ArmaLite AR-50

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

AR50A1B with 1 round
AR50A1B accessorized
ArmaLite AR-50
TypeAnti-materiel 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]

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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