.50 Shooters, can I get some advice?

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Exposure

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A couple of weeks ago I was at a machine gun shoot and someone there had a Barret, at least I think that's what it was.

I have to say, it was awesome!

Even setup beside an MG-42 it was still thunderous everytime the guy touched it off.

Now something bad has happened. I think I have to get a .50!

A Barret is out of the question. Far to expensive for my budget. But the Armalite AR-50 looks like I could probably swing it.

Can any of you experts give me a good idea of what to expect to pay for an entry level .50 and optics. I am thinking somewhere in the $3500-$4000 range could get me started.

Any advice is appreciated.
 
ALS uppers I hear are damn good for the money.


You can find complete, new Barrett M99 setups with Bushnell Elite, bipod and case for $3300ish if you look hard enough. There's one on ARFCOM for $2800 right now.
 
The gun shop up the road from me has an AR-50 for sale. Its listed at $2999 with rail. Now if you do get one you are going to need a top of the line bipod. Thats going to run $300 at least. I was ready to but it but a Colt Anaconda and a Colt King Cobra. I went home with the revolvers so the .50 is still there.
 
As long as you're looking for a bolt gun, Serbu BFG50 retails for $2195. Claimed 2" groups at 600 yards, and 6" groups at 1000 yards.
Click to expand...

There is no way that a rifle will get 6" groups at 1000 yds reliably.

It might get a similar MOA grouping at closer range, but at that distance its ridiculous to claim.

For example, my savage is 1 MOA (1 inch group) at 100yds, meaning if I had PERFECT handloads and there were NO negative atmospheric conditions I should get a 2 MOA group at 200yds, 3 MOA at 300, 4 MOA at 400 and so on...but that doesn't mean I could get a 10 inch group at 1000 unless I had flawless handloads (which is impossible for anyone) and I was shooting in a 1000yd long airtight indoor range with no wind, and perfect atmospheric conditions.

So maybe the SERBU rifle can get 3/5 MOA at 100 and maybe out to 300 yds but its a blatant lie by the manufacturer to claim it can get a 6" (which is 3/5 MOA accuracy) group at 1000 yds except under a freak occurence.
 
Check out http://biggerhammer.net/barrett/wwwboard/.

They specialize in 50BMG and other big bangers.

From what I hear Armalite AR-50 has the one of the softest recoil. You can't go wrong with Serbu, Barrett, EDM or other brands.

Demilled loads (all mill parts except the powder) are about $219 for 150 rounds shipped.
 
Guns R Tools said:
Demilled loads (all mill parts except the powder) are about $219 for 150 rounds shipped.
Click to expand...

It'd be less if Sportsmans Guide was worth a flip...
 
I think...

If your going to do the 50 thing, buy the best that you can afford. That being said, I do not own a 50, but a few of my friends do, so I get to shoot them one in a while. I have shot the Barrett, the Armalite 50, and a few customs. My friend's father is a smith and built himself a 56 pound single shot 50 that he uses in 1000 yard matches (and he wins quite a few too).

My advice is to attend a 50 cal match and ask nicely to fire a few of them. 50 owners are mostly a friendly bunch that love to talk about their BIG rifles. I personally would offer to pay for the ammo because it is so expensive, but I doubt if anyone will take your money.

As for glass, most I have seen use the Leuopld 10-14x 50 M1 scopes, so I think that you are looking at almost a G'note right there.

Yup, you are entering some expensive territory, but from what my 50 loving friends say, if it is your thing.... its your thing.

Good luck,
-Knoxx
 
You can get a State Arms "shorty" for $1,800 and a Nightforce scope for about $1,400, that would put you at $3,200. This would give you a great rifle package that will keep you happy for a long time.

The BFG-50 will run a little more and if you look around you can find people selling AR-50's for about the same price as a BFG. Basically you're going to have to find a .50 that you like and go from there.

Whatever you do, STAY AWAY from the Vulcan/Hesse .50! If you're unsure about it ask here or Biggerhammer first, it's not worth your life to buy one.
 
exposure,
if you've resigned yourself to spending up to $4000 anyway, just go ahead and get a barrett!

i paid $5000 for the M95M with the swarovski scope. You can get single-shot barrets for less than that, or that one sans optics could be $4000.

i just checked and there are several barrett single-shot 50bmgs on gunsamerica.com for $3200.
 
There is no way that a rifle will get 6" groups at 1000 yds reliably.

