I have absolutely no practical use for this, but I’ve been intrigued for quite some time. I recently liquidated some extra guns, with the thought of flipping that money into a Barrett, and lo and behold a deal popped up from Kentucky Gun Company. M82A1, with a Vortex Vioer PST Gen II 5-25x50, and the Pelican Case, $7300.

Picked it up today, and 200 rounds of ammo arrived yesterday. Now what?

I’m in south Louisiana, not out west, so long range access is limited. I might have a 600 yd range to sight it in. Any tips or tricks? Experience?

quote:

Originally posted by honestlou:
Now what?

Choot it!!

Congrats and welcome to the club!

Find a place you can hog hunt

My only experience is 6 rounds through a M99 with a (I think) fixed 10x scope.

Less recoil than I expected, but the >20lb weight & huge brake helped with that.
Have had more discomfort from repeated 12ga than I got from the 50BMG.

It's been a while since I've seen one for sale, but the last M99 I saw was listed for just shy of $10k ($9,999 IIRC)

IF you are approached by a Mi-24 Hind while on a ridge, aim for the rotor mast. (Movie reference)

I've seen people take down trees with a barrel before. A good backstop, like a mountain would do the trick. It is probably a little big for alligator hunting too.

quote:

Originally posted by 280nosler:
IF you are approached by a Mi-24 Hind while on a ridge, aim for the rotor mast. (Movie reference)

I've seen people take down trees with a barrel before. A good backstop, like a mountain would do the trick. It is probably a little big for alligator hunting too.

My wife's former boss had a Ferret 50BMG
He had a photo (long gone from my phone by now) of a tree he shot with it on his property. Probably a 6-8in pine tree & it split the trunk.

As far as backstops, we used the above guy's property to shoot the M99 & used a large hill for the backstop & only had about 400yds to shoot.

You're CRAZY!

But enjoy the (expensive) fun!

You’re crazy but what a nice rifle. Enjoy it.

My only suggestion is to start saving money for more ammo

I've gotten to fire my friend's Barrett several and it always surprises me with how little recoil it has.

I know it doesn't seem rational but feeding my barrett has been cheaper generally (not counting this latest nonesense) than for example my .338lm and often my .300WM. Recoil is not at all a problem, just don't have anyone nearby to the sides of that brake...

I have shot a friends Barret a few times. Can't remember the model, 20" barrel( seems too short for a .50) and semi auto.
I found the recoil very tolerable but the movement of the barrel assembly and the muzzle blast surrounding me where unsettling.
I supposed its something that you would get used to.
I would like to find a deal on a AR50 bolt action.

Hope you plan on reloading for it, lee sells a single stage press just for .50 bmg, now go get ya some cinder blocks and giggle like a little girl when you blast em to pieces

Had one till my local range BANNED 50BMG Be sure you have sufficient backstop. About 12,000 ft/lbs of energy at muzzle.

If you shoot from prone position, close your mouth when firing!! Most of us have a big-assed grin with our first outing, and the round kicks up a dust cloud like you got passed by a semi.

Mine did not like machine gun surplus, out of spec and wouldn't chamber.

If you have any issues, I found Barrett to be responsive and very helpful. have fun.

First thing I would do after getting something in .50bmg would be to stock up on API.

API? Raufoss!

As mentioned above, be aware of your backstop and your surface danger zone. The .50 can really reach.

You'll learn what ammo it likes and dosen't like.

Keep an eye on your optics and mounts, the .50 can shake mounts and optics lose.

If you get really bored, break it down and go back packing with it. I always got a kick over how our dissembled and stowed for carrying.

Have fun with it.

You got a great deal, for that price! Enjoy it, recoil isn’t bad. We take ours to a 700 yard range when we can. That’s the farthest we have available for the 50 anywhere near us.
Just take care of it, should be fine.

Remember... it’s not just for shooting a looooong ways off...

It’s also great for shooting right on through stuff close up!

Bill R

How have we made it this far without pictures?

I just picked it up this week and have been way too busy to play with it. I managed to put it together and break it down again, but didn’t have a good photo opportunity. I should have time today or tomorrow. Thanks for the replies so far!