ArmaLite AR-50

The ArmaLite AR-50 is a .50 BMG, single-shot, bolt-action anti-material precision rifle manufactured by ArmaLite.

AR50A1B with 1 round
AR50A1B accessorized
ArmaLite AR-50
TypeAnti-material precision rifle
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Designed1997–2012
ManufacturerArmalite
Produced1999[1] - Present
VariantsArmalite AR-30 (smaller caliber)
Specifications
Mass34 lb (15.5 kg)
Length59.5 in (1511 mm)
Cartridge.50 BMG & .416 Barrett
Caliber12.7 mm (.50 in) & .416 Barrett
ActionBolt action
Effective firing range1,800 metres (2,000 yd)
Maximum firing range2,430 metres (2,660 yd)
SightsCan use any with Picatinny railing

Design
ArmaLite AR-50, M4 carbine and Beretta 92

The AR-50 rifle utilizes its weight and a large, fluted muzzle brake to reduce recoil. The AR-50 weighs approximately 34 pounds and is a single-shot bolt-action rifle. The barrel is thick and rigid, to prevent it from flexing. All AR-50 barrels use 1:15 right hand rifling.

The receiver features Armalite's octagonal design, which strengthens the receiver against flexing. The receiver is bedded to the V-shaped stock, whilst the barrel is free-floated above the forend. The three piece AR-50 stock is constructed from aluminum and features an extruded forend, as well as a skeleton butt stock with a removable and vertically adjustable butt plate.

This rifle was updated to the AR50-A1B model, which featured a smoother action, a new bolt stop that can be depressed by hand to release the bolt, and a more heavily reinforced muzzle brake. The AR50-A1B was designed for long-range shooting, primarily firing the .50 BMG round.

The rifle is manufactured in several configurations:

  • AR-50A1B, chambered for standard .50 BMG
  • AR-50A1L, chambered for standard .50 BMG, left-handed version
  • AR-50-A1BNM, chambered for standard .50 BMG with refinements for using match grade ammunition
  • AR-50-A1B-416, chambered for .416 Barrett

Advertising

Armalite was criticized in 2014 by the Italian Minister of Culture for running an advertisement depicting Michelangelo's David holding an AR-50A1. He urged the company to withdraw it and sent a legal notice. The government holds a copyright and Italian law "says that the aesthetic value of the work cannot be distorted," according to the director of the Accademia Gallery.[2] The corporate parent of Armalite, Strategic Armory Corps, issued a statement apologizing for the advertisement, which it said was in "poor taste" and had been dropped.[3][4]

gollark: People somehow don't realize the difference between "WiFi" and "an internet connection".
gollark: > Goddamn wifido you even networking.
gollark: You should stop doing eye-damagey stuff until you get them.
gollark: They'll still probably always be more expensive than eye protection.
gollark: Not with current technology, unfortunately.

See also

References
  1. AR50 Press Release from Internet Archive. Retrieved on November 12, 2007.
  2. "Italy up in arms over Michelangelo's David rifle advert". BBC. 8 March 2014.
  3. Curry, Colleen (March 10, 2014). "Gunmaker Arms Michelangelo's David Statue With Rifle, Angers Italy". ABC News.
  4. "ArmaLite's response to Michelangelo's David holding an ArmaLite AR-50A1" (Press release).

Sources
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