Introduction
The McMillan TAC-50 is a .50 BMG (12.7×99 mm NATO) precision rifle designed for very long-range engagements. Manufactured by the American company McMillan Firearms Manufacturing, the TAC-50 is renowned for its extreme accuracy, robustness and ability to neutralize targets at over 2,000 meters. This rifle is used by many special forces around the world, and holds several world records for confirmed long-range kills.
Origins and development
The development of the TAC-50 dates back to the 1980s, when armies were looking for weapons capable of hitting light or heavy targets at long range, including unarmored vehicles, radar or sensitive equipment.
McMillan, already well known for its precision stocks and customized rifles, then launched a precision rifle chambered in .50 BMG, a cartridge historically used in heavy machine guns but adapted for long-range precision shooting.
The TAC-50 is designed as a bolt-action handgun, offering extreme reliability and deadly accuracy. It stands out for its mechanical simplicity, its relative lightness for a .50 BMG rifle, and its field-proven effectiveness.
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calibre | .50 BMG (12.7×99 mm NATO) |
| Overall length | Approx. 1,450 mm |
| Barrel length | 737 mm |
| Weight | ~11.8 kg (without bezel and bipod) |
| Capacity | 5 shots (detachable magazine) |
| Mechanism | Manual repeater with lock |
| Effective range | 1,800 to 2,200 m |
| Accuracy | Less than 1 MOA with suitable ammunition |
Design and ergonomics
The TAC-50 is designed to combine ballistic power and extreme precision. It features :
Sturdy, smooth-running bolt action with three locking pins
One-piece fiberglass stock made by McMillan, resistant to extreme conditions
A massive muzzle brake, essential for reducing the violent recoil of the .50 BMG
Long Picatinny rail on top for mounting high-performance scopes
Adjustable front bipod to stabilize the weapon for long-distance shooting
Ergonomic pistol grip for greater comfort during long shooting sessions
The weapon’s weight remains contained for a .50 BMG, enabling mobile deployment by two shooters (shooter and observer).
Variants and evolutions
Several versions and sub-models of the TAC-50 have been developed over the years:
TAC-50 A1: New stock with adjustable cheek rest, new breech lever, extended rail
TAC-50 A1-R2: Incorporates a hydraulic recoil reduction system, much appreciated by Canadian special forces.
These improvements have enhanced the rifle’s comfort, repeatability and overall effectiveness in operational conditions.
Military use and records
The McMillan TAC-50 is used in several countries, including :
Canada (JTF2): Main known user
United States: Some special units
Israel, France, Turkey, Jordan, etc.
He is most famous for holding the world record for the longest confirmed lethal shot:
3,540 meters in Iraq in 2017, achieved by a Canadian sniper from JTF2
This shot has been confirmed by several military sources and remains, to this day, a benchmark in the world of precision shooting.
Comparison with other .50 BMG sniper rifles
| Model | Type | Effective range |
|---|---|---|
| TAC-50 | Manual lock | 2 200 m |
| Barrett M82A1 | Semi-automatic | 1 800 m |
| Accuracy AS50 | Semi-automatic | 1 500 m |
The TAC-50 is favored for its superior accuracy, while semi-automatic rifles like the Barrett M82A1 are more geared towards support or fast-moving anti-material.
Conclusion
The McMillan TAC-50 is one of the world’s most feared precision rifles. Perfectly suited to long-distance shooting, it has repeatedly proven its reliability, robustness and extreme accuracy.
Used by the best sniper units, it embodies modern ballistic excellence. Its heritage is reinforced by impressive shooting records and use in real-life theaters of operation where range and accuracy arevital.
