Armalite

[jason925]

Does anyone have an ar50 and if so would recommend one to someone else. I have the 50 bmg itch but I don?t know if I want to blow 10 grand plus on a Barrett. The semi auto would be cool but it?s probably going to live in the safe so a bolt action might be worth the saving. I am just looking for options , brands and real word experiences. I know we have to have a few members with 50 bmg experience. Also I could use recommendations on scopes and a good press.

[bwiese]

Jason925,

You cannot acquire a new ".50BMG rifle" in California. They are treated
essentially the same as 'assault weapons' in CA - have been banned/
restricted in CA since 2004. In CA, a '.50BMG rifle' cannot be constructed,
and must have been registered specially with DOJ back in 2004 timeframe;
there are specific destination restrictions on transport + locked container
requirements, over-18yo-lending restrictions, etc - just like AWs.

There are some other very similar-performing chamberings/calibers that are
legal, however - like .510DTC and 416 Barrett. These which are unbanned
and 'just normal rifles'. I am unclear if Armalite makes any of these 50BMG
alternatives.

[jason925]

Sorry I should’ve said I have escaped ca.I know cal guns has a wealth of knowledge just looking for some of it be for I spend that king of money and regret it or wish I would’ve bought x instead of y

[ACfixer]

Sorry I should?ve said I have escaped ca.I know cal guns has a wealth of knowledge just looking for some of it be for I spend that king of money and regret it or wish I would?ve bought x instead of y

Buy once cry once Jason, Barrett makes a bolt action single shot for $5K. It's only about a grand more than the Armalite (which is probably a good rifle) but you'll have a Barrett.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/977936949

Or a bolt action mag fed bullpup for $7K

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/980268516

[Divernhunter]

I have a AR50 and like it. Very accurate. More accurate than the Barret 99 I shot.
I also have a Bluegrass Armory Viper but tend to shoot the AR50 more.

[sigstroker]

The Armalite is a tank. Once upon a time I ordered one. After it arrived I realized I had nowhere to shoot it. The gunshop I ordered it through said I could back out if I wanted to (before I ordered it) because they were sure they could easily sell it. It definitely looks overbuilt, which is good. Storing and transporting it are going to be less than fun.

The Barrett bolt guns are bullpup type, so easier to store and transport.

For reloading, you need all new everything. I never intended to reload and just bought a buttload of surplus ammo. I didn't plan on precision 2000 yard shooting, just blowing the crap out of stuff.

[jason925]

I kinda want buy once cry once. But I heard Barrett has name recognition and good resale vale. Doubt I would ever sell it but as far as accuracy there’s better guns. I have heard nothing but good about the ar50. I was wanting to keep and open mind so I didn’t over look one brand that’s worth considering

[the_tunaman]

Dammit… someone posted on on a local board here and I was intrigued, but was able to resist (so far anyway - this thread doesn’t help!).

I saw that Sportsman’s has them for just under $3k, so sounds like they are a pretty good option.

[edgerly779]

No 50,bmg in ca. OP is either clueless or not in this state. We are shooting .50 dtc now.

[CSACANNONEER]

IMHO, the AR50 is the best economical, out of the box, competition ready 50 on the market. I highly recommend joining the FCSA BEFORE you make your decision. Our members only forum and Very High Power magazine are great resources. I would also suggest attending a FCSA match talk with the shooters, look at their rifles, etc. If you want to attend the Coalinga, CA match in June, let me know. I might be able to work out a way for you to shoot the match. Yes, we hold a match in CA and almost all the rifles are 50BMG. We do have a few DTCs that show up from time to time but, even in CA, we mainly shoot BMGs.

[CSACANNONEER]

Buy once cry once Jason, Barrett makes a bolt action single shot for $5K. It's only about a grand more than the Armalite (which is probably a good rifle) but you'll have a Barrett.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/977936949

Or a bolt action mag fed bullpup for $7K

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/980268516

I'd cry if I ended up with a Barret instead of an AR50 or several other makes. I don't see the need to pay for a 50 that won't shoot better than 2moa or even a 99 that is overpriced for what it is. There are many reasons you won't see many 99s at FCSA matches but, you'll see a lot of AR50s.

[DaveInOroValley]

No 50,bmg in ca. OP is either clueless or not in this state. We are shooting .50 dtc now.

Guess you missed post #3:

"Sorry I should?ve said I have escaped ca.I know cal guns has a wealth of knowledge just looking for some of it be for I spend that king of money and regret it or wish I would?ve bought x instead of y

[50BMGBOB]

I also shoot an AR50 and love it. I have also shot several different Barrett's and other than the name or if you spend enough for the smile factor of a semi the Armalite will out shoot the Barrett.

Like CSACANNONEER said, if you can, attend a FCSA match and you will see several other good shooting options.

[jason925]

Thanks Csa for the offer and I would take you up on it in a heartbeat but I am in’s southwest mo. Tunaman can you post me a link or pm me where you are finding them for that price. Every time I go to sportsman’s they say out of stock and everyone else wants about 4g. I am just looking for a toy to pull out of the safe and shot once a year and giggle like a little school girl.

[ACfixer]

I'd cry if I ended up with a Barret instead of an AR50 or several other makes. I don't see the need to pay for a 50 that won't shoot better than 2moa or even a 99 that is overpriced for what it is. There are many reasons you won't see many 99s at FCSA matches but, you'll see a lot of AR50s.

Right... you'd cry if you had a Barrett. and you read what from the OP saying he wanted to enter a competition with it?

Sometimes you just want to own the cool gun, nothing wrong with that.

I am just looking for a toy to pull out of the safe and shot once a year and giggle like a little school girl.

Barrett better fit and finish... lighter gun. Sexier safe queen. IMO of course.