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{{Infobox firearm
{{Infobox firearm
|name= Armalite AR-50
|name= ArmaLite AR-50
|image= [[File:ArmaLite AR50 A1 APA Accessories.jpg|300px]]
|image= [[File:ArmaLite AR50 A1 APA Accessories.jpg|300px]]
|caption=
|caption=
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|design_date= 1997 - 2012
|design_date= 1997 - 2012
|manufacturer= [[Armalite]]
|manufacturer= [[Armalite]]
|unit_cost=
|unit_cost= August, 2016 MSRP $3359.00 for base AR-50A1B
|production_date= 1999<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010603133339/www.armalite.com/library/pressReleases/AR50press_release.htm AR50 Press Release from Internet Archive.] Retrieved on November 12, 2007.</ref> - Present
|production_date= 1999<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010603133339/www.armalite.com/library/pressReleases/AR50press_release.htm AR50 Press Release from Internet Archive.] Retrieved on November 12, 2007.</ref> - Present
|number=
|number=
|variants= [[Armalite AR-30]] (smaller caliber)

<!-- General specifications -->
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight= 34 lb (15.5 kg)
|weight= 34 lb (15.5 kg)
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<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge= [[.50 BMG]] & [[.416 Barrett]]
|cartridge= [[.50 BMG]] & [[.416 Barrett]]
|caliber= .500" bore diameter across the lands/.510" bullet diameter for [[.50 BMG]] .416 bullet diameter for [[.416 Barrett]]
|caliber=[[12 mm caliber|12.7 mm]] (.50 in) & [[.416 Barrett]]
|action= [[Bolt action]]
|action= [[Bolt action]]
|rate=
|rate=
|velocity=
|velocity=
|range=
|range=
|max_range= 2,430 meters (2,657 yards) with proper optics

|capacity= 1 round (in chamber)<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040402032727/www.armalite.com/sales/catalog/rifles/ar50.htm AR50 Page from Internet Archive.] Retrieved on November 12, 2007.</ref>
|capacity= 1 round (in chamber)<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040402032727/www.armalite.com/sales/catalog/rifles/ar50.htm AR50 Page from Internet Archive.] Retrieved on November 12, 2007.</ref>
|sights= Can use any with [[Picatinny rail]]ing
|sights= Factory-installed dovetailed rail-style scope mount with optional MOA angles available. No provisions for other sight installations. }}
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}}

The '''ArmaLite AR-50''' is a single-shot bolt-action rifle manufactured by [[Armalite]].
The '''ArmaLite AR-50''' is a single-shot [[bolt-action]] target and [[sniper rifle]] manufactured by [[ArmaLite]].

[[File:AR50 round thumbs up.jpg|thumb|AR50A1B with 1 round]]
[[File:AR50 round thumbs up.jpg|thumb|AR50A1B with 1 round]]
[[File:AR50 ready.jpg|thumb|AR50A1B accessorized]]
[[File:AR50 ready.jpg|thumb|AR50A1B accessorized]]
==Design==
==Design==
⚫
[[File:AR50 A1B.jpg|thumb|right|ArmaLite AR-50, [[M4 carbine]] and [[Beretta 92]]]]
{{refimprove section|date=December 2016}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 200
| image1 = AR50 A1B.jpg
⚫
| caption1 = ArmaLite AR-50, [[M4 carbine]] and [[Beretta 92]]
| image2 = Armalite AR-50 of Royal Malaysian Navy (Close-up).JPG
| caption2 = fluted muzzle brake
⚫
| image3 = ArmaLite AR50 A1B 50 BMG.jpg
| caption3 =
⚫
}}
The AR-50 family of rifles (currently produced as the AR-50A1) utilize significant weight and large, fluted muzzle brakes to reduce recoil. When firing "light" loads, the muzzle brake has very little effect on recoil as muzzle gas volume is insufficient to make the brake effective. As power levels are increased, an attentive shooter can feel the muzzle brake become more effective. In the upper ranges of cartridge power, an attentive shooter will notice the rifle is initially pushed rearward immediately upon firing before being stopped in recoil and possibly even pulled forward slightly by the muzzle brake.


[[File:AR50 A1B 50BMG.jpg|thumb|right]]
Weights for the single-shot, bolt-action AR-50 begin at approximately 34 pounds. The barrel is thick and rigid to decrease flexing, reduce barrel harmonic vibrations, mount and support the massive muzzle brake, and add weight to the rifle. The barrel mass also increases the number of rounds that can be fired before barrel temperatures become excessive, however, increased mass also increases cool-down times. AR-50 rifles have barrel diameters and thicknesses significantly greater than most other .50 BMG rifles. All AR-50 barrels use 1:15 right hand [[rifling]].


⚫
[[File:ArmaLite AR50 A1B 50 BMG.jpg|thumb|right]]
The receiver features Armalite's octagonal design for high strength and rigidity. The bottom of the solid steel receiver is precisely machined to fit in a matching channel in the solid aluminum stock. The end result is what could be considered a monolithic rifle design with the stock integral to the receiver rather than simply locating and supporting it. The barrel contacts only the receiver and is therefore considered "free-floated" from the stock, "free floating" barrels are normally found on conventional rifles.
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.
Attached to the rear of the primary aluminum stock is the removable and adjustable shoulder stock assembly. Huge by conventional rifle standards, AR-50 rifles are built for long service life firing the powerful .50 BMG and .416 Barrett cartridges. For example, the bolt assembly alone weighs approximately 4 pounds. While recoil is very manageable and even lighter than from some less powerful rifles, the length and weight make shoulder firing very difficult. AR-50s are typically fired from the prone position and bench rests using bipods or other support devices.


