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Posted: 3/1/2007 2:35:33 AM EDT
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UPDATE I have already decided single shot is the way to go for me. Now I'd just like to discuss WHICH single shot .50 would be best mix of value and function I am in the infancy of saving/researching buying a .50 Cal. I keep hopping back and forth across the fence between a single shot and a bolt repeater.(I don't want a semi-auto) The single shot is appealing because it seems a couple of companies offer their single shots with longer barrels and I figure if I am going to own a HUGE rifle I might as well get every fps out of it. However, I also really like the idea of a repeater(even if only a 3 round mag) for the sheer fun and challenge of quick follow ups. SO...my question(s) is this... How do those of you who bought single shot .50 cal feel about them now? Do you regret not saving for a repeater? Did you sell it to get a repeater? Do you just love the shit out of the single shot rifle you own? Those of you who were on the fence between bolt repeater or single shot before you bought a .50 caliber what finally pushed you to get the rifle you got, be it single or repeating? Finally, IBTBBC(In Before The Buy Both Crowd)  I'm only buying one.FOR NOW |
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I have the AR-50, a single shot. I really enjoy shooting it and do not regret buying a single shot. I see advantages to the sinlge shot as the action is stiffer due to no second opening for the magazine. Also, the cost for a repeater goes WAY up inless you get one of the AR upper models which I do not really like. I shoot paper and some steel and do not have a need for quick follow-up shots. Should I find a need for a repeater, it will probably be a semi-automatic. Also, the bolt throw in a 50 BMG rifle is LONG - it would be difficult to ever get a quick follow-up shot due to this and the single loading would be almost as fast as a repeating bolt gun. For my money, the AR-50 with bipod, scope base, and scope rings for $2600 was and is the way to go. And yes it is LONG, measuring about 61.5". |
+1, the AR-50 is a excellent rifle. Unlike a 308.The rifle can be loaded rather quick due to the length of the cartridge. The 50 cartridge is like handling a small section pipe. 
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I think either the Barett or Armalite is a good single shot choice. I got the AR-50. At first I was trying to save up for a Barett repeater but at 2x or 3x the cost I am glad I did not. To be frank 50 BMG is quite the rush. Yep I am missing the blasting effect of dumping a whole mag but I could not see doing that very accurately anyway at all @ 300 yards. And ammo is expensive and hard to come buy these days. So it all the matter of how much cash you got to blow. I have no regrets going with a single shot. |
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I know where there's an AR-50 for sale right now if you want it, price is $2,800. I'll have to contact the owner if interested. Other then that there really isn't any advantage in owning a repeater in 50 BMG, you could shoot X number of rounds faster with a single shot if you were just going for speed. I think I would go with a semi if I was going to buy a repeater. |
I wish I had that to unload right now. It will be a while before I seriously try to find one for sale.(I also may buy an AR lower before hand if HB1022 moves anywhere) |
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Serbu BFG www.serbu.com State Arms/Eastridge Arms www.statearms.com |
Well, I've been happy with my Barrett M99 for the short time Ive had it. For single shot 50s the AR50 and M99 seem to be the most popular...? I guess it just depends on personal preference. I prefer the Barrett for the shorter length. I also just like having a Barrett because of the good things I've heard about customer service and the knowledge that they will probaly be around for quite some time. The same could probably be said for Armalite though. |
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I don't have a lot of experience with it yet, but this is my Ferret50 upper on a Safety Harbor Firearms lower. From the early returns I can tell you that I think I will be Very happy with it . 29" barrel, hybrid chamber.  ETA I'd suggest joining fcsa and look around there....lots of good info. From an ownership poll of under $4000 rifles, Armailte is first , followed by Ferret and then Barret, but as I said before, most of the mfgs I checked into were rated well by the owners as long as they bought what was suited to their interests. |
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I started with an AR50 and always wanted a repeater. I managed to pick up a Harris/pre-McMillan repeater and didn't care for it. Since I shot in competition I spent alot of money for reloading tools that produced low runout on my ammo. Since we shoot single shot only, the mag is not needed and I wouldn't want to run my match ammo out of a mag and up a feed ramp anyways. Especially after all the work I did on them. I ended up building a custom rifle on a single shot action. If you want fast follow up shots you will have to wait for the dust to clear anyways.
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Let me know how that works out for ya? btw...what made you choose the Ferret upper? |
I wanted a single shot as my first 50 and had narrowed it down to just a couple as filling the bill. It could have gone either way as I've gotten good feedback on most of the 50 BMG rifles I've checked out, but I talked with Dave at length and just felt really comfortable with his answers to my questions. I'm no expert but I have been working on rifles of my own for quite some time and he didn't mind going into great detail with me on whatever I chose to ask about. Time will tell, but the recoil is very mild and it only took 3 rounds to go from boresight to zero at 200 yds. Even the surplus stuff was doing ok but I'll be moving out to 600 with handloads in the next week or so...as time allows. I'm more of a group shooter than rock blaster and I'm thinking it will suit me just fine. |
Why the secrecy? How much less? |
That's one I hadn't run across. Thanks. |
what about EDM Arms SS99? mine is very accurate and feels great. the portability is nice too. this is a first class unit with no doubt.    |
HAH! I have seen you post that in other threads and it does in fact make me drool. If I was more serious about tight groups and competitions and could load my own match ammo AND could afford the rifle in the first place I'd be all over it! HAHA...that's alot of variables I am not in control of right now though. Rifles in the Sebu, AR-50, and Barret M-99 are more in my price range at this point so I can use money I didn't spend on a high end rifle to buy practice/play ammo and possibly a reloading kit. If I decide, in the future, super accurate long range .50 shooting is something I am REALLY into(and can better afford it) I'll look into upgrading rifles. By then I should have a reloading set-up and more knowledge on the .50 and where I'm wanting to upgrade to. Thanks for the pics, BTW! |
I'm also for the AR-50 I bought mine and love it. I got the Silver one. Very little recoil and it eats what ever I feed it with no problem and even with surplus FN ammo I get very tight groups. Much better than I ever thought I would get. I have only had 400 yrds to shoot so far but it is a great single shot rifle that you will not be dissapointed in buying. If I had to choose another 50 it would be a toss-up of either the Barrett or the www.bluegrassarmory.com Viper. 
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That's just his anti-rattlesnake vest for when he's shooting prone. |
No I had just gotten it from a friend and layed it on the table and didn't even think about it until after I posted the pic and seen it laying there. I was lucky ebough to be buying ammo and reloading supplies for years before I bought my 50 I have approx 2500 once fired cases that I have bought since them and also 300 rds of new ammo so I am pretty set on my reloading stuff except now I NEED PRIMERS. I can't find them anywhere around where I live. I work at a local gun shop and I can't even get them in from our dealers. |
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