.. and my research starts.... now

[islandermyk]

I'm looking into getting a .50bmg rifle (semi or bolt action). It's not gonna happen anytime soon I know, but when the time is right I would like to know what I'm looking for when I drop some serious $$$$ for it and then into it. I'm not trying to go over $10,000 on it, and that's without a scope basically... but I would also like to be able to pay $3000 for a decent one as well (if there is such a deal out there).

I have no idea what is the ideal .50 bmg used for tactical, long-distance, etc... It will be more likely used for smacking steel pass 1000 yards for sure and my crazy ass would probably try for 2 miles if it was possible/if i'm capable.

So I turn to all of you for some words of wisdom.

I would like to get some manufacture names of .50 bmg's that have detachable mags semi or bolt action works for me. This will also help me keep reference of what to keep an eye out for... and please add companies I should stay away from as well.

What is the preferable barrel length and twist? Weight is not really an issue... Please be realistic. I'm looking for a cannon that I can throw on my shoulder and carry around, and not have to mount it on to a vehicle to be mobile

This is all I have in mind... for now.
I greatly appreciate your time and patience, and I'm really looking forward to getting some feedback.

 

[eracer]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

If I wanted to stay under $10K, and wanted an accurate magazine-fed semi-auto .50 BMG, I would buy a Serbu BFG-50 rifle and a Nightforce scope. The rifle weighs 23 lbs, and has an excellent muzzle brake.

$6500.00 for the rifle, and $2500 for the scope.

I don't like bullpups. There are some accurate and inexpensive rifles based on the AR platform, but I don't think they will hold up under sustained fire. The Serbu may not win Light Rifle competitions, but it will be plenty accurate for some serious long-range fun. (Or so I've heard...)

Barrett is a recognized leader, but their rifles are more expensive.

Accuracy International is top-notch, but again, you're talking $11K just for the rifle.

Ferret Industries is making some noise for its rifles 'loosely' based on the AR platform. Around $4500 will get you what is proving to be a very accurate weapon.

(Disclaimer: I don't own a .50 BMG myself, but I have been a member of FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooter's Association) for several years, and I learn a lot from their quarterly magazine, 'Very High Power.' I recommend joining FCSA if you intend to shoot the big .50

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eracer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
(Disclaimer: I don't own a .50 BMG myself, but I have been a member of FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooter's Association) for several years, and I learn a lot from their quarterly magazine, 'Very High Power.' I recommend joining FCSA if you intend to shoot the big .50 </div></div>

Still very cool... thank you!

It's more info than I have. Never heard of some of the names you've brought up... and I will check FCSA out...

Thanks again for the great info!

 

[tylerw02]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: islandermyk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking into getting a .50bmg rifle (semi or bolt action). It's not gonna happen anytime soon I know, but when the time is right I would like to know what I'm looking for when I drop some serious $$$$ for it and then into it. I'm not trying to go over $10,000 on it, and that's without a scope basically... but I would also like to be able to pay $3000 for a decent one as well (if there is such a deal out there).

I have no idea what is the ideal .50 bmg used for tactical, long-distance, etc... It will be more likely used for smacking steel pass 1000 yards for sure and my crazy ass would probably try for 2 miles if it was possible/if i'm capable.

So I turn to all of you for some words of wisdom.

I would like to get some manufacture names of .50 bmg's that have detachable mags semi or bolt action works for me. This will also help me keep reference of what to keep an eye out for... and please add companies I should stay away from as well.

What is the preferable barrel length and twist? Weight is not really an issue... Please be realistic. I'm looking for a cannon that I can throw on my shoulder and carry around, and not have to mount it on to a vehicle to be mobile

This is all I have in mind... for now.
I greatly appreciate your time and patience, and I'm really looking forward to getting some feedback.




</div></div>

With your intended goals, I'd look at a .338 of some flavor.

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

[/quote] With your intended goals, I'd look at a .338 of some flavor. [/quote]

I did look at that and was suggested to go for the .50 BMG rather than the .338.
The argument starts with the variety of ammo a .50 has (tracers, incendiary, etc..)that .338 don't.... and so on.. not really looking to have an argument here between the 2 which I think both are actually awesome rounds.
My mind is pretty set for a .50 right now... and would like to know a little bit more about'em like how I kinda know about .308's.

