1) Is a bipod included with the gun?
No, but we now have a BFG-50 bipod available for $120. Check out the link from the home page.
2) What kind of accuracy can I expect from the BFG-50?
Check out the target on the page that you just came from (main BFG-50 page)...that should speak for itself. The best we've heard from a customer so far is a 6" group at 1000 yards. We've also heard of a couple of customers shooting 2" groups at 600 yards with standard military surplus ammo.
3) How long will it take to get a BFG-50?
It depends. Sometimes we have rifles ready to ship immediately, but generally there is a wait. In the past the wait times have varied from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. We've increased production capacity over the years so generally the wait times are short.
4) How do I order?
Send us full payment ($2195 single-shot or carbine) plus $60 for shipping and hard case, along with an FFL, and we'll ship when the gun is ready. You may send a credit card number, or even order COD. If a check or credit card number is sent, we don't deposit the check or run the card until the gun is ready to ship. Dealers please contact us for your pricing. Active duty military now pay $1995 for a rifle or carbine.
5) What's the status of the magazine-fed version? The semi-auto?
Both of these guns got delayed by the California ban on .50 BMG rifles. We will have them in production (including a CA legal version of the semi-auto to those who currently own our receivers) by the end of 2005.
6) How does the gun come apart for cleaning?
With the bolt all the way back, there is a hole in the receiver tube opposite the bolt handle which allows removal of the bolt handle retaining screw. Removing the screw at the bottom of the perforated triangular brace allows the butt plate to hinge up. This allows the bolt (with handle removed) to slide out the back of the gun.
7) What kind of warranty does the BFG-50 have?
Rather than attempting to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss act (Public Law 93-637), we don't provide a written warranty. There are certain implied warranties under State law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state to state, you should refer to your state statutes. Blah, blah. Read a Ruger manual sometime; the wording is about the same. Serbu Firearms, Inc., relies on maintaining a good name in this business for it's continued existence. So we certify that all our products leave here free from defects in materials and workmanship, and meet manufacturing specifications at the time of manufacture. We stand behind our work and our products; we just don't want to run afoul of Federal regulations in making warranty claims that we can't really legally comply with. Someday, when we get enough legal help, we'll come up with a real warranty. Tougher than you thought, eh? But basically, if something is wrong we'll fix it.
8) I've never heard of you guys...how do I know the BFG-50 won't blow up on me?
The BFG-50 was designed by Mark Serbu, who holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering; the design is very safe and very solid and has been thoroughly tested. All highly stressed parts are made from MIL-spec, certified materials, and are heat treated by a certified process. There is 100% hardness testing of these parts. Before shipping each gun is test-fired.
9) Can you ship a BFG-50 directly to me?
All guns must transfer interstate through an FFL dealer. If you're in Florida you may buy directly from us.
10) What is the price of the BFG-50?
Both the single-shot version and carbine are $2195.
11) I've never fired a .50 BMG rifle...how bad is the recoil?
Thanks to the new Shark Brake, not bad at all. Check out the videos on the web page. Whereas a high-powered, lightweight rifle will hit your shoulder like a hammer, the BFG-50's recoil is more like having a big guy shove you with his palm. The Shark Brake is now standard. It is just like the old brake, but instead of 1/2" holes in the sides there are machined cutouts that look like shark gills. We make them for other .50 BMG rifles; price is $125.
12) I can't view the videos...what gives?
Some ISPs have problems with them. Try right-clicking with your mouse, and select "save file to disk". Then view the file locally, instead of trying to get it to play online.
13) What kind of scope and rings should I use?
Nightforce NXS. They're pricey, but they're the best. If you don't want to shell out the big bucks for an NXS, you may want to try a "cheapie" that has a lifetime warranty. At least if it dies you can get a new one. We sell Romanian-made rings that are very reasonable; $75/set. MWG (see http://www.mountsplus.com/30mmsh.html) and Badger Ordnance (www.badgerordnance.com) make nice rings. The low rings will work fine, though some find that even they aren't low enough.
14) Do you make kit versions of any of your guns?
No. While I am personally very big on "do-it-yourself", I don't need the BATF crawling up my....uh....bothering me for what is seen by some as a circumvention of the "system".
15) Is there a lefty version of the BFG-50?
No, but the gun can be fired by a lefty with no problem.
16) Is the barrel removable?
It is removable in that it is threaded in place; it is not meant to be removed for transport. The muzzle end has 1.000-14 threads while the breech end has 1.500-12.
17) Is a longer barrel available? Shorter?
Yes. A 36" heavy barrel which has a 1.625" outside diameter is available for $250 more. A shorter barrel (22") is standard on the carbine. We've done many custom contours, lengths, materials, calibers, etc. Let us know if you want something special.
18) Can the BFG-50 shoot military surplus ammunition?
Yes. The barrel is chambered with our own custom-designed reamer to shoot either match or surplus ammo.
19) Is this gun made in the U.S.?
Yes. Almost all parts except for the barrel (which is German made) are made in-house, while a couple are made at various machine shops in Florida, from U.S. made steel.
20) What is the production status of the BFG-50?
We delivered the first BFG-50 in May 2000, and have since delivered around 1100.
21) How can I find out more?
Feel free to email or call the shop: (813) 243-8899. Thanks!