ACCURACY:
What is the most accurate way to shoot long distance?
How far can I shoot a .50 cal rifle?
How accurate are State Arms rifles?
What is the most accurate way to shoot long distance?
The ideal way is to rest the forearm on a sand bag. The bipod on a State Arms rifle is designed primarily for hunting situations where a shooting bench is not available or practical.
How far can I shoot a .50 cal rifle?
The effective range for a good .50 cal rifle is about 2500 meters. (You will need a good scope to see anything that far away.)
The maximum distance the round will go is about 4½ to 5 miles. Always be sure what is behind your target!
How accurate are State Arms rifles?
All State Arms Rifles are built to exacting specifications and held to a very high degree of quality control. Any rifle we build is capable of sub-minute* of angle with custom ammunition. *( less than 1" for every hundred yards to target )
AMMUNITION:
Where can I get .50 BMG ammunition?
Can I shoot reloads in my State Arms rifle?
What is the best bullet for long range accuracy (over 1000 yds)?
Can I shoot the .50 BMG ammo my grandfather brought back from WWII?
Where can I get .50 BMG ammunition?
Military surplus is available for about $2.50 to $3.50 per round. Shotgun News has many sources listed. Several custom ammo makers are loading .50 BMG. Be prepared to pay between $6.00 and $10.00 per round. Our advice is to reload your own. It will pay for itself in 300-400 rounds. Bulk powder is available from many sources. 1 lb loads about 25 rds. Primers, cartridge cases and bullets are readily available. Shop around for best prices on components. Be wary of pulled bullets with "slight pull marks". Some surplus bullets were pulled with a collet and may be out of round. Purchase of a bullet sizer die is a good idea if you plan on shooting military pulled bullets.
Can I shoot reloads in my State Arms rifle?
Yes, as long as the ammo is not excessively old. Know who loaded the ammo, and to what specifications. Improperly loaded ammunition can cause damage to the rifle and severe injury to the shooter.
What is the best bullet for long range accuracy (over 1000 yds)?
The longer the distance, the heavier the bullet should be.
Up to 1000 yds 650 - 750 gr.
1000 to 2000 yds 800 - 950 gr.
Can I shoot the .50 BMG ammo my grandfather brought back from WWII?
NO ! It will most likely fire, but due to the powder deteriorating with age, stay away from ammunition over 10 years old unless it was properly stored. Ammunition that has been stored under ideal conditions should be useable for considerably longer. If you don't know how it was stored, follow the 10 year rule. Better safe than sorry!
BARRELS:
What is the optimum barrel length?
What barrel weight do I need?
What is the optimum barrel length?
You need at least 29" to get maximum velocity with military ammunition. We use a 30".
A 36" barrel accommodates more powder types, including 20mm powders, which need a minimum of 34". We use a 36". For competitive shooting a 36" barrel is recommended. On the average you will lose approx. 150 feet per second at the muzzle using a 30" bbl VS a 36".
What barrel weight do I need?
Plinking - A heavy tapered barrel such as the Shorty contour barrel is sufficient. It will be easier to carry and handle the rifle and is still capable of sub MOA out to 800 yds. We do offer a 30" bull barrel that will give you sub MOA out to 1000 yds. but will give less muzzle velocity.
Target - A bull barrel is best for bench shooting and / or when you must be able to fire 5 shots within 2 minutes in a competition situation. The heavier barrel will dampen vibration and assist accuracy.
CUSTOM ORDERS:
What do I have to do to order a custom State Arms Rifle?
How do I measure length of pull?
Does State Arms make a left handed action?
How long will it take to get my custom State Arms Rifle?
What are shipping costs?
What do I have to do to order a custom State Arms Rifle?
Custom orders require a $300.00 down payment and a signed FFL, or customer must pick up at our shop in Bancroft, Wisconsin. The best way to place an order is to call direct and discuss your wants and needs. We need you to tell us the complete details of what you want. Remember to specify the model and any options, including:
- Length, Weight, and Twist of Barrel
- Type of Muzzle Brake
- Flutes or No Flutes
- With or without Bipod
- Scope Ring Size
- Type and Color of Stock ( include length of pull for wood stocks )
If you have other questions or requests, call us at 715-366-2006 or send a e-mail
How do I measure length of pull?
Measure down the inside of your forearm from the crotch near your bicep to the center of your fingerprint of your trigger finger with your trigger finger slightly bent.
Does State Arms make a left handed action?
Yes we do! A left handed action costs $100.00 more. We aren't picking on you, it just requires different set-up and tooling so it costs a little more. Most companies don't even give you the option.
How long will it take to get my custom State Arms Rifle?
This depends on our work load at the time of ordering. Usually, a tactical stock version rifle can be ready in approx. 6 - 8 weeks and a wooden stocked rifle in approx. 8 - 10 weeks. This can vary if our work load is heavy or light.
What are shipping costs?
Current shipping costs are about $75.00 per rifle.
MUZZLE BRAKES:
What is the best muzzle brake for me?
The fish gill muzzle brake is available in 2" dia., 2¼ " dia., and 3" dia. You must consider how you will use the rifle and factor in the following:
- Weight
- Recoil Reduction
- Cost
- Appearance
The heavier the brake the less recoil there is.
RECOILS:
Does a .50 cal rifle have severe recoil?
What has the most effect on recoil?
How much does a State Arms rifle kick?
Does a .50 cal rifle have severe recoil?
Depending on the weight of the rifle and the type of muzzle brake used, a .50 BMG can have less recoil than a common hunting rifle.
What has the most effect on recoil?
Rifle weight - More weight, less recoil.
Muzzle Brake - Bigger is better.
Ammunition - Heavier bullets produce more recoil.
How much does a State Arms rifle kick?
Depending on options, felt recoil is similar to a 12 gauge shotgun with a heavy field load. The rifle will give you a push but not the sharp smack on the shoulder that even magnum rifle calibers give.
STOCKS:
Which type of stock is better?
Custom Laminated Wood vs. Machined hard coated Aluminum.
The laminated wood stock is more traditional and many color choices give a truly custom look to your rifle. Unfortunately wood is affected by temperature and humidity making it subject to influence by weather conditions.
The aluminum stock is care free, adjustable for length of pull, and gives a military appearance. Built in cross-level and carrying handle. Available in black only.
STRENGTH:
How strong is a State Arms Action?
An independent engineering firm located in Texas performed destructive testing on a typical State Arms short action. This means the receiver was subjected to extreme forces until it failed, destroying it. The test results showed the action withstood in excess of 600% it's rated strength.
TRIGGERS:
Does State Arms offer a match grade trigger?
The State Arms adjustable trigger ( 1½ to 4 lbs ) is fully capable of match grade accuracy. However, if you feel you need an "extra edge", a Jewell trigger (2 to 8 ounces) is available on the Competitor 2000 model.
WARRANTY:
What kind of warranty will I get?
All State Arms Rifles carry a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship of all metal parts.
We can not warranty wood against breakage or wood and metal finishes against scratches or damage from handling or carelessness.