Greetings everyone, m99 questions.

[elcid79]

Hello everyone. I have been lurking for some time, and finally decided to post. Just getting into precision shooting. I found a clean used m99 .50 today that looked really nice. The gunsmith at the store, which is rather high end, told me that it was really clean and rarely fired. I decided to pull the trigger on it. When I got home, I field stripped it to check everything out, and it looks pretty good to me. That said, I know very little about these rifles maintenance wise. As such, would you consider this minimal use? Should I take it to another gunsmith prior to firing for an inspection, or even send it back to Barrett? I don't want it to explode in my face, but to my uneducated eyes it looks pretty clean. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[elcid79]

It took a few days for this to get approved so it was sunk way into history. Just bumping it.

 

[wade2big]

I would shoot the thing.

 

[Steel head]

I would shoot the thing.

I concur

 

[Geno C.]

Do it

 

[Harman117]

.50 BMG is definitely a unique way of getting into precision shooting haha.

What optic are you going to use?

Also when you shoot it and such, you should come back and post thoughts/pics

 

[AMMOWASTER]

They are tanks. Just shoot and enjoy. I have always like the 99s. They work great.

 

[jmar]

I had a 99, everything looks fine to me and in good shape too. Do some dry fires and make sure everything locks up tight and functions and you should be good to go. It's not like the gun is an old milsurp with bad headspace. Everything should be set by Barrett and I would have no worries firing a used one. They are really well designed and made guns for the price.

 

[clcustom1911]

ive shot a 50 M99 a couple times. Prepare for recoil LOL. Maintenance is like any other bolt gun. Clean it every once in a while, put a little grease on the bolt lugs. You'll be fine. The stock bipod works but is shit for "locking" it in place for cant and pan. Also, the stock trigger is horrific compared to other "precision" bolt guns. But it will definitely do "minute of driver's door" accuracy at very far away

 

[elcid79]

Unsure as to which optic I will purchase. I have a Savage 10 BA stealth, with a Burris XTR II - 4-20x50 that I ordered a TBAC Ultra 9 for. Ironically I was at the range doing my paperwork for the TBAC when I saw this M99. Left, got home, called them up and said I want it. I will likely shoot the 10 BA Stealth much more frequently. So perhaps get a higher quality optic like to NF Beast, and put it on the Savage. Then move the XTR to the M99?

I want a solid optic that I wont outgrow, but I also don't want to blow a bunch of money that could go towards other toys / using this rifle (Which I know will be expensive.) What are your collective thoughts?

 

[clcustom1911]

Just search for optics that are specifically rated for 50 Cal. I'm not sure about the burris, but the NF definitely will be.

If you're not into reloading, you maybe should give it some thought. Factory ball ammo is rather expensive. 4-5$ a round But so is the reloading equipment to start off, you would need to shoot quite a few rounds until you actually start "saving" money.

 

[Edsel]

The combination of Badger Ordnance .50BMG - rated rings and SWFA SS .50BMG rated scopes is a personal preference of mine, on all my lightweight rifles (overkill!).

They should do well on your M99...

 

[Halfnutz]

Shoot it!
I went with a SWFA SS 16x which is 50 cal rated, set in Barrett rings. Burris claims their XTR optics are .50 rated when I called them.
I have only shot American Eagle and surplus M33/M17 ball/tracer through it so accuracy is so-so. Target Sports USA has a decent price on ammo under $3 per round. Hornady at $5.40.
Recoil is not as bad as people say, 12 gaugeish, muzzle blast will displace anything lightweight. Bystanders, which will come out of no where once you pull it out, should be directly behind you. Plugs and muffs are not a bad idea.
The trigger on mine is good, but has a different feel. A kinda long bit of smooth take up and then breaks easily. No stacking or grittiness.
Make sure you have a substantial backstop (mountain side). "Range Exceeds 4 Miles". printed on boxes of American Eagle.
Reloading unless you are shooting seriously seems cost prohibitive IMO.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

The combination of Badger Ordnance .50BMG - rated rings and a SWFA SS .50BMG rated scopes is a personal preference of mine, on all my lightweight rifles (overkill!).

They should do well on your M99...

I have an SWFA SS on my .308 RPR. Had it for a few years now. High quality. Very rugged. I’d recommend one. Great for the price.

 

[elcid79]

I am surprised that so many people are recommending the SWFA SS. I had kinda written them off because of snobbery. I guess I will revisit it. Being that I am not going to shoot this thing all the time, it might be a smart way to go. I was interested in another XTRII by burris (which I have in 4-20x on my 6.5 creedmoor), or perhaps the XTRIII. I could also buy a Leupold Mark5 5-25 or 3.6-18 then after it comes in decide if I want to mount it on my M99 or move the XTRII over to it.

Thoughts?

 

[Halfnutz]

I am surprised that so many people are recommending the SWFA SS. I had kinda written them off because of snobbery. I guess I will revisit it. Being that I am not going to shoot this thing all the time, it might be a smart way to go.

The price is right with the SWFA. I've ended up with 2. Both on guns that are "entertaining". The other being a SA M1a standard.
The online opinions of thex 16X are seem pretty sound, the 20x is said to be less clear.

I bought the first SS16X thinking I would upgrade it in time and have something to swap out on other rifles for load development or at least something temporary should I find another rifle.

The M99 is alot of fun, kinda like some may consider a sports car, or bike, not very practical but it is a great way to bring a smile to your face as well as anyone you let go for a ride.

 

[elcid79]

$300 is a song. I may just snag one of them to throw on there while I decide what to do. Then I will have a spare if I ever have a scope go down.

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

Can’t beat SWFA for their durability and tracking. I have a 3-15 SWFA on my 50 and could not be happier.

 

[AMMOWASTER]

Scopes have gotten a lot better but it is never a bad idea to contact the manufacturer and ask about 50 bmg use specifically. Not too long ago it was a short list. Fixed powered Leupold Mark 4's and Nightforce NXS mostly.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

Can’t beat SWFA for their durability and tracking. I have a 3-15 SWFA on my 50 and could not be happier.

I’ll second that about SWFA too. Tracking is spot on

 

[elcid79]

I called Bushnell today. They don't officially support the .50. But said it should be fine and if it breaks they have a lifetime warranty. I would prefer to have something designed for the .50. Still shopping.

 

[elcid79]

Well you guys talked me into a fixed 12x swfa. It's funny I had it narrowed down to three optics. The others were Razer 5-20, a Leupold mk5 5-25, and then the pst gen ii 5-25.

This morning it dawned on me. I don't even know if I will like shooting it. I found a used 12x swfa for 200 shipped. My plan is to take it to the range. Shoot it. Shoot it some more. And then a little more. If I love it. Grab the Leupold put the swfa on the shelf as a spare or sell it. If I don't. Leave the swfa on it. And take it out just for the novelty. What are your thoughts?

 

[LongRangeLefty]

Well you guys talked me into a fixed 12x swfa. It's funny I had it narrowed down to three optics. The others were Razer 5-20, a Leupold mk5 5-25, and then the pst gen ii 5-25.

This morning it dawned on me. I don't even know if I will like shooting it. I found a used 12x swfa for 200 shipped. My plan is to take it to the range. Shoot it. Shoot it some more. And then a little more. If I love it. Grab the Leupold put the swfa on the shelf as a spare or sell it. If I don't. Leave the swfa on it. And take it out just for the novelty. What are your thoughts?

I think you’ll like it. They’re SUPER rugged. The 12x should be pretty clear. Clicks are solid and very audible. May not beat the Razor or Leupold, but they’re very strong. Probably the only scope I’ve owned that I’d put on a .50 if I needed to