It might get a similar MOA grouping at closer range, but at that distance its ridiculous to claim.

For example, my savage is 1 MOA (1 inch group) at 100yds, meaning if I had PERFECT handloads and there were NO negative atmospheric conditions I should get a 2 MOA group at 200yds, 3 MOA at 300, 4 MOA at 400 and so on...but that doesn't mean I could get a 10 inch group at 1000 unless I had flawless handloads (which is impossible for anyone) and I was shooting in a 1000yd long airtight indoor range with no wind, and perfect atmospheric conditions.
Click to expand...

Not quite right...I think you phrased it improperly. If its shoots 1 MOA at 100 yards (1") it should shoot 1 MOA at 200 (2") and 1 MOA at 300 (3"), etc.

Now if I recall correctly, the record for a 1000 yard group (shot with a .50) is UNDER 3". Difficult (VERY difficult) but not nearly impossible.
 
There is no way that a rifle will get 6" groups at 1000 yds reliably.

It might get a similar MOA grouping at closer range, but at that distance its ridiculous to claim.

For example, my savage is 1 MOA (1 inch group) at 100yds, meaning if I had PERFECT handloads and there were NO negative atmospheric conditions I should get a 2 MOA group at 200yds, 3 MOA at 300, 4 MOA at 400 and so on...but that doesn't mean I could get a 10 inch group at 1000 unless I had flawless handloads (which is impossible for anyone) and I was shooting in a 1000yd long airtight indoor range with no wind, and perfect atmospheric conditions.

So maybe the SERBU rifle can get 3/5 MOA at 100 and maybe out to 300 yds but its a blatant lie by the manufacturer to claim it can get a 6" (which is 3/5 MOA accuracy) group at 1000 yds except under a freak occurence.
Click to expand...

Yah, that's why I said "claimed" ;)

I'd be lucky to hit a human sized target at 600 yards, let alone 1000. Must have been a hell of a shooter.
 
A "human sized" target at 600 yards wouldn't be that difficult of a shot, because it's larger than you think. Even assuming you're aiming for a 10 inch by 10 inch square, 6 MOA at 600 yards would be a circle about 6.28 inches wide, and well within the boundaries of the target. I don't get to shoot that distance all that often, nor own the equipment to do so, but my iron-sighted Garand can very nearly perform that well. I got to put three rounds through a Sako TRG .338 last weekend, and after adjustment on the first shot, the second two were within maybe three or four inches of each other, I'd guess (at 565 yards).
 
Here's the link to the ALS upper, if you think a rifle can't hold sub MOA think again. In most cases the worst part of a rifles accuracy is the shooter. http://www.50bmg.net/

Here's the link to EDM ARMS, this rifle will also shoot sub MOA. The best part is that this rifle breaks down with the barrel being removed from the receiver. Return to zero is exact, their maching process is spot on. http://www.edmarms.com/main.htm

These aren't bench guns or rail guns, they're right off the factory floor.
 
If you're really interested in 50 bmg...

Hey all, first post here, good reading so far.

Exposure...if you're really interested, take the advice I read here and come to a shoot. Head over the the FCSA.org site and check us out. Find the match schedule and get to one. Ask around and you will end up shooting several rifles on the line (all capable of at LEAST 1 moa, most less, thank you) The first question we're gonna ask you when you ask "which rifle should I get?" is..."what do you plan on doing with it? Fun, comp, plink, There are a couple of under $3,000 rifles that are out of box contenders in a match...AR-50, Ferret50, State Arms. Go to the site with guys that shoot em, and enjoy a warm welcome.

Here is our tops, (Sherri Rasmussen just broke all these at Reno last week) 5 rounds, 1000yds, wind and all.

Light Gun
Lee Rasmussen
2.9104"- 8/21/2005

Heavy Gun
Skip Talbot
2.60" - 10/1999

Unlimited Gun
Paula Dierks
3.064" - 7/4/1999

Hunter - Prone (yup, laying on the ground, with a bipod)
Lee Rasmussen
4.313" - 3/4/2006

I will be at Alliance NE, introduce yourself and shoot my Ferret 50. with US Optics www.ferret50.com

windage
 
Windage,
Good to see another FCSA member on the board.

It was good to hear that another record fell, good shooting by Sheri. The FCSA page is down right now but should be back up soon. Wasn't her group size 2.85"?
 
Thanks to all for the great advice. I am kind of on information overload right now!

