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Posted: 10/11/2015 5:30:30 PM EDT
I know I need to call them to discuss what options are for me, but....
Is there any reason not to? - I emailed them a few days back and he had a quick reply and they seem friendly. Their rifles look really nice in wood. Is the .50 dead or dying? - I don't see many posts here and a Google search didn't really turn up much. It seems for the last ten years every pretend badass, including myself, has been after a lapua. Now the cheytac is picking up steam as well. I guess I could buy a lapua, but it seems if I am going to buy something I don't need i may as well go big. I will probably just be plinking a bit, but want a decent rifle. |
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You can't go wrong getting a rifle from Larry. Very good quality for the price.
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Larry makes an excellent rifle - I have one and really like it (Like my AR-50 more).
Larry is a one-man shop so getting a quick answer to an e-mail sometimes has to wait for more pressing needs. Any wait you have will be well worth it. As for information, keep asking here. We will try to help all with legit questions. If more detailed answers are required, I recommend you join the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). And then joining the Members Forum which does require a paid membership to join the activities and to receive actual load data for the 50BMG cartridge. Almost all have found that the membership costs have been recovered by amount of data received and cost savings thru approved vendors. The choice is yours. |
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As long as you can go shoot when you want, get the big boy toy. Awesome firepower and a blast to shoot. But if your limited to once or twice a year then you may want to rethink your options. Best to join as oldman has pointed out. Sold mine due to back surgery awhile and miss the big boom when I did shoot it.
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I seriously considered a Lapua but when I compared prices for ammo..... well the 50 has the fun rounds API, APIT, AP, ETC. The 338 is just a standard bullet, it's cool to see a flash and hear a pop when the bullet hits from a 50.
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I've thought about the Lapua but after I got to shoot my first 50 BMG out of a Barrett I knew I was sold on it. As for ammo if you get a 50 you will want to reload especially if you're in a position to be able to shoot when you want. I live in the country and have my own property so I can shoot whenever I want to. A lot of my rock busting is with API mainly because I was able to pick up several ammo cans full of API bullets. they cost me .35 cents each and with reloading it really keeps the price down. So much so that I don't mind anyone shooting my rifle and ammo. The more people I get hooked on it the better. I agree with Oldman that the FCSA is a great resource for information on the 50 and the guys there are great. Of course here is also a good place with many folks ready to help whenever you ask. Around here in Oklahoma there are quite a few 50 owners and I see no evidence of folks getting rid of their rifles. I wish I could find someone ready to get rid of their AR-50 cheap but that is another story.
Take care |
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I sent an email off to the local range I go to for a definitive yes or no on the BMG. Else I could just drive into the desert and shoot. The time to get to a shooting place is about 30 minutes either way but I like the range, it is nice and easy. It's a 1000 yard range. I honestly shoot 6 times a year, that is how my work schedule allows. I am trying to up it some though as home projects are winding down.
I have no reloading equipment, but it isn't a real big deal, I can acquire that as time goes on and make some room in my workshop for a press. I see the kits are $300-$500 to get going maybe. Up until now I usually shoot a nice .308 or .223 at the rifle range. This rifle would obviously be bypassing a few steps going from a .308 to a .50. Seems like most recommend some rifle in between. I have a light weight .300wm for hunting so a nice heavy .300 make sense as a next rifle, but it just isn't calling my name right now like the .50 is. ETA: just got an email back. No restrictions aside from shooting their targets (the existing and maintained steel and paper boards). They said I to bring my own and verify the setup location before using it. So it looks like I am in. ETA2: I went to the fcsa.org site. What a mess. I assume if I buy a membership there is some forum I can access that is a bit more organized? |
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ETA2: The old website was dated and some members wanted an update. A new website person volunteered for the position and the site you see now is the result = I hope like hell it is changed back or further improved to make navigation easier.
Adding pictures in a manner that resulted in pics shown at correct range location was an improvement, but was limited by the website software. I provided most of the pictures for Alliance Nebraska and some pictures for the different World competitions. A membership is required for entering the Member Only area - membership info is mailed to you allowing for login and password. Then you register yet again for the Members Only Forum, creating your own login, password, and username. My username is Oldman. Sometimes due to different opinions and beliefs, we can get into pissing matches which can get interesting. In the end we all get along and learn new things. The Moderators very seldom cause problems - though I have been known to piss off a couple, resulting in a vacation from the Forum. Note that I really pissed one off to earn a vacation. We have since patched things up and are contributing again. |
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I have some development abilities if it helps at all for that website.
Going to call this afternoon and put a down payment on something. The shorty with a 30" bull barrel and a wood stock is what stands out to me, but I don't know if I will regret not getting the adjustable aluminum and 36" barrel. |
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My State Arms Shorty was purchased used and came with the optional 30" SS bull barrel in the Aluminum stock complete with bipod, monopod, and carry handle, which made for an easy to set up "tacticool" rifle.
