent models for better compatibility with standard parts. A proprietary Barrett suppressor, optimized for the 12-inch barrel, was available and utilized a ratchet system on the gas block for stability. The 6.8mm SPC cartridge required proprietary magazines; Barrett developed steel magazines including a 28-round version similar in dimension to a standard 30-round AR magazine and a longer, heavier 30-round version. Precision Reflex Inc. (PRI) also produced a 25-round steel magazine.
The Barrett M468 was produced in different configurations primarily distinguished by barrel length: a 12-inch barreled micro-carbine and a 16-inch barreled carbine. Variations in the handguard and rail system differentiated models such as the M468 and the M468A1.
The Barrett M468 was developed to provide increased terminal performance in a carbine format suitable for close-to-medium range and CQB scenarios for Special Operations forces. The firearm was also available for sale on the civilian market, typically including accessories such as a carrying case, cleaning kit, sight wrench, and 25-round PRI magazines.