Impressions of AR-50

[MTMilitiaman]

My brother decided college wasn't for him, at least the present moment, and the local Army recruiter made him an offer he couldn't refuse. My brother is shipping off to Fort Benning on Wed. Because he is infantry, he got a decent signing bonus and partially because of the ruckus in Kommifonia and partially because he is simply curious about such things, he is planning on both an AR-50 topped with a NXS and a lifetime membership to the FCSA. He asked me to ask anyone with experience that I could think of how this system sounded as an economical entry into the world of .50 caliber rifles so I would like to know your general impressions of the Armalite AR-50. I also have a personal interest because I plan on joining after college and Armalite says they make a left-hand model so if my brother's experience with his is favorable, I could see a chunk of any money I get out of the deal going towards a similar system. Thanks.

[50 Shooter]

I like mine, have the same set up. I don't know if he bought the accessories for it or not but Darin a.k.a. Prince50 makes them for Armalite, here's his website www.50cal.cjb.net .

They have a very mild recoil, you can shoot it all day and never feel beat up. It will hold MOA with quality ammo and the shooter doing his part also. If you need a bore guide contact AZ Ammo www.azammo.com they also sell complete cleaning kits. Another company to look at is AAA Ammunition www.aaa-ammo.com they sell bore guides and cleaning kits for .50's also.

If you don't like the trigger it's the same as a Rem. 700, any gunsmith can change it out for a custom one.

[FullClip]

The advertised recoil of the AR-50 is one of the very few truths in advertising you will find!! First time I touched mine off, I had the strap on PAST recoild pad, a weeks worth of dirty sox and other padding stuffed under my jacket. I was both relieved and a little disapointed when it didn't dislocate my shoulder!!;g Can shoot it longer than you can afford to feed it unless you just won the lottery.

But, as advertised, it is friggin' LOUD!!
Haven't had the chance to really wring it out at long ranges, but no compalints so far, with 300 yards and junk surplus ammo. Too bad they woud't alter the stock a bit to allow the cheek piece to fit either left or right handers. For a single shot bolt action, think feeding from the left, while shooting right handed would be easier for the rarely needed follow up shot.

[WERA49]

I'm very fond of my AR-50, see website. It seems well built. The stock really is a machine rest with a recoil pad, as Armalite says. I've had it apart a couple of times.

My scope is crap. I should have a Night Force for it this spring.

This is the way it currently looks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/AR-50_Fan/Guns/Rifles/Dscn1923.jpg

[Washington,D.C.]

A friend built a 50 rifle and used an AR-50 muzzle brake.That seems to work well.I've heard the factory bipod isn't very strong.

[50 Shooter]

The "old" factory bipod was a Harris and way to wimpy for the AR-50's weight. The new one is a modified version of the M60 bipod and can more then handle the AR-50.

[RenegadeGlocker]

I have a left-handed AR-50 (AR-50L). Nice gun. Get the Prince Bipod, and the Monopod.