I purchased the M82A1. For the money...purely an investment. These will be going the way of the NFA before too long, and I'll be willing to bet that what you pay $7000+ for today will easily fetch $20,000 in the future, FWIW. I couldn't much give two hoots if it manages to strike a plate at 1000 yards less accurately than a bolt gun, it's the M82A1, if I should miss I just crank another one off without having to load another round. Additionally, when people think of the 50BMG, it's not the Armalite or Cobb or LAR that comes to mind. It's the Barrett, AKA the "STANDARD". It's the Crown Jewel of any gun collection. It's the one that raises eyebrows when you pull it from the case. Like driving a Lamborghini when you show up for the car show. YOU GOT AN M82A1???? HOLY SHIT, CAN I SHOOT IT???? LET ME HOLD IT SO MY BUD CAN GET A PICTURE OF IT WITH ME!
Won't happen with an AR50, LAR Grizzly or anything else. Sad, but true. I've seen it.
The Ma Deuce is awesome, but the fucker weighs a cool 80-some lbs and that doesn't include the tripod. Plus, you have to get linked ammo to shoot it. If I'm going to go to all that trouble, it better shoot full auto.
Regard the Barrett as the Xerox of 50BMG's. You don't go to the copy store and get a "Mita" of your document, do you?
Look at it as getting in on the ground floor of a great stock. It'll hurt the bank account like hell, but knowing you are one of
very few who own such a weapon will make it all worth it.
Trust me. If you can swing the cash, do it. You won't be sorry.