One popped up for sale locally, and the former owner and I worked out a deal. It’s brand new never fired. I’ll need scope rings, a scope, ammo, etc. as this is now my only .50 BMG right now. I had an Armalite AR-50 years ago but that had to go to fund  other projects.

What are recommendations on scope rings and a scope that can reliably withstand the recoil? I’d optimally like to keep the scope in the $500 or so range unless a few hundred extra will get me much further in quality. I think 14x would be adequate. It will mainly be used in the 100-300 yard range with the occasional use to 1,000 range. I know the M82A1s are not known for their inherent accuracy and I won’t be shooting it all that often, so I don’t think a very expensive scope is warranted for my situation.

How about ammo? From what I’ve been reading, A-Max is very accurate if reloading is not available but does not cycle? Survivalops is good for plinking?

Update 9/20: I ended up increasing my scope budget and purchased a Steiner T5Xi. I think I’ll appreciate the variable magnification. I have Badger scope rings on another rifle. Has anyone ever used the Barrett Zero Gap Rings? I’ll have to purchase a 34mm scope lapping kit as well since all I have is 1” and 30mm lapping equipment.

I put a 3X15 SS in Badger Max 50 rings and have had good results. I don't have a lot of rounds on it though.

I’ve shot a little Amax through mine. No issues cycling. Didn’t shoot for groups tho, so no idea on accuracy potential.

SWFA x10

If you're mainly shooting only to 300 yards any ammo will do.

I like the older 30 mm Leupolds 4-14 to 8.5-25.   This guy has one that would fit your need.    https://www.ar15.com/forums/equipment-exchange/Leupold-Mark-4-4-5-14x50mm-LR-T-600/163-1797300/

Leupold MK4 or Badger steel rings is all I care to deal with.

I've got a couple of fixed 16Xs that also work well but would need to double your budget.

Had a Swfa SS 20X with seekins steel rings on my Safety Harbors 50 BMG w/22 inch barrel. Never an issues. EE section usually has the x16 or x20 for sale. New they are $299.95 for scope. Worked fine shooting 100 yards.

Update in OP

My 82 came with a NF SHV in Barretts zero gap rings , no problems here.

Be careful lapping Barrett rings, they don't recommend it. Neither does Nightforce.
The Amax can be very accurate In an 82.
I have a load using 223 gr of H50BMG that does very well. I have had no issue cycling with these.
The factory Hornady Amax rounds work very well also, but they are pricey.

Nightforce Magmount, 3 points of contact, work well on the bruisers.

I have barrett rings on the 82.
They're great.
Don't lap them, they aren't supposed to be lapped. They've already been precision cut to fit your scope.