Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf
Alexander Arms · Rifle · In Production · 2001
Also known as: 12.7x42mm AR, Beowulf AR
Overview
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf is a heavy-caliber AR-15 platform rifle chambered in the proprietary .50 Beowulf (12.7x42mm) cartridge developed by Bill Alexander. It was designed to give the AR-15 platform vehicle-stopping power for checkpoint and short-range defensive use, delivering bullet weights between 200 and 600 grains at typical muzzle energies above 3,000 joules. The rifle uses a standard AR-15 lower receiver mated to a dedicated upper, modified bolt with rebated rim bolt face, and single-stack 7-round magazines that fit standard AR-15 magazine wells.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3650 g (128.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 920 mm (36.22") |
| Barrel Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 564 m/s (1850 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3445 J (2541 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
Calibers
- .50 Beowulf · primary — also known as 12.7x42mm, 12.7x42
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ar15 Safety Selector
- Features: Ar15 Platform Compatible, Flat Top Upper, Picatinny Rail, Adaptive Tactical Stock, Muzzle Brake Optional, Modified Bolt Face
Variants
- Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Hunter — Hunting
- Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Entry — Short Barrel
- Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Overmatch — Extended Barrel
Service history
Operators
- United States civilian market · adopted 2001
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Sold primarily on the U.S. civilian market; complete rifles and upper conversions both available
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Bill Alexander
Notes
Cartridge name '50 Beowulf' is a registered trademark of Alexander Arms; the dimensionally identical metric designation 12.7x42mm is used by some other manufacturers to avoid the trademark. The rifle uses standard AR-15 buffers and springs.
Background
The .50 Beowulf was developed after September 11, 2001 specifically as a vehicle-stopping cartridge for AR-15 platforms manning U.S. checkpoints; Bill Alexander named it after the Old English epic, reasoning that a half-inch slug should have a hero's name. Hunters later discovered it would flatten anything from feral hogs to black bear inside 150 yards.