The AK-50 project, a 10-year endeavor by Brandon Herrera, aimed to scale the AK platform to .50 BMG. Early prototypes like V1 struggled with feeding, while V2 introduced a stamped receiver and a triangular bolt head. The refined V3 prototype features a match-grade barrel and monolithic handguard, demonstrating significant reliability improvements after approximately 500 rounds.
This review of Brandon Herrera's AK-50, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details the ambitious 10-year project. The AK-50 leverages a robust AK design aesthetic while incorporating significant modifications for .50 BMG. Key features include a monolithic aluminum handguard, a unique dual recoil spring system, and the integration of parts from other firearms like the PK machine gun and Mag 58 to manage the powerful .50 caliber round.
Brandon Herrera details significant improvements to the AK-50 prototype, focusing on a new double recoil spring assembly designed to enhance reliability. While live fire testing showed progress, cycling and ejection issues persist, particularly with standard ammunition. Further adjustments to the gas system and ejection geometry are planned.
The AK-50 project is nearing completion with ongoing refinements to reliability and ergonomics, including a new Zenitco grip. The rifle's integration into Escape from Tarkov is highlighted. Significant engineering efforts focus on managing .50 BMG recoil through custom buffer and spring systems, and a redesigned piston shaft.
This video features Brandon Herrera, founder of The AK Guy Inc. and creator of the AK-50, discussing various topics at SHOT Show 2025. He sits down with Devin Perkins to talk about politics, firearms, the ATF, and the event itself. The discussion hints at potential efforts to dismantle the ATF, making it a relevant watch for those interested in firearms culture and Second Amendment advocacy.
Brandon Herrera transforms a Tesla Cybertruck into a real-life Halo Warthog, complete with a functional Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun turret. The build highlights the Cybertruck's potential as a tactical platform, featuring impressive speed and weight capacity. The video also showcases Tactical-EV's weaponization systems for Teslas, including mounting solutions for rifles like the AK-50.
Brandon Herrera, designer of the AK-50, analyzes the 'JAK Cataclysm' in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, asserting the game's developers borrowed heavily from his unique .50 BMG AK design without consultation. He details specific visual cues and explains the technical implausibility of the in-game conversion, offering a blend of technical critique and personal perspective on intellectual property in gaming.
Brandon Herrera unveils the completed AK-50, showcasing design refinements like a new muzzle brake to address barrel whip. The video debunks the myth of .50 BMG shockwave damage using White Claw cans and demonstrates the rifle's destructive power by destroying an IO AK with Raufoss rounds. Key AK-style technical features, including the long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt, are highlighted.
This review dives deep into Brandon Herrera's AK-50, the first AK-platform rifle chambered in .50 BMG. It features a detailed comparison with the AK-47, highlighting scaled-up components and internal differences. Live fire testing demonstrates manageable recoil for its caliber and impressive destructive power, even when compared to a .50 BMG pistol.
Brandon Herrera details the 8-year development of the AK-50, a custom .50 BMG rifle based on the AK-47 platform. The project overcame significant engineering challenges, including the Square-Cube Law, leading to multiple design iterations. The final V3 model successfully fired 10 consecutive .50 BMG rounds, demonstrating manageable recoil even when shoulder-fired.
Brandon Herrera provides a detailed update on the AK-50 V3 build, highlighting progress made despite supplier issues and out-of-spec parts. The video showcases the successful V3 receiver design, custom tooling for .50 caliber components, and a free-floating gas tube system. Final assembly is pending heat-treated parts and custom pins.
Brandon Herrera, an FFL-SOT holder and firearms manufacturer, provides an update on the AK-50 V3 prototype. He details manufacturing defects encountered with the handguard and stamped receiver, highlighting the need for precision machining from specialists like Titans of CNC. The video also touches on his congressional campaign and commitment to gun rights.
Gun Laws by State
Read firearms regulations for all 50 states + D.C.
Find Gun Dealers
Search licensed FFL dealers near you.