Buy both stocks - it will be worth it in the long run. I also have a Manners carbon fiber stock for it for bench rest purposes. Have FUN, be SAFE. TRIGGER TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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I have some development abilities if it helps at all for that website. Going to call this afternoon and put a down payment on something. The shorty with a 30" bull barrel and a wood stock is what stands out to me, but I don't know if I will regret not getting the adjustable aluminum and 36" barrel. View Quote My wife and I got the Rebel with the "tactical" (metal) stock and definitely prefer that over the wood stocks we've seen. It's a GREAT rifle. I would also recommend the 36" barrel. Fish gill muzzle brake is GREAT!! |
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Good job !!!!
Now you need to go to Raton, NM to observe a FCSA 50BMG 1000 yard match and learn more than you ever thought possible. Take your camera and a notebook. Pre-write questions you need answered. Talk to Randy Powell - nice guy, two kids that also shoot - Find him -talk to him. He is usually the Match Director. Randy also owns an ammunition company and can supply you ammo at a very reasonable cost for match quality ammo. Have FUN, be SAFE, TRIGGER TIME. |
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I just called him and placed and order. Totally switched it up. Rebel with an aluminum stock. Pretty much the base gun + the monopod. Nice guy. I'm still partial to the wood stock, but there is always time for another one day or even buy a barreled action from him and try my hand at making one. http://www.statearms.com/rifles/images/details_rebelTactile2-full.png View Quote I'm not a fan of shell holder rifles but that is pretty nice. |
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There's nothing wrong with a shell holder design, they've proven themselves safe. From the Daisy 600 and the Maadi Griffin, they've proven to be safe.
Where the problems came from is the owners tinkering with the trigger trying to make the pull lighter. This is not something that you should be doing with this design. When set by the factory you should leave it and if you want to change it, ask them. People dicking with it are the ones that have had problems. A couple were OOB's because of this. So, DON'T mess with the trigger on a shell holder! Ask the factory for info about it, don't try to Bubba the trigger! |
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I just assumed it was a bit cheaper to not have to build a full bolt and receiver. I figured the lockup was just as good as the other style with some lugs.
Why is there a safety question? |
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There are no safety concerns with the State Arms action which don't apply to all other rifles, namely a "hangfire".
If the action of any rifle is opened too fast and the cartridge hen goes off, its a OOBD which can seriously hurt you. On any rifle, if you get a hangfire, wait 60 seconds before re-cocking and attempting to fire again, then wait 60 seconds again. Now the important part. After a hangfire and wait time, stand up on side opposite bolt opening. Carefully reach over with left hand for a right bolt as that positions the bolt handle such that if the cartridge would fire - the bolt position between thumb and hand is open to rear thus preventing thumb from being sheared off. By standing, your face and body are not behind the rifle. My trigger has been modified for a 1.25 pound trigger pull - non-standard pull weight. Trigger has no safety - closed the bolt when you want to fire rifle. The State Arms action is STRONG !!! |
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A very good read:
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2011/4/5/50-bmg-the-ultimate-big-bore/ Copy to your browser. or Somebody please fix for me. |
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I posted about shell holder type of rifles so that guys wanting one will have a little info on them as far as safety.
When I first started looking for a .50, two of them were shell holders. One a State Arms and the other an AMAC. Then I saw the AR-50 and I was hooked and had to have it. All three are built like tanks and I love the look of all of them. It was just the massive look of the AR-50 that had me. If I were to buy another .50, State Arms would be one at the top of my list. They have plenty of records in the FCSA database to prove how good they are. It sucks that we lost Klaus but Larry has done a great job filling his shoes. Party on! |
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Here's the link Old man.
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2011/4/5/50-bmg-the-ultimate-big-bore/ |
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That's the exact model I would purchase if buying a State Arms.
I wish they'd upgrade them to non-shell holder, something psychologically dissuades me.. |
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That's the exact model I would purchase if buying a State Arms. I wish they'd upgrade them to non-shell holder, something psychologically dissuades me.. View Quote That's never been the least issue with ours. I have never understood the attitude against shell holder bolt actions. It's not like you shoot a BMG fast anyway, and a rifle that weighs 43# doesn't need to be carried about and shot like a hunting rifle. It doesn't even have a safety--it's a TARGET RIFLE, and as such it doesn't need rapid firepower. YMMV. ::shrug:: |
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Black Friday is coming up. I was thinking a SWFA 5-20HD or 3-15. Their site says they hold up to 50 cal. How much power to buy?.
