AK50: How Hard Could it Be? Brandon Herrera's 10-Year Project

Published on November 5, 2025
Duration: 26:43

This guide details the field stripping process for the AK-50 V3 prototype, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It highlights the use of original AK components within a scaled-up .50 BMG platform and emphasizes the unique engineering challenges overcome. The process involves removing the dust cover, bolt carrier group, recoil spring, gas tube, trigger group, and pistol grip, showcasing the evolution from standard AK designs.

Quick Summary

The AK-50 project, led by Brandon Herrera, is a 10-year effort to scale the AK rifle platform to fire the .50 BMG cartridge. Evolving through V1, V2, and V3 prototypes, it addresses challenges in feeding, bolt design, and receiver construction. The V3 features a match-grade barrel and monolithic handguard, representing the most refined iteration of this ambitious project documented by Forgotten Weapons.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AK-50 Project
  2. 02:08AK-50 V1: The First Prototype
  3. 04:13AK-50 V2: The Stamped Receiver Phase
  4. 12:13AK-50 V3: The Refined Prototype
  5. 15:56Technical Details and Future

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AK-50 project?

The AK-50 project, initiated by Brandon Herrera in 2016, is a 10-year endeavor to adapt the Kalashnikov (AK) rifle platform to fire the powerful .50 BMG cartridge. It has evolved through multiple prototypes (V1, V2, V3) to overcome significant engineering challenges.

Who is involved in the AK-50 project?

The AK-50 project is primarily led by Brandon Herrera. Gunsmith Chris Baker collaborated on the V1 prototype, and the V2 was developed with a team called 'Brass Valley.' Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides expert analysis and documentation of the project's evolution.

What are the key differences between AK-50 prototypes?

The V1 featured a milled receiver and a modified M2 barrel but couldn't feed reliably. The V2 used a stamped receiver and a scaled-up bolt but still had feeding issues. The V3 is the most refined, boasting a match-grade barrel, monolithic handguard, and significantly improved reliability, incorporating professional manufacturing techniques.

What caliber does the AK-50 fire?

The AK-50 is chambered in .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun). This large caliber requires substantial modifications to the standard AK platform, including a redesigned bolt, receiver, and barrel, to safely handle the increased pressures and recoil.

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