Free Shipping | 99% of all stands ship within 24 hours
We appreciate you sharing this:
We appreciate you sharing this:
Categories:
In 2025, Auto-Ordnance—best known for the Thompson submachine gun legacy—shocked the firearms world by unveiling a **bolt-action .50 BMG rifle**, the **Thompson TAO50**. With cutting-edge engineering, thoughtful ergonomics, and serious long-range potential, this rifle seeks to stake a claim in the ultra-competitive big-caliber precision market. In this post, we’ll dive deep into its features, specifications, performance, and what makes it a noteworthy entrant in the .50 BMG world.
Auto-Ordnance, a subsidiary of Kahr Firearms Group, has long been associated with the Thompson name and its historic firearms. But the TAO50 marks a dramatic departure—moving from submachine guns and semi-autos into the realm of large-caliber long-range rifles. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The TAO50 was officially announced late 2024 and is releasing in 2025. Auto-Ordnance describes it as “a revolutionary bolt-action rifle designed to redefine long-range shooting power and precision.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In short, this is not a niche novelty—it’s a serious attempt to compete in the high-stakes world of .50 BMG rifles. But can it live up to that ambition? Let’s break it down.
Below is a table summarizing the major specs:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .50 BMG |
| Action | Bolt-action with patent-pending roller-bearing bolt |
| Barrel Length | 29″ (precision rifled) with 1:15 twist |
| Overall Length | 61″ |
| Weight (empty) | ~25.5 lbs (fixed-stock model) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| Magazine | 10-round detachable box magazine (Barrett M107A1 pattern) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Muzzle Threading | 1-14 TPI (.50 BMG) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Stock / Furniture | Magpul PRS Gen 3 adjustable stock, MOE+ grip; optional folding/aluminum stock version :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Sights / Rails | Full-length Picatinny rail for optics & accessories :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Muzzle Brake | High-efficiency muzzle brake included (proprietary design) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Finish Options | Black anodized or Flat Dark Earth (FDE) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
Some additional noteworthy features:
Let’s talk about how this rifle aims to perform in the real world, especially when pushing .50 BMG distances and managing recoil.
One of the TAO50’s biggest claims is its recoil mitigation. Thanks to the proprietary muzzle brake and the roller-bearing bolt, Auto-Ordnance asserts it may be among the softest-recoiling bolt-action .50 BMG rifles in the market. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
However, any .50 BMG rifle will produce significant recoil. The inclusion of the brake is essential, and the manufacturer cautions that recoil will increase if the proprietary muzzle brake is removed or if alternate devices are used incorrectly. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
The TAO50’s 29″ barrel with a 1-15 twist is designed to stabilize heavy .50 BMG projectiles. Combined with the robust build and low friction bolt, the rifle is built for precision at long range. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
While public long-range test data is limited at launch, the design and features indicate the rifle is targeted for engagements at 1,500–2,000+ yards (or more, depending on load and conditions). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
At ~25.5 lbs and 61″ overall length, the TAO50 is a large and heavy system—expected for a .50 BMG platform. But Auto-Ordnance aims to soften the learning curve by integrating AR-style controls (safety, trigger, stock familiarity) for shooters accustomed to semi-autos or modular rifles. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
The adjustable PRS Gen 3 stock allows the shooter to fine-tune length-of-pull and cheek height. The optional folding stock version offers improved transportability. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
The inclusion of a full-length Picatinny rail ensures that optics and accessories can be mounted with flexibility and maintain solid alignment. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
The TAO50 line includes a few variants to cater to different preferences:
At launch, pricing for the TAO50 line sits in the premium performance bracket. The standard black version is priced around **$8,700**, with the FDE model slightly higher (≈ $8,800). :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
That pricing places it in direct competition with elite-tier .50 BMG platforms. Its success will depend on delivering on its performance promises and reliability over time.
No rifle is perfect, so here’s where the TAO50 may shine—and where it could face challenges:
In the .50 BMG bolt-action / precision niche, the TAO50 must be compared against established offerings (e.g., Barrett Model 99, Steyr HS50, others). Some comparison notes:
Where TAO50 hopes to differentiate is in its combination of modern ergonomics, modularity, and recoil mitigation—all in a factory package rather than a custom build.
The TAO50 is not for every shooter—it’s built for those who demand extreme power, reach, and precision. Potential use cases include:
It is less suited for mobile field use, hunting (except exotic or extremely large game in remote ranges), or casual range use due to its size, weight, and recoil.
The **Thompson TAO50** is a bold gamble from Auto-Ordnance, combining modern engineering, ergonomic features, and a storied firearms brand into the arena of .50 BMG bolt-action rifles. At its heart, it aims to deliver performance, modularity, and recoil control in a complete factory package.
Whether it will dethrone established heavyweights or carve out its own niche will depend on real-world durability, performance under extended use, and how shooters respond to its design trade-offs (weight, recoil, parts availability). Early indicators from press previews and spec sheets are promising. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
If you’re a hardcore long-range shooter who appreciates innovation and doesn’t shy away from size and recoil, the TAO50 is a rifle to watch. And if you’d like a companion blog post with head-to-head comparisons (Barrett, Steyr, etc.), or to include photos and purchase links, I can help with that next.
Disclaimer: Always follow your local laws, regulations, and safety protocols when acquiring or using firearms. This post is for informational purposes only.
