[Diggler]

OK, I've always wanted one of these. Just because I can.

Now that the pol's have these in their sights, I'm thinking harder about it because you never know when a ban might go through.

Because of the cost, I probably won't buy for a while, but I'd like a plan. So far, I'm thinking about 3 different platforms...

1. Armalite AR-50. I've heard these are the highest quality, reasonably priced ones and have the most effective recoil reduction system.
2. Serbu BFG-50. Supposedly these are even cheaper, and are safe and extremely accurate, more bang for the buck and excellent for someone who just wants a .50 cal.
3. AR-15 lower conversion. I want to buy at least one, probably more AR's in the future anyways, and I could add the upper to the AR lower when I want to reach out. I would save several hundred dollars with this, which is one advantage. Another advantage would be that I wouldn't be registered as having a .50 BMG, which might be worth it in case they are ever banned outright - I've 'never owned one.'

What do you think about the above choices? Between the two complete firearms, which one is better? And regarding the AR-15 conversion, has anyone used these before? I am concerned about accuracy and recoil as well as possible abuse to the AR lower. If the AR kit is accurate, has the 12 ga. recoil and won't ruin the lower, I'm leaning towards that choice.

Thanks for any opinions!

[mattf7184]

I think you mean upper conversion for the AR right?

All of these are good choices and I think the main thing has to do with how much you are willing to spend. With the AR you can also get new uppers for various calibers. You may even want to look into the .50beowulf or Tromix .50AE uppers if you are a fifty fan.

[Diggler]

Yeah, I meant to convert the lower of the AR with the .50 upper...

I don't want to spend a LOT of money. I don't think that I'll be doing any competition or anything, just some target shooting and maybe exploding some groundhogs at 500 yards occasionally. :evil:

I found this upper for $1249.
http://www.watsonsweapons.com/50boss.htm

Of course, those who sell these say that they've never experienced any damage to lowers with the .50 uppers. But they can't guarantee it.

[mattf7184]

That doesnt seem very expensive at all. Gunna have to show my friend that as he is in the market for a .50BMG AR upper.

http://www.biggerhammer.net/barrett/faq.html

[mattf7184]

Dont know if you nottices digger, but they have complete rifles also for ~$1600. Seems like a good deal to me.

[Harry Tuttle]

also check out the ferret

http://ferret50.com/ferret50_conversion.html

[Diggler]

I saw those ones for ~$1600. Not sure if they'd do any fitting or anything that would make it better than putting it on your own lower.

Is it being paranoid to get just the upper so you're not targeted for future bans? Or do I worry too much?

The Ferret looked pretty good, but if I were going to spend $2k I might as well spend a hundred or two more and get the AR-50 or the Serbu...

Has ANYONE actually shot an AR with the .50 upper?

[brass shower]

I have a 36" ferret upper that I had mounted on an aluminum lower. Put about 100 rounds through it and switched to a steel lower for the extra weight more than the durability of the receiver. I noted absolutely no abnormal wear or peening on the aluminum lower. Recoil is stout but manageable. After 10-20 rouds in the prone you start feeling like a car wreck survivor. A LOT of fun, just make sure you use decent rings on whatever scope you mount. The pot metal ones that came with the ATN scope I have mounted sheared off after 15 rounds. Replaced with some ARMS rings and no problem since.

[Tropical Z]

Ive seen the Vulcan in shotgun news for about $1200.00 is it?
Whats the real world price on a Serbu?

[jpthegeek]

Was thinking about getting a Serbu myself. Might call the factory and see about a tour when I'm in Fla next. His .50 looks to me to be the best bang for the buck. If you get a Serbu, let me know how it handles. I think he mentions on the website that the recoil is close to a bolt .300mag. I have one of those and it just plain hurts after about 10 rounds. But hey, it's a .50!

jpthegeek

[Harry Tuttle]

www.biggerhammer.net has a 50bmg forum where serbu-philes hang

http://www.biggerhammer.net/barrett/wwwboard/

[TN MadDog]

What ever you get you will probably have fun. I have a Serbu and it is accurate as well as fun to shoot. The recoil is not really too bad but any effective brake wil create a lot of blast. I have shot over 40 rounds in a day without any real discomfort. Just wear good hearing protection.
I would suggest going to the Biggerhammer board and learn all you can before making a decision. I would personally recomend getting a rifle that is a true bolt action (unless you can afford a Barret semi-auto!). Some have a "shell holder" type action that to me have some disadvantages. I Don't know much about the Vulcan but most feedback I have seen has been negitive. Good luck.