I've jumped into the .50 BMG abyss!

[shuter]

Picked up a .50 Barrett M99 "package" yesterday. Pics will follow as soon as I get time. It's the "desert tan" version. I replaced the Bushnell 10X that came with the package, with one of the new Bushnell Elite 6-24X 30mm side focus models. Barrett says they've held up well in their testing . . . we'll see.

I've stared at them and thought "what if" for years. Finally decided to take the plunge. Definitely makes the least "sense" of any firearm purchase I've ever made! Everything about them is ridiculously expensive. I bought a case (only 80 rounds) of Barrett ammo . . . for $322.00 (not a misprint). I've got dies, press, etc. coming.

One look at the gun and it's food, however, gives me a warm feeling!

Any of you guys out there have any experience with them? I've never even fired a .50 - yet. Probably won't be able to shoot it for at least a couple of weeks. Will just stare at it in the safe.

see ya

 

[UnTainted]

I envy you. I don't own one myself, but I've shot 3 rounds through my uncles, and even with hearing protection we could hear the bullets smacking the hill against which we were shooting about 300 yards away.

forget your doubts of it not making any sense... It made perfect sense to me, I think it will to you too very very soon.

 

[Conqueror]

I've shot them, they're awe-inspiring. A good firned of mine had the M82. I might own one if my range didn't forbid .50BMG because of the damage it does to the berms.

 

[shuter]

Regarding the range, there's one about 45 minutes away from me that has 300 yards available, and no restrictions on the big .50! Just heard back from them via email.

 

[karrotx]

Doesn't exist without pics.

 

[50 Shooter]

As far as hearing protection goes, you might want to wear plugs and muffs.

Here's some ammo to stay away from.
Dominican Rep. "yellow tip" (yes, the tip is painted yellow)
Maine Cart. Co. this ammo has ruined the bolts in some .50's
TNW's "blaster grade" .50 ammo, the stuff is so bad I don't know why anyone would buy it. For that matter I don't know why anyone who bought it would shoot it after seeing it.

AAA-Ammo sells a bore guide for just about every model .50 out there, they also sell other stuff for .50's.

 

[Darthbauer]

I wear the surefire ep3's when shooting and the .50 doesnt hurt at all.

 

[hobgob]

well if there is a zombie apocalypse you can pick them off at a mile and half! start practicen! congrats on the purchase!

 

[Slinky]

...And always make sure your mouth is closed before pulling the trigger.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Welcome to the club.

In '04 I sold my Serbu BFG-50 and finally got the 36" bull barreled Big Bertha I'd always wanted.
Its more of a 'shooting machine' than a rifle, and weighs about 40-45 pounds,
so I don't fire it too far from where I park the truck.
But what a hoot to fire.

Wear good ear protection.
These things sing a song you can hear for about 2 miles.

If ya stand behind one being fired, off at a angle where you can see straight up into the holes of the brake-
you'll get hit with a pressure wave that'll rattle your bones.

Search engine for ".50BMG" and it'll take ya to places to buy ammo components,
and the Barret forum board for them.


Shooting one is a event all to itself, and now that ya got one, you might find yourself gathering 'neat things to shoot'. I like shooting a running lawn mower myself.

Be careful though.
If ya shoot a 1" steel plate, straight on, with ball ammo:
Sometimes the projectile goes through, but once in awhile the plate will spit it back at you.
When something came back whisteling past me a few yards away-
I figured out what it was and quit shooting 1" plate.

Another thing to avoid is shooting bowling balls, they'll spit a bullet back at ya too.