I have never had the pleasure to squeeze off rounds with a Barrett. I understand they kick pretty good thou. I have, however, depressed the butterfly on the M2, squeezed the trigger on the M240B, M249G. Would like to own one of each of those, but favor the M249G. When I supported the 4th LAR, I actually had the chance to fire the 25mm bushmater on the LAV-25 on gunnery table 12. Working with the Marines and US Army is a blast. I have had the chance to experience several different weapon systems. This is not including the Apache Helicopters! I also own a Smith&Wesson AR-15 OR and a Mossberg 930SPX, both are great for home defense.