[6][7] After the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) announced their desire for a new precision sniper rifle in December 2009, Barrett created the MRAD in accordance with the specifications laid out by SOCOM.

[4] Building off of the successful Barrett 98B, the MRAD features multiple improvements such as a folding stock which allows the rifle to be transported more easily.

Additional features of the MRAD include a single-button length-of-pull adjustment, adjustable cheek rest height, a polymer bolt guide which acts as a dust cover to reduce debris entering the action, a user reversible AR-15 style safety, an ambidextrous magazine release, and the ability to accept standard M16/AR15 style pistol grips.

[8][better source needed] Similar to the M16/AR15, the MRAD upper and lower receivers can be separated by pressing a rear latch assembly under the stock while the front detent pin acts as a hinge AR-15 to allow for maintenance in the field.

[10] The particular model of the MRAD that was submitted for USSOCOM's MK21 PSR trial was fitted with a 24.5 in (62 cm) barrel, and weighed 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) (without an optic).

[12] MK 22 MOD 0 ASR (Advanced Sniper Rifle) is the designation for the Barrett MRAD variant ordered by USSOCOM.

[21] The MK 22 reached full operational capability in November 2024 in the U.S. Marine Corps with all infantry and reconnaissance units completing new equipment training on the system and fielding it.