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I'd prefer the higher mag, but it's all personal bias; it certainly has enough travel
Burris XTR II has caught my eye...might be a good one to compare against |
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It's not like you shoot a BMG fast anyway View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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That's the exact model I would purchase if buying a State Arms. I wish they'd upgrade them to non-shell holder, something psychologically dissuades me.. Not necessarily.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0sdVMKQReM |
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Waiting waiting waiting
Probably a good thing since I blew my allowance savings Black Friday and need to get the money together again. |
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As for speed, with my State Arms I can put 5 aimed at 1000 yards shots down range under 2 minutes with major holdup being target puller taking his time marking the hit. I'm ready to shoot as soon as target is back up.
I'm a little faster with my AR-50. I catch my brass before it falls to prevent neck damage to my match-prepped cases. which slows me down a bit. All of my shots are carefully aimed, and I do use a Ransom machine rest for my AR-50 at 1000 yards and beyond. O.P. = great choice of rifle - give us a follow-up report after shooting it a bit, please. |
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That looks great. what was the total cost if you don't mind me asking? Can't wait for a range report.
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That looks great. what was the total cost if you don't mind me asking? Can't wait for a range report. View Quote It's no real secret. The prices are pretty straight with the website. I got the rebel with the rear monopod. Both of those plus shipping put me right at $2700 I think. The bipod it comes with is crazy nice IMO. It's probably $500+ less than the armalite all said and done (similarly equipped). Link After looking it over I have zero regrets. I ordered a Lee .50bmg reloading kit yesterday and some weaver style rings. I would have shot it already, but my rings are all picatinny and don't fit the rail. I should have been smart enough to order the right set ahead of time. I'll do a range report next Friday probably. I am not a MOA all day member so don't expect to learn about accuracy from my report. |
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Been a few years since I have been on this site, retired now due to medical issues and have way more time now to shoot and check out these sites.
You can not go wrong with one of Larry's rifles they are put together with precision and they look awesome. Larry stands behind his products and takes care of his customers. I have a few rifles built by Klause and a few built by Larry. I won a lot more matches with Larry's rifles and set a World Record with the first one he built for me. Larry really takes pride in his work and rifles and every one I shot would shoot sub MOA at 1000 yard matches and win against custom built rifles that cost almost twice as much. First 1000 yard match I shot in at Raton back in 1999 I had several other shooters on sight in day check out my State Arms rifle and shooting off sand bags. There were several of them that said I would have lots of fun and not be able to get the smile off my face BUT they said I would not be able to compete against the BIG boys if I was shooting a State Arms rifle. So I shot in Unlimited Class and Heavy Class. I got second place in Heavy class and got beat by Lynn McMurdo just barely. I won first place in Unlimited Class also and Smallest group of the match. Then I got into 1000 yard matches as often as I could afford to for years and years till the kids started College, now there all done and I can get back to shooting, that College stuff is costly. statearms.com |
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Looking forward to seeing you again this year at Alliance Nebraska FCSA 1000 yard matches.
My medical issues have deteriorated to point that I shoot terribly, but I still enjoy shooting FCSA matches because the people are so great. ************************************************************************************************** Doug = Oldman = OldmanFCSA |
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O.P.,
Nice rifle, but look into replacing the SA Muzzle brake with an Armalite AR-50 Muzzle brake - will result in about 30% less felt recoil, and can be completed without any loss of barrel length. Just my opinion as I replaced mine with the AR-50 brake and noticed the high reduction of felt recoil. YMMV. |
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As for speed, with my State Arms I can put 5 aimed at 1000 yards shots down range under 2 minutes with major holdup being target puller taking his time marking the hit. I'm ready to shoot as soon as target is back up. I'm a little faster with my AR-50. I catch my brass before it falls to prevent neck damage to my match-prepped cases. which slows me down a bit. All of my shots are carefully aimed, and I do use a Ransom machine rest for my AR-50 at 1000 yards and beyond. O.P. = great choice of rifle - give us a follow-up report after shooting it a bit, please. View Quote Excuse me "SIR" but your Target Puller is Plenty Quick.... If you would quit throwing dirt on him by hitting the berm in front of the pits, your PULLER wouldn't be busy trying to get the dirt off of himself As for the State Arms, Oldman's SA is now Mine. He has made major modifications for me, such as a Feddersen 36" Barrel, with a custom chamber. He also adapted it for an AR Tank Brake, which to me, changed the felt recoil to a much better feel. I do have back issues and the Fish Gill Brake that was originally on the SA, just wasn't efficient enough for me. The State Arms I have is a "Shorty" Action and is now bedded into the Manners Carbon Fiber Stock, for Benchrest Shooting. I am currently painting the stock and once I get it completed and back together, I'll post a picture. I still have the Aluminum Chassis that originally came with the rifle and will use it on occasion, when I'm not wanting to drag all of the benchrest equipment to the range. |
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