I thought I was relatively well versed in firearms but when I started sniffing around the web on the .50's and saw just how much information was out there I realized how little I actually know in the world of firearms.

50 Shooter, this post wasn't directed at you! It just kind of sounds like that in the title. Thanks for the good advice, and how the heck do you have a .50 in California? I thought they banned them there.

Sorry to not address everyones comments personally but again thanks for the tips, there is so much research to do.

Windage, I will check out the FCSA site, thanks!

I'll let you all know what I finally decide on.
 
Yes, they banned rifles chambered in 50BMG. But If you bought one before the dealine, you can keep it if you registered it with the CA goverment.

Now there is new chambering called 50DTC which uses same brass case trimmed and formed so it won't chamber in 50BMG chambers. Shoots same projectile, same powder, same primer. BTW Californians can still by 50BMG ammos though.

Many manufacturers are making the rifle in the new 50DTC chambers.
 
Here's the link to the ALS upper, if you think a rifle can't hold sub MOA think again. In most cases the worst part of a rifles accuracy is the shooter. http://www.50bmg.net/

Here's the link to EDM ARMS, this rifle will also shoot sub MOA. The best part is that this rifle breaks down with the barrel being removed from the receiver. Return to zero is exact, their maching process is spot on. http://www.edmarms.com/main.htm

These aren't bench guns or rail guns, they're right off the factory floor.
Click to expand...

You're trying to prove their claims by posting what THEY THEMSELVES claim?

Thats hardly a reliable source.

Plus, Manufacturers always say the rifle gets a certain group. But in actuality that rifle probably got that group ONCE, and all the other groups were much worse.

Also, a commercial websites is the last place you want go looking for 'facts'. People are either plugging and glorifying their product or paying other people to do it for them like shooting magazines or other firearm 'critis' who are really just paid for their 'opinions'.
 
Her group was a 2.58?? cannot remember the last 2 digits.

I shoot an AR50 and like it real well.
also a FCSA member

5.56
 
Now there is new chambering called 50DTC which uses same brass case trimmed and formed so it won't chamber in 50BMG chambers. Shoots same projectile, same powder, same primer. BTW Californians can still by 50BMG ammos though.
Click to expand...

.510 DTC.
 
If someone had a 1000yd indoor range, the wind variable would be removed and, most likely, many rifles would shoot 1/2min groups.

But, outdoors in the elements, the 1/2min rifle can easily turn into a 3min rifle when the wind is whippin'.

My best advise to a potential 50 owner is to decide what you want the rifle to do. Is it for competetion? Or just busting rocks (highly recommended!) Are you planning on being able to carry the thing? Do you want to shoot it offhand? Have you ever had a hernia?

I have an AR-50 and like it muchly. Being one of the softest recoiling rifles, the choice of scope isn't quite as demanding as the lighter, harder kicking ones. I have been getting by just fine for 400+rounds now with a Tasco Custom Shop 8-40X56mm. You can save a LOT of money on the glass if you pick a gentle shooter.

Yes, yes, I know. Many people say if you want to play you GOT to pay. But, if the $300 scope allows you to hit your target and doesn't fail in 5 years....are you really better off with a $1500 one? I really don't think so.

But, if you go Serbu or one of the lighter rifles that you CAN shoot from the shoulder and carry without a medical waiver (see hernia above) the scope WILL take more abuse and that might weed out the lesser makes.

However you decide to go, GET THE RIFLE FIRST. A cheap scope, even a $39 Whatever will get you shooting and you can upgrade when it fails or you want to get something better. You might be surprised how long the cheap scope lasts and how well the rocks bust!

I have NEVER seen a person shoot a 50 and not come away with a BIG grin! And, in the case of the AR-50, some snot out of the nose. The concussion clears the sinusus really well.
 
Meta,
The potential of these rifles are fact not myth, the FCSA keeps records of all this. Re-read the EDM and ALS sites and if you need more proof check with the FCSA. Better yet you can contact the owners of each company, Darran Wardle (owner of ALS) has set the records posted on his site. Bill Ritchie (owner of EDM) competes in FCSA sanctioned shoots and promotes the sport.

There are plenty of rifles that come straight from the factory that will shoot MOA or better all day long. As I said, it's usually the shooter that's the weak link in a firearms accuracy.

Exposure,
I made sure to buy both before the ban and no, I didn't think the post was directed towards me.
 
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