Bushmaster Firearms has a long and storied history of producing both AR-15 derivatives and its own unique designs. The latest version of the company has risen from the ashes of the demise of the Remington Outdoors Corp. and is headquartered in Carson City, Nev. As it gets its feet back on the ground, Bushmaster has been re-introducing new versions of its classic products. The most recent “rebirth” is the new-for-2024 BA50.
As the name implies, the BA50 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .50 BMG. It uses a two-part receiver design, with both upper and lower receivers made of aluminum alloy, a left-hand, side-turn bolt that locks into a barrel extension and ejects on the right side. Bushmaster’s target trigger is fitted and the rifle feeds from a detachable 10-round steel box magazine.
The 29” barrel has a 1:15” twist rate with its muzzle threaded 1x14 TPI with Bushmaster three-port muzzle brake installed. It is supplied with a fitted hard case for transport. A M1913 Picatinny rail extends along the upper receiver for mounting optics and this mates to an additional rail section on the 14” free floating billet aluminum handguard.
A modular design, the BA50 uses AR-15 compatible stocks and grips and comes with an adjustable Magpul PRS GEN3 precision-adjustable stock and ERGO Tactical Super Ambi Grip. The BA50 weighs 29.5 lbs., has an overall length of 56.75” and is supplied with a fitted hardcase and a GG&G LCB-3 Heavy-Duty Tactical Bipod.
The BA50 is an updated version of Bushmaster’s .50 BMG long-range bolt-action rifle.
The BA50 is designed to be intuitive to operate and maintain, with the safety and magazine release positioned like an AR-15, and the two receiver halves separating for cleaning. Not simply a facsimile of the original BA50, Bushmaster has updated the design to improve reliability and durability. The re-engineered bolt requires less effort to operate and has improved feeding and extraction. The rifle is available with either a flat dark earth (FDE) or all black finish. MSRP for either finish option is $6,879. For more information about the Bushmaster Firearms BA50, visit the company’s website.
