ArmaLite AR-50
| ArmaLite AR-50 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Bolt-action Sniper Rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1997 - 2012 |
| Manufacturer | Armalite |
| Produced | 1999[1] - Present |
| Variants | Armalite AR-30 (smaller caliber) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 34 lb (15.5 kg) |
| Length | 59.5 in (1511 mm) |
| Cartridge | .50 BMG & .416 Barrett |
| Caliber | 12.7 mm (.50 in) & .416 Barrett |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Maximum firing range | 2,430 meters (2,657 yards) with proper optics |
| Sights | Can use any with Picatinny railing |
The ArmaLite AR-50 is a .50 BMG, single-shot, bolt-action sniper & long range target rifle manufactured by ArmaLite.
Design
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
- AR-50A1L, chambered for standard .50 BMG, left-handed version
- AR-50-A1BNM, chambered for standard .50 BMG with refinements for using match grade ammunition
- AR-50-A1B-416, chambered for .416 Barrett
Advertising
Armalite was criticized in 2014 by the Italian Minister of Culture for running an advertisement depicting Michelangelo's David holding an AR-50A1. He urged the company to withdraw it and sent 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] The corporate parent of Armalite, Strategic Armory Corps, issued a statement apologizing for the advertisement, which it said was in "poor taste" and had been dropped.[4][5]
See also
- List of ArmaLite rifles
- Armalite AR-30 (smaller caliber)
References
- ^ AR50 Press Release from Internet Archive. Retrieved on November 12, 2007.
- ^ AR50 Page from Internet Archive. Retrieved on November 12, 2007.
- ^ "Italy up in arms over Michelangelo's David rifle advert". BBC. 8 March 2014.
- ^ Curry, Colleen (March 10, 2014). "Gunmaker Arms Michelangelo's David Statue With Rifle, Angers Italy". ABC News.
- ^ "ArmaLite's response to Michelangelo's David holding an ArmaLite AR-50A1" (Press release).
Sources
External links
