Over the past several years there has been an exponential growth in long-range shooting. Fueling that interest has been the development of exceptional rifles and gear that make even hyper-long-range shots possible. I can personally remember when a 1,000-yard shot was considered a major challenge. Today it is very achievable. Long before this surge, however, there was a precision rifle that saw 1000 yards as a warmup. Chambered in .50 BMG, it was the ultimate long-range punisher. Say hello to the McMillan TAC-50.

The McMillan TAC-50

The McMillan TAC-50 was more than just a long-range shooter. It was designed to be capable of shooting .5 MOA with match-grade ammo. This is a major departure from other 50s on the market shooting somewhere in the 3 MOA range. This increase in precision turned the TAC-50 from an antimaterial rifle to a sniper rifle. Just a side note on that. The question often arises about what makes a rifle a “sniper rifle”. The official requirements are that the rifle must be dedicated to that cause and be capable of shooting sub-minute of angle.

Super Long Range Sniper

The original TAC-50 made its first appearance in the late 1980s. Originally built by McMillan Rifles in Phoenix, Arizona, it was centered around a proprietary bolt action.  The TAC-50 is a manually operated, rotary bolt-action rifle. The large bolt has dual front locking lugs, and its body has spiral flutes to reduce weight. The heavy match-grade barrel, made by Lilja barrels, is also fluted to dissipate heat quickly and reduce overall weight, and fitted with an effective muzzle brake to reduce recoil. The rifle is fed from detachable box magazines, holding 5 rounds each. The stock is made from fiberglass and is designed to be used from a bipod only. The buttstock is adjustable for the length of pull with rubber spacers and can be removed for compact storage. The rifle has no open sights; it can be used with various telescopic or night sights.

Like most long-lived rifles in military service, there are several versions. Each is customized by a different end-user group. From the original rifle with a fiberglass fixed stock, the TAC-50 is now offered in a chassis. The McMillan TAC-50C is an update to the renowned TAC-50A1. The TAC-50C features the new folding Cadex Dual Strike chassis system. It includes an adjustable cheekpiece with vertical adjustment and an adjustable length of pull. The stock incorporates a smaller pistol grip to fit a wider range of hand shapes, with and without gloves. Three 1913 MIL-STD rail sections allow for the customization of accessories.

2500 Yard Shot

The rifle is popular with the military. One of the best-known users of the TAC-50 is the Canadian military. They quietly have one of the best sniper programs in the world. The Canadians put the rifle to the test in the Middle East. In one month in 2002 in Afghanistan, Master Corporal Arron Perry and Corporal Rob Furlong recorded two of the all-time longest confirmed kills, each behind the TAC-50. Perry connected at 2,526 yards (2,310 meters) and Furlong at 2,657 yards (2,430 meters). Incidentally, those are the fourth and fifth longest shots in history, which means the McMillan TAC-50 owns three of the top five all-time longest shots.

Several Versions

The TAC-50 sees use by Navy SEALs as well as other Special Forces around the world with good reason. While it is a great weapon for taking out soft-skinned vehicles and aircraft, its ability to be so precise is why it’s loved. If you ever get the opportunity to get trigger time on one, don’t pass it up.

For more information, visit:https://www.mcmillanfirearms.com/SACItem.aspx?Item=MCMTAC50C

McMillan TAC-50 Specs