The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: billt on September 18, 2009, 07:06:19 PM

Title: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 18, 2009, 07:06:19 PM
(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2300/bushmasterba50012.jpg)

(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8232/bushmasterba50010.jpg)

(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4305/bushmasterba50008.jpg)

(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4731/bushmasterba50006.jpg)

(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/9886/bushmasterba50004.jpg)

(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9786/bushmasterba50003.jpg)

(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3931/bushmasterba50001.jpg)


This is my new Bushmaster .50 BMG Rifle. I just picked it up today after months of struggling with inner demons trying to justify such an expensive purchase. I can't wait to get it out and light it up! I still need to scope it out, and acquire an extensive enough amount of ammo to keep it supplied. So far she is all what they say!  Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 18, 2009, 07:07:40 PM
One thing I forgot to mention is the entire bolt carrier assembly runs on roller bearings! This is one beautiful rifle!!!  Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 18, 2009, 07:13:39 PM
I misunderstood the title of the thread, I WAS going to post that those have been out for a while.
Now all I can say is WOW. Nice rifle, looking forward to range reports.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 18, 2009, 07:14:14 PM
PS
            I hate you Bill  ;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 18, 2009, 07:17:45 PM
What is so impressive about this rig is the fact the entire bolt carrier assembly is on roller bearings! I know not of a single .50 BMG Dealer who supplies that kind of quality. Waiting on a scope that is confusing on which to order.   Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: Jackel on September 18, 2009, 07:26:12 PM
thats almost as sexy as me  ;)
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: ericire12 on September 18, 2009, 07:33:08 PM
PS
            I hate you Bill  ;D

+1

;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: fightingquaker13 on September 18, 2009, 08:19:28 PM
As far as glass don't mess around. You've already sunk four figures into the beast and are going to pay $5 and up every time you pull the trigger. I'd look at Kahr, Schmidt and Bender or Zeiss in 12-24. The only question I have is do you have access to a place that will let you play with it? Can you take those 900 meter shots? Because if so, very, very cool. Unlike Tom I don't hate you for owning it as I can't afford to pay the lackey in charge of carrying the 23 ilb beast around. I do however want a range report.
FQ13
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: 1911 Junkie on September 18, 2009, 10:01:23 PM
Man, the "why I hate Bill list" keeps getting longer.  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: ericire12 on September 18, 2009, 10:08:55 PM
Man, the "why I hate Bill list" keeps getting longer.  ;)  ;D

Now thats a good idea for a thread, right there.


*Perhaps one with a poll!

(http://www.smileyx.com/smilies/2erOBh1.gif)
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: Steyr M40A1 on September 18, 2009, 10:18:02 PM
Well thats cool and all but I had a LWR .499 and it was very cool too.
Google it.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 18, 2009, 10:54:11 PM
As far as glass don't mess around. You've already sunk four figures into the beast and are going to pay $5 and up every time you pull the trigger. I'd look at Kahr, Schmidt and Bender or Zeiss in 12-24.

Here is the problem with scoping these rifles with big buck scopes. It isn't money, it is the fact .50 BMG's tear up scopes. The reason isn't what you might think. It isn't recoil, but rather the lack of it from the way the excellent muzzle brakes work. On most every heavy recoiling hunting rifle, say a .458 Win. Mag., the recoil goes one way. Straight back into your shoulder until all of it is absorbed by the shooter.

On a .50 BMG it becomes a two stage process. That is what ruins scopes. This phenomenon is much like what air rifles do to scopes. You can put a $1,200.00 Leupold on a $50.00 Crossman from Wal-Mart and achieve much the same result. Upon firing the scope and rifle starts back. When the bullet uncovers the muzzle brake ports it begins to pull the rifle forward, much like the clamshell thrust reverser on a jet engine does after the plane touches down. Then the rifle pulls forward. You as the shooter don't feel this. You simply feel the much softer "push" it all makes happen. But the scope "feels" everything. First rear thrust, then forward. A bit like hitting a brick wall in your truck....... then getting rear ended a millisecond later. Your neck is like a wet noodle. Your scope reacts much the same way.

