ArmaLite AR-50

The ArmaLite AR-50 is a 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. 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.