.50 bmg rifle reviews

[Masczek]

I'm not too sure on where to post this so if I'm in the wrong area, sorry about that.

Anyway, I'm currently putting together a research paper for firearms of the near-distant future and I'm in the need of your help. What I need to know from civilians and military personal alike is what changes they would like to see/have with ANY .50 bmg they currently use (in the past or present), or even just shot during a trip to the range. I'd like to emphasize this goes for both bolt and semi-auto rifles of any brand. You don't need to give a long answer (though they will be very appreciated) I'm just looking for a quick answer...

These are some examples of changes I'm looking at...

weight
size
length
ability to mount certain accessories
built-in accessories
recoil
design (everyone loves a good look'n boom stick)

Now keep in mind that these are only examples and that any change you want to see in the rifle you have (or shot) would be great. Also feel free to think outside the box. Hope some of you can help!

 

[edm714]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

I have shot 2 different AR uppers, AR50, 82a1, and currently have a EDM M96. The only thing I, and I'm sure many other people, would really like changed is the recoil. The recoil for those listed above really isn't bad, but if someone could build a 50 with recoil close to or similar to a 223....that would be a very popular rifle.

Weight. Size. Length. Accessory mounting.
These things are going to be fairly similar in most 50 rifles.

A 50 is heavy plain and simple(in regards to standard caliber rifles). They're going to be heavy due to barrel/stock weight. Even the "short" ones are still longer than standard caliber rifles(yes there are exceptions...custom builds etc.). In my opinion there's really no need to mount lights/grips/other accs. to a 50 other then a scope/NV/suppressor, they're heavy as it is...

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

1 - Ergonomics. Adjustable LOP, adjustable cheek rest, etc.
2 - Optics / Mounts. Picatinny rail that is long enough for various optics, NV, etc. Must have at least a 30-moa cant.
3 - Muzzle Brake. Develope a brake that doesn't produce a blast that's in your face and your optics.
4 - Barrel. Have the ability to change the barrel easily, with different barrel options i.e. length, etc.

 

[ARsR4ME]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

I have an AR50 and wish there was better ammo and easier to get ammo. It seems like we have two choices, surplus or match grade ammo. Ya there is different types but surplus or new ball ammo is 3-4 moa and the match ammo is usally 1 moa and less, there needs to be a middle grade I think. It would be awesome to buy any ammo at the big retail stores like wal-mart and such.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

Like edm, I also have an EDM M96 and love it. Recoil doesn't bother me at all, but other people are afraid of it since it is so big. However once they shoot it and can feel how effective the muzzle brake is, they change their tune. The best way I can describe it is instead of a "punching" feeling it is more of a stern "push" as it seems to last a lot longer than a standard 223 or 308. I guess 220gr of powder will take a bit longer than 45....

The only things I wish my M96 had was an adjustable cheek rest, a 10rd double-stack magazine, and a bipod farther forward (I know I can get one for ~$400, but I haven't... yet).

As above, the length and weight of just about any 50BMG is going to be a large number. That just goes with the big cartridge and I've just had to come to terms that I can't take it backpacking in the mountains.

 

[Zion4]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

I am not in the military, but I assume that for the men and women who have to lug around .50BMG's, weight may be an issue. But weight also helps with the recoil so its kind of like a plus and a minus. What I would like to see in a .50BMG is some kind of internal recoil absorption thing that would allow the gun to be a lot lighter without absolutely killing whoever is shooting the gun due to too much recoil.

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nut job</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an AR50 and wish there was better ammo and easier to get ammo. It seems like we have two choices, surplus or match grade ammo. Ya there is different types but surplus or <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000">new ball ammo is 3-4 moa</span></span> and the match ammo is usally 1 moa and less, there needs to be a middle grade I think. It would be awesome to buy any ammo at the big retail stores like wal-mart and such. </div></div>

I printed a 1.5" group at 300-meters with a Steyr HS-50 using American Eagle (Federal) XM33 Ball ammo.

 

[Masczek]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

Hey, thanks a lot for the replies! From what I've gathered here and some other places, the weight, length and recoil seem to be the three that are most common. Did find some interesting articles on a company called Leader Propulsion that designed a 50 bmg system, looks like it could have interest since they claim it has less felt recoil then a M1 Garand and is 17 lbs dry...it's uglier than hell IMO... Oh well, I guess you have to sacrifice looks for performance in some areas.

 

[old95b10]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

Will have to look at them.
But I dont know how they can do 17lbs.
I'am building a bolt action .50 now and the receiver and bolt are just under 9 lbs alone, that would leave 8 lbs for a 30" barrel and a stock. Unless they are making stuff out of some new steel I aint heard of I dont know how they could do it.
My .338 LM tips the scales at more than 15 lbs decked out with scope and such with a remington barrel that is around .830 at the muzzle brake and just 26" long. Not sayin it cant be done, I just aint sure how.

 

[Tomg]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

I had the M82A1 and I would have like to see the weight been reduced and maybe a soft check piece materail added instead of the cold metal.

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the M82A1 and I would have like to see the weight been reduced and maybe a soft check piece materail added instead of the cold metal. </div></div>

They sell the gel filled cheek pad that straps on.

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Spaceman_Spiff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not in the military, but I assume that for the men and women who have to lug around .50BMG's, weight may be an issue. But weight also helps with the recoil so its kind of like a plus and a minus. What I would like to see in a .50BMG is some kind of internal recoil absorption thing that would allow the gun to be a lot lighter without absolutely killing whoever is shooting the gun due to too much recoil. </div></div>

McMillan has a new stock on their Tac-.50 that offers substantial recoil reduction. Check out their website.

 

[old95b10]

Re: .50 bmg rifle reviews

Yeah I saw that stock.
NOT FOR ME!!!!
Watch the video and see how close the scope is to the shooters head when it comes back.
It may be all right on a .308 but the .50 dont play when shit starts hitting you in the face.
I'm sorry as it is my opinion but I never want scope bite from any rifle much less a .50 ,and that thing may be the best thing since naked lady's, but it is spooky to watch .