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Posted: 8/7/2007 2:19:44 PM EDT
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My family is wanting th throw some money together to get a .50 rifle. We have ALOT of land and thought it would be fun to make some long range shots on it... What would be a good rifle to go with, I want long range and tight groups. Size, weight, and kick dont bother me. Also would a high powered scope in the $500-800 range be good enough to handle a .50cal? Say leupold, IOR, or Zeiss... |
I'm a big fan of the Bluegrass Armory Viper. (I have a green one.  )$2600 direct from BGA. www.bluegrassarmory.com  |
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I am very, very happy with my State Arms .50 BMG rifle. It is a single-shot, bolt-operated shellholder design that has proven to be very accurate in FCSA matches. Larry makes each rifle individually from a build-sheet, and he will do whatever you want. Mine is a Shorty, but with a stainless barrel, monopod, and elevation built into the scope mount. http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/3959/statearmsfifty001nr7.th.jpg It would run you around 2k for the rifle, and the wait was just three months. I especially like the design of the State Arms because I am left-eye dominant. I can shoot either way, but lefty didn't look like it would be comfy with the Viper or Barrett 99 with the aluminum stock having a bolt-handle channel where your cheek would rest. |
The Viper is available as a left hand model for no additional charge. (see the picture above) |
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I have a Viper on order and did some research before buying, but have no firsthand experience - yet. Having said that, I would say the Viper will generally be slightly more accurate than a Barrett or a SERBU. Of course, the right ammo and the shooter are big factors. As for scopes, if you want to save some $$, you might go with a Supersniper, avaialable from SWFA. IOR does make some excellent scopes with great optics and should be able to withstand a .50. Leupolds should also hold up. Of course the goldstandard is the Nightforce, but they are pricey. |
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I have the black Viper with a 10X IOR and I love it! It will shoot as good as me, and has given me no trouble. I have had two rounds that wouldn't chamber (too tight) but other than that, it's a blast to shoot. My kids love it when the concussion blows their hair back when they are standing behind me and I touch one off. A friend has the Barret 99 with a 10X Bushnell Elite, but he went with the 20X SS. I will admit the brake adapter is more efficient on the Barret, and I think his trigger is lighter, but I love mine just the same. No matter which one you get, it definitely draws attention when you squeeze the trigger. |
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You should decide on what type of "portability" you want with this weapon. I own and Armalite AR-50 and love it. But, you'll be over 40lbs in weight on this rifle by the time you scope it out, add a bipod/monopod. They can be had for as little as $2,300 (search gunbroker.com) and range up to $2,600+. The AR-50 will provide the least recoil of any of the .50s on the market to date. The weight, and very effective muzzle brake, make this happen. My 7lb .308 hunting rifle produces more felt "kick" than the AR-50 does. I've heard many good things about the other rifles discussed here including the Viper, Barrett and the AR-15 .50bmg uppers available. In the end...you have a 50...just decide how mobile you want to be with it. Scopes. Many out there and many opinions to go along with them. On the inexpensive side...Hakko Super Sniper offered through SWFA.com. $299. I have 225 rounds through my AR-50 with zero "no pun intended" issues. Other will stanchly warn you away from these. The Leupolds, IORs, USOptics, ect are great scopes and carry warranties if they break. Check for "okay to use with .50bmg" when you purchase a scope with a warranty. Depending on how deep your pockets are, consider the savings seen in each rifle and look at ammo. Unfortunately, ammo costs have risen substantially and unless you reload, you'll be paying over $3.00 a round for the surplus/basic ammo available. Something to consider if you plan on shooting the .50 a lot. |
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