When Auto-Ordnance rolled the Thompson TAO50 into SHOT Show earlier this year, it stopped shooters in their tracks. Now, this bolt-action .50 BMG monster is officially shipping — and it’s every bit as big, bad, and unapologetically American as we hoped.
A .50 BMG Built for Serious Shooters
Tipping the scales at 25.5 pounds and stretching out to 61 inches, the TAO50 is chambered in .50 BMG and sports a 29-inch precision barrel with a 1:15 twist rate. The rifle is available in Rugged Black or Flat Dark Earth anodized finishes and comes with a Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock, MOE+ grip, and Timney AR-style trigger for a surprisingly comfortable shooting experience. An Accu-Tac bipod provides rock-solid stability.
Auto-Ordnance’s patent-pending roller bearing bolt and proprietary muzzle brake design keep the big .50 on target and help tame recoil. Barrel muzzle threads are cut 1″-14, opening up compatibility with suppressors from manufacturers like Innovative Arms, Elite Iron, B&T, and HUXWRX — but leave your Barrett M107 brake or can at home, they’re not rated for bolt guns.
Features That Matter
- Caliber Options: .50 BMG or .416 Barrett
- Barrel: 29″ with 1:15 twist, 1″-14 threaded muzzle
- Weight: 25.5 lbs (fixed stock) / 27.5 lbs (folding stock)
- Furniture: Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock, MOE+ grip
- Trigger: Timney AR-style for a crisp, clean break
- Magazine: Uses Barrett M107A1 10-round mag
- Stability: Accu-Tac bipod included
- Storage/Transport: Ships in a custom, wheeled hard case
There’s also a folding-stock variant with an integrated monopod, which shaves a few inches for storage and transport (but adds about two pounds). Both models wear the iconic Thompson “bullet” logo on the lower receiver and muzzle brake.
MSRP & Availability
The TAO50 starts at $8,699 for the Rugged Black model, with the FDE version coming in at $8,799. Both are shipping now in custom hard cases, ready to hit the range or stretch their legs at the mile line.
This isn’t just another .50 — this is Auto-Ordnance’s statement piece, built to dominate anything in its crosshairs.
Where To Buy
Read the full article here