M96 vs TAC 50

[Kable]

I'm looking for a .50 BMG sniper rifle. Accuracy is most important to me so I'm thinking of a bolt action repeater like the Windrunner M96 and the McMillian TAC 50.

Can anyone tell me how they match up and the pros and cons of one vs. the other?

 

[Mustafa]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

What do you want to do with it and why the .50 over other rounds like the .408 or .375?

 

[Dogtown]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Both are accurate, though prevailing wisdom tends to give the TAC-50 an edge over the M96 in that regard. The M96 is multi-caliber though

 

[Kable]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Mostly I want the gun for fun and partly just want a .50 cause it's biggest. Also I figure the 50 would let me shoot some cheaper ball ammo and let me play around with with incendiary projectiles at reasonable ranges. I just want to make it as precision as possible to reach out real far every once and a while with better ammo. I probably won't shoot it often enough to reload for it.

 

[MOAxp]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

The only down side of the Tac50 is the mag latch setup. if you dont get it right it ... SHTF... other than that great piece of equipment - but I dont own a EDM gun, just a few McM, a RAD 650 and AMAC 5100's

all are different but all are good equipment cant go wrong with the top end 50's

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

please do not feed the trolls...........its the law

 

[tullius]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

bolt's slipping: fill out your profile, bitch!

 

[Chiller]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

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[desertHK]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I have a Windrunner M96. Have shot the Tac 50 once, but don't own it. I love my M96, since it can be broken down to fit in a soft case with a length of about 36". It's very easily transportable. Acccuracy is great for 50 BMG caliber. IMHO, the recoil on the Tac 50 is slightly more than my M96, but that's just me.

 

[Dylanss180]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I own a m96 and I am very pleased with it. I reload my own ammo for it and I don't have any experience with pre loaded ammo but with my custom hand loads I was able to hit a 24" target at 2300 yards repeatedly.

One thing to note though. I did a lot of modifications to it in order for it to shoot well.

 

[Dogtown]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kable</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mostly I want the gun for fun and partly just want a .50 cause it's biggest. Also I figure the 50 would let me shoot some cheaper ball ammo and let me play around with with incendiary projectiles at reasonable ranges. </div></div>

Save your money and get an AR-50 instead. You can shoot cheap ammo out of an M96, but accuracy will be affected. Some cheap ammo won't even feed in a TAC-50 because (unless something's changed recently) it has a match chamber.

 

[notyers]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Buy a Mcmillan. and get a great bipod! The windrunner bipod is used to hold my shop door open.not trying to start a war to the owners of Windrunners,but the Cheytac bipod is waaaaaay better and since Bill Ritchie was in the Management over at Cheytac I think he should know that.Buy custom bolt gun. I'm also with Dogtown on the AR-50. cheap and shoot great.

 

[Kable]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dylanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing to note though. I did a lot of modifications to it in order for it to shoot well. </div></div>

Dylanss, can I ask what kind of work you had to do to your rifle?

 

[goober]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">please do not feed the trolls...........its the law </div></div>
if Im feeling dull on the Hide I will got to Boltrippers posts because they're better than laughing gas

 

[Nihonjin]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dogtown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save your money and get an AR-50 instead.</div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: notyers</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also with Dogtown on the AR-50. cheap and shoot great. </div></div>

I'm guessing the OP wants a repeater.

 

[Nihonjin]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kable</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dylanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing to note though. I did a lot of modifications to it in order for it to shoot well. </div></div>

Dylanss, can I ask what kind of work you had to do to your rifle? </div></div>
+1. I've been eyeing an M96 and would like to know as well.

 

[buckskin52]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

This thread has just about every modification to the windrunner you could ask for. http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2415408&page=4

 

[Dylanss180]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nihonjin</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kable</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dylanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing to note though. I did a lot of modifications to it in order for it to shoot well. </div></div>

Dylanss, can I ask what kind of work you had to do to your rifle? </div></div>
+1. I've been eyeing an M96 and would like to know as well. </div></div>

On the post above by blaster7 basically covers it

Windrunner Mods

To sum it up. I threw away the origional bipod and had one made similar to the cheytac setup. I am going to modify the bipod again and make it a little more sturdy. I also threw away the stock trigger and put in a single set trigger instead. Also I took out the stock collapsible rods and made my own rigid ones. With all these mods I was able to push the rifle a lot farther accurately.

