Return Of The Bushmaster BA50

Bushmaster has announced the return of the BA50 with updates to the 50 BMG bolt action promising increased reliability and durability. The BA50 has a reputation for exceptional accuracy, a unique action, and a few rebrandings. Speaking of reputation, let’s dive into a little history of the BA50.

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A little history

The BA50 is an interesting long-range anti-material platform with a storied history. Originally built by Cobb Manufacturing in the early 2000s and referred to as the FA50, the big bore bolt action was designed around AR-style features. By 2009, Bushmaster had acquired Cobb, and the rifle, now branded BA50, remained in their catalog for years through the company’s acquisition by Remington. In 2020, just prior to the Remington bankruptcy, another rebranding, albeit short-lived, labeled the rifle, R2Mi. Bushmaster, subsequently purchased by Crotalus Holdings (Franklin Armory), has been back ever since, providing ACR fans motivation to badger the company for that platform’s revival as well. Just kidding. They didn’t need motivation.

Unique to the BA50 is a left-hand operated action with right-side ejection, enabling right-handed shooters to keep their hand on the grip while cycling the bolt. This is a novel idea that may take some getting used to. The rifle features a 29” 1:15 twist barrel crowned with a three-port muzzle brake. The 14” free-float billet handguard is mated to the receiver, giving the user a full-length picatinny rail on top. Ergonomics and stability are provided by a Magpul PRS Gen3 adjustable stock and included GG&G LCB-3 heavy bipod, with feeding courtesy of a 10-shot detachable magazine.

The Bushmaster BA50 weighs in at 29.5 lbs and has an overall length of 56.75”. The rifle has been re-engineered with improvements to the bolt design, which Bushmaster claims will offer effortless cycling operation with improved extraction and cartridge feeding. The BA50 ships on September 5th in a fitted hard case with an MSRP of $6,878. The rifle is available in both black and FDE.

From Bushmaster:

“The Bushmaster BA50 Bolt Action Rifle is one of the world’s finest weapons for long-range shooting. The BA50 is a highly modular rifle and uses fire controls that are familiar to all AR platform users. New improvements to the bolt design bring effortless bolt operation, with improved extraction and cartridge feeding. The BA50 includes a Magpul PRS Gen3 Adjustable Stock, a 29” free-floating barrel topped with a picatinny rail, and a Bushmaster BA50 3-Port Brake. Maintenance, takedown and assembly of the BA50 is intuitive and straight forward. Re-engineered to be reliable, durable and long lasting, the Bushmaster BA50 provides an enjoyable shooting experience that is ideal for the .50 Caliber shooter looking for an affordable price point.”

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think of the re-released Bushmaster BA50 and its left-handed cycling with right-side ejection? Is the convenience of keeping your grip hand in place worth getting used to this unique action? We’re always interested in hearing your thoughts.

For more information on the Bushmaster BA50: https://www.bushmaster.com/ba50/