.50 Beowulf+Short-Stroke Gas Piston Upper?

[Precision]

Does anyone know if it's possible to configure/acquire an upper receiver that utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system AND is chambered for the .50 Beowulf?

Also: what are your thoughts on the .50 Beowulf for home defense or emergency/tactical situations?

 

[TIMC]

I imagine it is possible the question would be why would you want to? The extra cost for somthing you have no need for. I guess you could write it off to "just cause I want to".

The gas system on the Beowulf as is would suit your purposes just fine. I think it would make a wicked home defense rifle loaded with 334 grain Rainiers, I use them on pigs and that bullet is devistating without over penetration. There are those that tell you it is no good because ammo is expensive and hard to find but if you roll your own like I do it is easy to build an ample supply of some really nice SD ammo. Right now I have about 600 rounds for mine, the cases seem to hold up well for reloading quite a few times so I have an ample supply.

 

[Girodin]

Also: what are your thoughts on the .50 Beowulf for home defense or emergency/tactical situations?

Do you have neighbors? These things have LOTS of penetration with certain loads so picking the right load would be key and even then.

It has a rather limited capacity. Follow ups are likely to be notably slower than with other very viable calibers.

It is a lot more expensive than a shotgun with slugs. Yet it is more compact.

I'd prefer the 458 SOCOM personally.

It would be very hard hitting but I think I would chose some other calibers first for the task of HD. That is just me and my preferences however.

As to the piston it is not something you need for a reliable gun.

 

[Z-Michigan]

AR piston conversions are landing with a resounding thud lately. A "solution" in search of a problem. Most of them are inferior to both DI AR-15s and also to other designs originally intended for piston operation (AKM, FAL, AR-18, etc. etc.).

The "Beowulf" is a somewhat sensible caliber for hunting bear or hogs, or defending against bears. It's dubious at best for home defense.

No offense, but the sort of question strongly suggests you need to get some professional instruction on defensive firearms and tactics before you select a home defense firearm. I can guarantee you that no professional instructor will be recommending a 50 Beowolf AR to anyone outside of Alaska, and probably not anyone in Alaska either.