This rifle was updated to the AR50-A1'''B''' 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.
Armalite AR-50 rifles are equipped with Shilen triggers mechanically similar to Remington 700 triggers, and have a factory pull weight of approximately 5 pounds. Scope mounting [[Picatinny rail | (Picatinny)]] rails are factory-installed and are dovetailed to the top of the receiver. A mount with a 15 MOA angle is standard on the AR-50A1 and other mounts are available. Conventional bipods made for smaller rifles and the adapters to fit them to AR-50s are available, in addition to AR-50-specific bipods made by a handful of manufacturers. Various other accessories such as shoulder stock upgrades and hard carry/storage cases are available. Many AR-50 owners make their own accessories.


The rifle is manufactured in several configurations:
After several years of production, and in response to some specific owner complaints, the original AR-50 rifle was replaced by the AR-50A1B. Although the Armalite website still uses only "AR-50A1" as the model, the rifles themselves are engraved with the "B" designation in the model name. AR-50A1B rifles feature a smoother action, an improved bolt stop/release that can be depressed by hand and an improved muzzle brake. While similar in design and appearance, muzzle brakes on AR-50A1B rifles are of cast metal construction, while earlier brakes appear to be fabricated from individual steel sections welded together.
* AR-50A1B, chambered for standard .50 BMG
* AR50-A1BNM, chambered for .50 BMG [[match grade]] ammunition
⚫
* AR50-A1B-416, chambered for [[.416 Barrett]]


⚫
==Advertising==
Multiple versions of the AR-50A1 are currently produced:
⚫
Armalite was criticized by the [[Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (Italy)|Italian Minister of Culture]] for using a photo of [[Michelangelo's David]] in an advertisement for the AR-50A1 and urged the company to withdraw it. The requst was followed by 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26501460| title=Italy up in arms over Michelangelo's David rifle advert|date=8 March 2014|work= BBC}}</ref>
* AR-50A1 - chambered in .50 BMG with a 30" barrel.
* AR-50A1L - chambered in .50 BMG with a 30" barrel, left-handed version.
* AR-50A1 NM or "National Match" - chambered in .50 BMG with a 33" barrel and Armalite's "Skid System" stock assembly for long-range competition shooting.
⚫
* AR-50A1B416 - chambered in [[.416 Barrett]].


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==Appearances in media==
The price of the left-handed version of the AR-50 rifle is approximately 10% higher than the right-handed models.
⚫
The Armalite AR-50 Rifle is introduced to Mike Ehrmantraut in the [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] series [[Better Call Saul]], as an assassin-for-hire job tool. {{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

⚫
==Advertising==
⚫
Armalite was criticized by the [[Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (Italy)|Italian Minister of Culture]] for using a photo of [[Michelangelo's David]] in an advertisement for the AR-50A1 and urged the company to withdraw it. The requst was followed by 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26501460| title=Italy up in arms over Michelangelo's David rifle advert|date=8 March 2014|work= BBC}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Armalite AR-30]] (smaller caliber)
*[[Armalite AR-30]] (smaller caliber)

⚫
==Appearances in media==

⚫
The Armalite AR-50 Rifle is introduced to Mike Ehrmantraut in the [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] series [[Better Call Saul]], as an assassin-for-hire job tool.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.gunknowledge.com/Documents/Armalite/index.html Armalite AR-50 Owners Manual]
* [http://www.gunknowledge.com/Documents/Armalite/index.html Armalite AR-50 Owners Manual]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111225040913/http://www.armalite.com:80/Categories.aspx?Category=0406c9ff-539d-4b4c-ae1f-d045b91324c3 Official Page]
* [http://www.armalite.com/Categories.aspx?Category=0406c9ff-539d-4b4c-ae1f-d045b91324c3 Official Page]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTHxejIEpDQ A video showing a fully accessorized AR50-A1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTHxejIEpDQ A video showing a fully accessorized AR50-A1]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFfqNCblmxo A video showing how little recoil this rifle has due to the muzzle brake]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFfqNCblmxo A video showing how little recoil this rifle has due to the muzzle brake]


[[Category:12.7 mm sniper rifles]]
[[Category:12.7 mm sniper rifles]]
[[Category:Single-shot bolt-action rifles]]
[[Category:Single-shot bolt-action rifles]]
[[Category:Single-shot rifles]]

Revision as of 16:41, 15 December 2016

ArmaLite AR-50
TypeBolt-action 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
Maximum firing range2,430 meters (2,657 yards) with proper optics
SightsCan use any with Picatinny railing

The ArmaLite AR-50 is a single-shot bolt-action target and sniper rifle manufactured by ArmaLite.

AR50A1B with 1 round
AR50A1B accessorized

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
  • AR50-A1BNM, chambered for .50 BMG match grade ammunition
  • AR50-A1B-416, chambered for .416 Barrett

Advertising

Armalite was criticized by the Italian Minister of Culture for using a photo of Michelangelo's David in an advertisement for the AR-50A1 and urged the company to withdraw it. The requst was followed by 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.[3]

Appearances in media

The Armalite AR-50 Rifle is introduced to Mike Ehrmantraut in the AMC series Better Call Saul, as an assassin-for-hire job tool. [citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ AR50 Press Release from Internet Archive. Retrieved on November 12, 2007.
  2. ^ AR50 Page from Internet Archive. Retrieved on November 12, 2007.
  3. ^ "Italy up in arms over Michelangelo's David rifle advert". BBC. 8 March 2014.

Sources

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ArmaLite_AR-50&oldid=754987928"