Armalite AR-50A1
Armalite · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2011
Also known as: AR-50A1, AR-50
Overview
The Armalite AR-50A1 is an improved single-shot bolt-action rifle chambered in .50 BMG, designed for extreme long-range precision shooting. Building on the original AR-50 design, the A1 variant features an upgraded V-block bedding system that suspends the action in the stock for consistent accuracy, along with a 36-inch chrome-moly barrel for maximum velocity. The rifle's distinctive octagonal receiver and modified three-lug bolt provide exceptional lockup strength for safe containment of the powerful .50 BMG cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 15200 g (536.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 15600 g (550.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1524 mm (60.00") |
| Barrel Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 890 m/s (2920 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 18800 J (13866 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Moly Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum V Block |
| Finish | Manganese Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12.7x99mm NATO · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm, .50 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Rail, Bipod, V Block Bedding, Single Shot, Match Grade Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece
Variants
- Armalite AR-50 — Original
Production
Production years: 2011-present
Produced for the civilian long-range shooting market. The original AR-50 was produced from 1999.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The AR-50A1 uses a unique V-block bedding system where the receiver sits in a V-shaped aluminum trough, eliminating the need for traditional bedding compounds and ensuring consistent action-to-stock interface. The 36-inch barrel is one of the longest available on any production .50 BMG rifle. The three-lug bolt with 120-degree throw provides fast cycling for a single-shot rifle. The massive muzzle brake is essential for reducing the heavy recoil to manageable levels.
Background
The Armalite AR-50 was one of the first affordable .50 BMG rifles available to civilian shooters, democratizing access to extreme long-range shooting that had previously been the exclusive domain of the military. Its simple single-shot design kept costs low while the V-block bedding system delivered accuracy that rivaled semi-automatic designs costing twice as much.