I also made my own handle

(last year shooting 2300 yards)

 

[Archer762]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mostly I want the gun for fun and partly just want a .50 cause it's biggest.</div></div>

That's when people shouldn't even bother responding. He just wants to <span style="font-weight: bold">SAY</span> he has a "sniper rifle" that is "the most accurate" and "the biggest" -not actually <span style="font-style: italic">BE</span> a marksman and learn the field craft of a sniper.

It's only a sniper rifle in the hands of a sniper. Shooting from a bench with some beers doesn't qualify.

 

[Kable]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Archer762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
That's when people shouldn't even bother responding. He just wants to <span style="font-weight: bold">SAY</span> he has a "sniper rifle" that is "the most accurate" and "the biggest" -not actually <span style="font-style: italic">BE</span> a marksman and learn the field craft of a sniper.

It's only a sniper rifle in the hands of a sniper. Shooting from a bench with some beers doesn't qualify. </div></div>
Eat shit. FYI I'm a USPSA Master shooter. I suppose challenging you or boltripper to a pistol match would not be fair, so if you think you're such a good shot I'll bet either of you a $1000 plus the cost of your plane tickets that you can't beat me in a 3-gun match.

For the record I didn't say anything about a sniper rifle, I just asked for opinions about the Windrunner vs. the McMillian to shoot for fun. Would it be better if I was planning to assassinate someone?

Thanks to everyone else, the answers were very helpful. You got me leaning towards a Windrunner.

 

[Dylanss180]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I know you won't go wrong with the windrunner. Besides I think the TAC 50 is way overpriced.

 

[Archer762]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kable</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Eat shit. FYI I'm a USPSA Master shooter. </div></div>

And I'm a 17th degree black belt ninja and I fired the kill shot on bin Laden. I'll pay you $10,000 plus a private jet flight if I can't catch your bullet in my teeth.

And yes, you said "sniper" rifle in your very first sentence- unless you go back and edit it. In all of your 5 posts you've said nothing of substance, only that you want cheap Russian ammo and wanting a .50 BMG because it's "the biggest." But what happens when you show up to the range and a couple guys are shooting 14mm AT rifles, and they start laughing at your little 50 BMG?

 

[Kable]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Archer,

Hey I did say sniper rifle, you got me.

Anyway, how about Las Vegas, October 20-23, 2011 for the Multi-Gun Nationals? I'll bet $10,000 if you want and I'm sure we can find a neutral party to hold the money ahead of time. I'm not sure how well it will test your “field craft” but it will definitely test how good a shot you are. Entry form here:

http://www.uspsa-nationals.org/2011%20USPSA%20Multi-gun%20National%20Application.pdf

Interested?

 

[Archer762]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I'm already there. In fact, they already printed my name on the trophy (well, alias, since I'm a ninja) because I never lose. Make the wager $100,000- but no more because my wives don't allow me to gamble more than a weeks salary.

Think you'll be banned from this site before then? I do.

 

[stiletto raggio]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I am getting a McMillan because A) they are a well-established company, B) the Tac 50 has been evaluated and adopted by actual military units and C) I prefer the look and feel of a more traditional stock.

I think the OP's point about .50 BMG is that it is significantly cheaper to buy .50 match ammo than it is to buy some of the more exotic custom cartridges. It is also much easier to find ammo and appropriate components (if you do decide to reload). This is one of the main reasons I am getting a .50 instead of a .338 Lapua.

As for "I want the biggest," I was told almost the exact same thing by a very experienced and respected shooter, a guy who is well known on this board and whose McMillan I intend to buy. I don't think it wanting to go big means you don't care about fieldcraft or marksmanship fundamentals.

 

[Kable]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I'll take that for a no. I'll keep the invitation open should you change your mind.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Archer, stop being a dick. He's wanting a 50BMG and is asking the pros and cons of the two rifles, not our opinions of him. Lay off.

That being said, Kable I completely understand your position. I was in your position earlier this year researching EDM, McMillan, Serbu, etc. looking for the best fit. Personally it boiled down to a EDM M96 and Tac 50 for me also.

From everything I could find on the EDM, it boils down to exceptional accuracy and customer service as close to perfection as you can ask. I couldn't find as much personal experience reports on the Tac-50 but the few that I did find said the owners were extremely satisfied also.

The main differing point for me was price and peace of mind. The M96 is 6k, while the Tac-50 is 7-8k (new). I ultimately bought an M96 for just under 8k. It came with, however, a NF 12-42x, SKB case, and full reloading setup (press, dies, brass, bullets, primers, EVERYTHING).

