Bushmaster BA50 Rifle

Lore & Background

The Bushmaster BA50 originated as a design by Cobb Manufacturing. Bushmaster acquired the design, upgraded it, and released it as the Bushmaster BA50. The rifle features a left-side bolt, a free-floating Lothar Walther barrel available in 22-inch or 30-inch lengths, and a MIL-STD-1913 rail on the vented fore-end for mounting optics. The lower receiver is machined from T6-6061 aluminum billet, and the upper receiver is machined from T6-6061 extrusion. Steel parts receive a manganese phosphate finish, while aluminum parts are hard anodized black. The rifle disassembles similarly to an AR-type rifle for cleaning and maintenance. It is equipped with a Magpul PRS adjustable buttstock with a LimbSaver recoil pad, an ErgoGrip Deluxe Tactical Pistol Grip, and a steel bipod with folding legs of M60 style. The muzzle brake is described by Bushmaster as a high-efficiency recoil-reducing brake that minimizes rearward force to a level comparable to a .243 Winchester. In 2020, Remington, which owns Bushmaster, rebranded the rifle to be released as the 'R2Mi.'

Reader's Guide

The Bushmaster BA50 represents a notable entry in the .50 BMG bolt-action rifle market, distinguished by its left-side bolt configuration and its claimed recoil reduction to that of a .243 Winchester. The rifle's design origins with Cobb Manufacturing and subsequent acquisition and upgrade by Bushmaster illustrate a pattern of design transfer and refinement within the firearms industry. The BA50's use of a free-floating match grade barrel and MIL-STD-1913 rail system aligns with standard practices for precision long-range rifles. The rifle's weight of 30 pounds and the inclusion of a muzzle brake, adjustable stock, and bipod are typical for a .50 BMG platform intended to manage recoil and provide stability. The rebranding of the rifle as the R2Mi by Remington in 2020 indicates continued production under a different name. The rifle has been noted as being used by Mexican cartels, though no further details on that usage are provided.

Did You Know?

• The Bushmaster BA50 was originally designed by Cobb Manufacturing before Bushmaster purchased and upgraded the design.
• The rifle's bolt is located on the left side of the receiver.
• Bushmaster states the rifle recoils like a .243 Winchester due to its muzzle brake.
• In 2020, Remington rebranded the BA50 as the 'R2Mi.'