Check out this high speed, slo-mo video. Watch the scope base, scope and rifle. It is unbelievable how much the whole thing flexes! This is a $15,000.00 Accuracy International semi auto. No matter, Sir Issac Newton doesn't care how much you paid for your scope and mounts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5pVya7eask&feature=channel_page

Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: ericire12 on September 18, 2009, 11:26:18 PM
Iron sights it is! ;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: fightingquaker13 on September 18, 2009, 11:42:53 PM
Here is the problem with scoping these rifles with big buck scopes. It isn't money, it is the fact .50 BMG's tear up scopes. The reason isn't what you might think. It isn't recoil, but rather the lack of it from the way the excellent muzzle brakes work. On most every heavy recoiling hunting rifle, say a .458 Win. Mag., the recoil goes one way. Straight back into your shoulder until all of it is absorbed by the shooter.

On a .50 BMG it becomes a two stage process. That is what ruins scopes. This phenomenon is much like what air rifles do to scopes. You can put a $1,200.00 Leupold on a $50.00 Crossman from Wal-Mart and achieve much the same result. Upon firing the scope and rifle starts back. When the bullet uncovers the muzzle brake ports it begins to pull the rifle forward, much like the clamshell thrust reverser on a jet engine does after the plane touches down. Then the rifle pulls forward. You as the shooter don't feel this. You simply feel the much softer "push" it all makes happen. But the scope "feels" everything. First rear thrust, then forward. A bit like hitting a brick wall in your truck....... then getting rear ended. Your neck is like a wet noodle. Your scope reacts much the same way.

Check out this high speed, slo-mo video. Watch the scope base, scope and rifle. It is unbelievable how much the whole thing flexes! This is a $15,000.00 Accuracy International semi auto. No matter, Sir Issac Newton doesn't care how much you paid for your scope and mounts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5pVya7eask&feature=channel_page


Oddly enough you get the same effect with a spring piston air rifle. The forward part of the recoil will trash a scope that isn't forward braced. Bushnell and RWS make a few that are dedicated to this. They are relatively cheap (around $100) and built like a Brinks truck. You will not destroy them. The thing is, puttinga 4x scope on that rifle is like haivng a visa card with a $500 limit, no fun at all. ;D
FQ13
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: blackwolfe on September 19, 2009, 01:34:24 AM
Man, the "why I hate Bill list" keeps getting longer.  ;)  ;D

Now thats a good idea for a thread, right there.


*Perhaps one with a poll!

(http://www.smileyx.com/smilies/2erOBh1.gif)


I hate Bill because:







PS Bill nice rifle. 
A guy at deer camp use to bring a States Industries single shot .50 BMG  Not sure what for. 
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 19, 2009, 01:45:23 AM
Isn't one of the 3200 Elites a favorite of Barette?

I know there are several models of 3200, but should be easy for find what they are using ... Or if it is only a set up dealers are using that isn't lasting either.

By the way,

I won't add you to my hate list based on this purchase.  I have gone through the little guys sitting on both shoulders arguing through my ears.  What has kept me from laying down the cash is the fact that I don't have a range available to use it at.  However, I have always said if I had a 1,000 yard and longer available I spend the money awful quick.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 19, 2009, 02:02:37 AM
  I have gone through the little guys sitting on both shoulders arguing through my ears.  What has kept me from laying down the cash is the fact that I don't have a range available to use it at.  However, I have always said if I had a 1,000 yard and longer available I spend the money awful quick.

I'm in the same boat as you, and I think most people. There are fewer and fewer ranges open to shooting the .50 BMG cartridge. Mostly because of the blast. Here in the Phoenix metro area there is only one public range that allows them. That is Rio Salado on the east side of town. I talked myself out of this gun many times. It is very hard to justify this kind of purchase for a gun with such limited use.

The way It looks is if Hussein gets shut down on his big health care boondoggle, he is liable to lash out in typical liberal fashion. Guns could be on the list. If they are you can bet the .50 caliber rifles will be in the crosshairs. I can just see Feinstein and Chucky Schumer carrying on about, "Who needs one of these things!" For me it's 90% fun, and a 10% investment. They keep chugging away in price. Lousy economy and all. I just figured it was time to jump on the .50 band wagon. Now or never as they say.   Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 19, 2009, 10:26:30 PM
For anyone who might be interested, this place really has good prices, as well as choices in .50 BMG ammunition, components, and information.  Bill T.

http://www.50bmgsupply.com/
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: shooter32 on September 21, 2009, 09:18:33 AM
Once again Bill has done it!! ;D

Very nice!! With or without a scope 8) 8)


Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: ericire12 on September 21, 2009, 09:36:36 AM
Thread Drift Alert:

PS
            I hate you Bill  ;D

+1

;D

Man, the "why I hate Bill list" keeps getting longer.  ;)  ;D

Now thats a good idea for a thread, right there.


