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Bushmaster BA50 Detailed Review
Price Range:
$4,000 - $6,000
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bushmaster Firearms International |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| First Build Date | 2005 |
| Action Type | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | .50 BMG |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 29 inches (737 mm) |
| Weight | 6.3 KG |
| Price Range | $4,000 – $6,000 |
Overview
The Bushmaster BA50 is built with high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship, making it one of the most reliable .50 BMG rifles available on the civilian market. The rifle features a solid, well-machined upper receiver, high-grade barrel, and a robust chassis system that ensures its reliability under the most challenging conditions.
The overall fit and finish are exceptional, and its parts are designed to withstand high-pressure rounds without sacrificing accuracy. The trigger is smooth with a crisp break, and the gas-operated action allows for smooth cycling of rounds, ensuring quick follow-up shots.
While it’s a bit on the heavier side, the overall build quality makes it an excellent investment for those who need a powerful, accurate, and reliable long-range rifle.
Strength and Quality
The Adams Arms AA19 boasts superior craftsmanship. The polymer frame is lightweight yet durable, contributing to easy handling and holstering. The slide features front and rear serrations, making it easy to manipulate even under stress or while wearing gloves. The trigger pull, measured between 4 to 4.5 lbs, is crisp with a short reset, ideal for both novice and experienced shooters alike. Furthermore, the barrel and internals are built to withstand high round counts without diminishing performance, even under adverse conditions.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The Bushmaster BA50 features a reliable manual safety that prevents accidental discharge, ensuring that the rifle remains safe when not in use.
- Reinforced Receiver: The rifle’s heavy-duty receiver ensures that it can handle the intense pressures generated by the .50 BMG cartridge without compromising safety.
- Muzzle Brake: A large muzzle brake helps mitigate recoil, improving shooter control and comfort during rapid fire.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Bushmaster BA50 is renowned for its remarkable accuracy, even at extreme ranges. In independent tests, it has delivered sub-MOA (minute of angle) accuracy at 100 yards and maintained a 2-3 MOA grouping at 1,000 yards, depending on ammunition. With the appropriate optics, the BA50 can effectively engage targets at distances exceeding 1,500 yards with remarkable precision.
Effective Range
The effective range of the Bushmaster BA50 is around 1,500-2,000 yards with the right ammunition, thanks to its powerful .50 BMG cartridge. This makes it suitable for long-range target shooting, military applications, and even anti-material purposes. The rifle is designed to deliver maximum lethality at extended ranges, and its high velocity ensures minimal bullet drop, which is crucial for long-distance engagements.
Strength and Durability
The BA50 is built for durability and strength, capable of handling the extreme pressures generated by the .50 BMG cartridge. Its design incorporates a heavy-duty, precision-machined receiver that can endure the harshest conditions. The recoil generated by the .50 BMG is significant, but the BA50 is engineered to manage it well, thanks to its heavy weight and recoil mitigation features, such as the built-in muzzle brake.
Merits
- Exceptional Accuracy: The BA50 is capable of delivering sub-MOA accuracy, making it one of the most precise .50 BMG rifles available.
- Powerful Cartridge: Chambered in .50 BMG, the BA50 is designed to deliver devastating power at long ranges.
- Heavy Duty Construction: The rifle is built to withstand the immense pressure of the .50 BMG round, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Ergonomic Design: Its comfortable stock and controls provide excellent handling, even under heavy recoil.
- Precision-Engineered: Built for military and tactical applications, the BA50 is a highly durable rifle designed for extreme conditions.
Demerits
- High Weight: At 28 lbs, the BA50 is quite heavy, which can make it cumbersome for extended periods of use or transport.
- Recoil: The recoil from the .50 BMG is significant, making it challenging for some shooters to control, particularly when firing rapidly.
- Cost: The price range of $8,000 to $10,000 makes it one of the most expensive rifles on the market, which may limit its accessibility for some shooters.
- Limited Ammunition Availability: The .50 BMG is a specialized caliber, and its ammunition can be expensive and hard to find, which could be a consideration for regular use.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Bushmaster BA50 is relatively simple but requires attention to detail, particularly due to the power and pressure of the .50 BMG round. Regular cleaning of the barrel is necessary to maintain its accuracy and to prevent fouling buildup. The gas system should also be regularly cleaned to ensure reliable operation. The heavy recoil generated by the .50 BMG means that parts such as the muzzle brake and receiver should be inspected periodically for wear or damage.
Given its size and power, it is recommended to store the BA50 in a safe, dry location and keep it well-oiled to avoid rust or corrosion, especially if used in harsh conditions.
Comparison with Other Guns
Blaser R93 Tactical vs Other Rifles
| Feature | Blaser R93 Tactical | Accuracy International AXMC | Sako TRG 42 | Steyr SSG 08 | McMillan TAC-338 | Barrett MRAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany | United Kingdom | Finland | Austria | United States | United States |
| Caliber | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum | .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum |
| Effective Range | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,500 m | 1,200 m | 1,500 m | 1,500 m |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 6.3 kg | 6.9 kg | 5.4 kg | 6.3 kg | 6.8 kg | 6.9 kg |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Action | Straight-pull bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
| Primary Use | Military, Tactical shooting | Military, Law Enforcement | Long-range precision shooting | Precision and tactical operations | Military, Long-range shooting | Military, Precision shooting |
| Price Range (USD) | $4,000–$6,000 | $12,000–$14,000 | $8,000–$10,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | $7,500–$9,500 | $6,500–$8,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Bushmaster BA50 typically costs between $8,000 and $10,000, depending on configuration and accessories
Yes, the BA50 is available for civilian purchase where legal and is often used for long-range shooting and as a collector's piece.
The effective range of the BA50 is around 1,500 to 2,000 yards with the right ammunition.
While it's a powerful rifle, it’s typically used for long-range target shooting and anti-material purposes rather than traditional hunting.
The BA50 requires regular maintenance, particularly cleaning of the barrel and gas system, to keep it operating optimally.