I am extremely pleased with my M96. I've shot about 100 rds (390-395 total with previous owner) with it and it is a very smooth process. The trigger is crisp but I wouldn't be against switching it out for a 2lb like Dylanss (but if I had to guess I'm not as good a shot as Dylanss so I'm okay with the regular trigger). Right now I figure I'm averaging about .7 moa out to 300yds. Ranges are limited where I'm at so I do what I can. The breakdown capability is extremely nice. I've custom cutted some closed cell foam and there is ample room for all the components plus a log book, and probably even a spotting scope (I got a biiiig case). All my friends and family that have shot it have fallen in love with it.

Really though, I can only tell you my experiences with the M96. I really do think you'll probably be happy with either one. You can find a few M96s on GB currently, but if you decide to go the Tac-50 route, check out Frogman2 on the Firearms for Sale section. He has a black tac-50 for a damn good price.

Do your research, have fun, and whichever rifle you decide, congratulations.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Another reason I went for it is I'm a bigger guy but not too athletic. Growing up I didn't picked first for just about anything so now if the SHTF.... Guess whose going to be the #1 overall pick... THIS guy (thumbs pointing at myself). Haha.

Its like porn. You never see any asian men....

 

[codyc]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Kable, I don't know a bunch about the M96 but I have a TAC 50 with an elite iron supressor. It's heavy, long, and cumbersome. It's also wicked accurate and powerful. I have Gaps, Surgeons, and TRG's, and it shoots with all of them with 750gr Amaxes. It's scary accurate for something that has 6600ft lbs of energy at 1k.

C

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Flying C brings up a good point. The M96 is not what I would call a "portable weapon system". Like the Tac-50, it is heavy, long, and cumbersome. But then again while I'd like to shoot a moose/elk/bear/unicorn/etc. with it, I did not purchase mine to be a hunter. I'll probably go with a gun that doesn't weigh 35+ lbs for that.

 

[mcmillanman5]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

I have had a mcmillan tac50 and have fired several hundred rounds with it. Accuracy is spectacular, mine will shoot sub moa with 750gr amax. I have had it out to a mile with great results.

As mentioned above, the mag can be a pain to seat. Also the bipod setup could be improved upon.

When I was going to purchase a .50 I was also looking at the EDM as well. I met a gentleman in my area who owned one and had the stock collapse on him when shooting the windrunner. Not trying to start an argument here but it made me shy away from the EDM.

All things considered I have been very happy with the tac-50 but when I purchased mine the cost on them was quite a bit less.

ETA: Here is a pic of mine along with my bros M99 (the eotech was a joke since he did not have glass yet).

 

[Tucsondave]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2328104


I'd like to sell mine in order to fund a .375

 

[Archer762]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcmillanman5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I met a gentleman in my area who owned one and had the stock collapse on him when shooting the windrunner. Not trying to start an argument here but it made me shy away from the EDM.</div></div>

The stocks now have a nice red ring so you know if it's locked into the correct position. There's also a 1-page warning about making sure your stock is locked... I wonder if this guy you met is the reason.

 

[mcmillanman5]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Archer762</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcmillanman5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I met a gentleman in my area who owned one and had the stock collapse on him when shooting the windrunner. Not trying to start an argument here but it made me shy away from the EDM.</div></div>

The stocks now have a nice red ring so you know if it's locked into the correct position. There's also a 1-page warning about making sure your stock is locked... I wonder if this guy you met is the reason. </div></div>

Hmmm, did not know that... I suppose he could have been, thanks for the info.

 

[desertHK]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Never had that problem with my Windrunner. Just make sure that the stock is locked properly.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Never had that problem with my Windrunner. Just make sure that the stock is locked properly.</div></div>
Bingo. Have had mine for years and mine came with the red ring. Along with the obvious reason to double check everything before you pull the pin on a BMG grenade 2 inches from your cheek. I always put my hand up and make sure I have at least 3 fingers with a light shirt and four with any additional clothing prone between my eye and the ocular

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

+1 on the red ring of safety for EDM. I have a Nightforce 12-42x on my M96 and the first time I shot it I had it jammed up in my shoulder good and tight (prone position). I was so scared that the recoil was going to smack me in the face and break the scope, haha. But I have not had any trouble with the stock shifting/collapsing even when I shot a couple of hotter loads.

Wasn't worried about my head. The scope is worth more.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: M96 vs TAC 50

Another good thing that the M96 has is the buttstock mono-pod that you can adjust up and down to move the crosshairs just right. The Tac-50 doesn't have that.

If my description didn't make sense, PM me and I can send you some pictures of exactly what I'm talking about.