Thank you for your feedback and suggestion though...

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

My first .50 was a Vulcan. Low end, removable bolt. But fun and accurate. Mine is built like a tank. They got a lot of bad press online, for some reason. People claimed they blew up and were junk. But noone ever posted real proof... it was more of the "if it isn't a Barrett or a Serbu, then it must be a POS. But mine has been great and it got me into the big .50 for cheap.

In 2008, I splurged and bought an M82 Barrett Semi. It's just the cats you-know-what. But I still have the Vulcan.

If you want to get your feet wet and start playing with the round... take a look at a Vulcan. You can get one for about $1300 and maybe less if you look. There are always some on Gunbroker.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sirhrmechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My first .50 was a Vulcan. Low end, removable bolt. But fun and accurate. Mine is built like a tank. They got a lot of bad press online, for some reason. People claimed they blew up and were junk. But noone ever posted real proof... it was more of the "if it isn't a Barrett or a Serbu, then it must be a POS. But mine has been great and it got me into the big .50 for cheap.

In 2008, I splurged and bought an M82 Barrett Semi. It's just the cats you-know-what. But I still have the Vulcan.

If you want to get your feet wet and start playing with the round... take a look at a Vulcan. You can get one for about $1300 and maybe less if you look. There are always some on Gunbroker.

Cheers,

Sirhr </div></div>

Damn... I wish Vulcan had one that's magazine fed... looks like some solid stuff. I like the V50SS-200... wish they had something that's magazine fed... I'd get one by next month

Thanks for the info!!!

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

I'm also wondering what is an ideal barrel twist for a .50 BMG?
I've noted that my .308 rifles with a 11.25 or a 12 twist rate can take what ever load from 147 to 175 and spit them out effectively. I've noticed most of these .50's are at 15 twist rate... is this good for Surplus to Match ammo?

 

[Wolvenhaven]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

I've heard a lot of good things about these guy's rifles.

http://www.rndrifles.com/

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolvenhaven</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard a lot of good things about these guy's rifles.

http://www.rndrifles.com/ </div></div>

I made a mess on the floor looking at this...
out of my budget... damn.. these guys are local... I wonder if they'd cut a discount for me?

Thanks for the info... I've got this saved on my favorites... just in case...

 

[jimmykm21]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

You could just go with a basic Barrett M99 .

Single shot , pretty damn accurate and won't break the bank.

And to answer if asked, yea I have one.

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jimmyk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You could just go with a basic Barrett M99 .

Single shot , pretty damn accurate and won't break the bank.

And to answer if asked, yea I have one. </div></div>

If I had to pick an affordable Barret it would be a Model 95... and if I had the patience of a saint it be the 82A1 semi...

I looked at that Serbu... and that's another one I would consider as well...

I'm kinda worried about the rifle twist... How does you Barret take surplus and match ammo?

Sh*t.. I'm still unfamiliar with grains of a .50 bmg..

 

[Lowlight]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

.50 Cals, Are just like Kids,

They're a good idea at the time...

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.50 Cals, Are just like Kids,

They're a good idea at the time... </div></div>

copy that... I have no kids yet... but I think I get what your saying..

for a short or long term... it'll be pretty fun trying to shoot out pass 1500 yards...

 

[jimmykm21]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

It shoots the surplus stuff fine , Lake city ball some other 667 grain stuff I picked up . I would have to look at all the head stamps to tell you all of them.

Hornady Amax 750 grain is the best I have put thought it.
It's very good ammo if you're looking for groups. If it's just punching steel. Any kind will do.

 

[islandermyk]

Re: .. and my research starts.... now

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jimmyk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It shoots the surplus stuff fine , Lake city ball some other 667 grain stuff I picked up . I would have to look at all the head stamps to tell you all of them.

Hornady Amax 750 grain is the best I have put thought it.
It's very good ammo if you're looking for groups. If it's just punching steel. Any kind will do.

</div></div>

That is really good to know stuff right there... thank you!