*Perhaps one with a poll!

(http://www.smileyx.com/smilies/2erOBh1.gif)

Here it is:
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=8951.msg115630#msg115630
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: Ping on September 21, 2009, 05:03:24 PM
Incredible rifle there Billt. Nice purchase.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: twyacht on September 21, 2009, 05:48:59 PM
I don't want a range report!!

I want a range video!!!!

and yes billt,.....

you well,,,,suck. :-*

Let me know when dump trucks and bulldozers come in season. We'll get you those depleted Uranium Shells for Christmas....

 ;)



Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 30, 2009, 02:20:30 PM
This is what I plan to go with  on my .50 BMG Gentleman. It's been ordered, and is on the way from Brownell's and Midway.

Smith Enterprises Rings. (Wire EDM Cut 4130 steel.)


(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4884/smithenterprises50bmgri.jpg)

(http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1924/delrin30mmto1inchreduce.jpg)

Smith Enterprises Delrin Reducer Rings, (30 MM To 1")

(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/3930/smithenterprisesmount.jpg)

Smith Enteprises Base, (Also wire cut 4130 steel).

(http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5552/bushnell3200elitetactic.jpg)

Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15X 40MM
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 30, 2009, 02:46:26 PM
Sweet. The rings and rail should be very close to their nominal dimensions. When set up properly, proper wire, wire speed and feed rate, they are slower than milling but hold tolerances to AT LEAST +/- .0002. in comparison a human hair is  .005.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on September 30, 2009, 02:53:18 PM
Sweet. The rings and rail should be very close to their nominal dimensions. When set up properly, proper wire, wire speed and feed rate, they are slower than milling but hold tolerances to AT LEAST +/- .0002. in comparison a human hair is  .005.

+1 Tombogan,

That is why I sprang for the extra bucks to purchase them. I look at it this way, if the scope goes south, (I have 4 of these Bushnell's and they are great scopes), I can lose the inserts and go to a 30 MM tube model. We'll see what shakes out. At least I'll know if it all goes away, it won't be because of a flimsy mounting set up. The mounts, (rings and base), cost more than the scope!  Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on October 21, 2009, 06:25:26 PM
(http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1663/aceextralarge50bmgcase0.jpg)

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1663/aceextralarge50bmgcase0.jpg)

(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1663/aceextralarge50bmgcase0.jpg)

(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3641/aceextralarge50bmgcase0l.jpg)

(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1663/aceextralarge50bmgcase0.jpg)

These photos give you some idea of the sheer size of the Ace 66" .50 BMG Case, as well as it's construction. These were taken on my California King Brass Bed. The other case in the photos is a really nice Bucheimer that I use to transport my 30" barreled Browning Citori, and BT-99 Trap Guns in. Overall I'm pleased with it's construction, as well as it's size.  Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 21, 2009, 07:22:08 PM
 But will it fit in the car ?  ;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on October 21, 2009, 07:57:01 PM
But will it fit in the car ?  ;D

Mustang no. Back of the truck, yes.  ;D  Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 21, 2009, 08:05:09 PM
 That was part of why I got rid of my .300 Win Mag Mod 70. With the back seat down it had to fit between the front seats to get the trunk closed.  ;D
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: billt on October 21, 2009, 08:12:27 PM
That was part of why I got rid of my .300 Win Mag Mod 70. With the back seat down it had to fit between the front seats to get the trunk closed.  ;D

Better solution, buy a bigger car!  ;D   Bill T.
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: twyacht on October 21, 2009, 09:18:07 PM
Striking similarity to the 800lb Gorilla in the room....

 ::)

Can't wait for the video, not pictures, but a handy cam giving a thorough test drive.

I got a deposit on the depleted uranium rounds for you, but their still on back order,... 8)
Title: Re: New Bushmaster BA-50 .50 BMG Rifle!
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 21, 2009, 09:36:14 PM
Striking similarity to the 800lb Gorilla in the room....

 ::)

Can't wait for the video, not pictures, but a handy cam giving a thorough test drive.

I got a deposit on the depleted uranium rounds for you, but their still on back order,... 8)

What do you expect him to shoot ? Small countries ?     :o    ;D