Snipers are something of a select group within the branches of the military, and certainly within the ranks of the infantry. For hundreds and thousands of years (if you count spears, arrows, and catapult projectiles – and you should!), marksmen and sharpshooters of all kinds have been feared, revered, and put at the disposal of the leaders of armed forces and groups of resistance all around the world. Then came McMillan.

McMillan Firearms was founded by Gale McMillan in the early 1970’s. At the time, he was producing fiberglass stocks in his home. Later on, in 1975, Gale was brought in to consult the Marine Corps on the development and design of their M40A1 rifle and its stock.

The rifle company we now know as McMillan was established in the early 1990’s as McMillan Bros Rifles Company. In 1996, the TAC-50 went into production, and it was hailed as a game-changer. That last sentence is entirely too correct. The fact is, some of the most recent record-setting sniper kills were made with a TAC-50 rifle, and there is a good chance that many other record-setting kills are being withheld from the public’s eye.

McMillan Tac 50 Sniper Rifle

This is a weapon designated for military and law-enforcement use. The TAC-50’s design started in the 1980s at McMillan Firearms, and when it was released later on, it was largely based on similar systems which had been designed and manufactured by the company. Production of the TAC-50 began in the mid-90’s, and it continues to this day. Over the years, it has even spawned a couple of variants.

Specs

Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7x 99 mm)
Action: bolt-action, manually operated
Capacity: 5 rounds in a detachable magazine
Length (overall): 57 inches
Barrel length: 29 inches
Weight: 26 lbs.
Sights: none.

McMillan Tac 50
McMillan Tac 50 BMG

McMillan Tac 50 Design

This thing was designed to weigh as little as possible while maintaining its integrity as a firearm. Different parts of the rifles are fluted, and the stock is made of fiberglass. Incidentally, as is the case with other long-range firearms, the stock is made to be used with a bipod. It is possible to extend the buttstock of the rifle with the help of spacers, and greatly enhance comfort. And speaking of comfort, night sights and telescopic sights are your best option, since – in true sniping fashion – the TAC-50 doesn’t come with any sights of its own.

The barrel’s material is either high-quality chrome-moly steel or an optional stainless steel. It is a Lilja barrel, known for its uncompromising accuracy, durability, and performance. CNC-milled and carefully inspected, the barrel is guaranteed by McMillan to be exceedingly precise and stay that way.

The rifle’s design, and its resulting accuracy has proven itself time and again, in a wide variety of situations and conditions. Whether during routine perimeter sweeps, emergency response in the civilian sector, or military combat action, this is definitely one of the most popular sniper systems in the world today.

.50 BMG

50 cal weapons are some of the toughest and most robust systems out there. The .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) cartridge was developed and produced in the early 20th century by Winchester Arms and Frankford Arms, but it was, in fact, the brainchild of famed firearms wizard John Browning. Browning was the one who first hatched the designs, as they were meant primarily for the Browning machine gun. The cartridge has been in use for nearly 100 years now, and it is still considered one of the best in the world.

With a seriously large diameter, the .50 BMG possesses the ability to pack plenty of energy behind it, making it a powerhouse of precision. Cartridges like the .50 BMG and other “50 cals” are used for piercing through a variety of materials, including certain types of armor, and are a natural ally of the sniper system.

Further Reading: Top 50 BMG Rifles

McMillan Stocks

According to the company, Gale McMillan manufactured his first fiberglass stock right on his own kitchen table. The company has made leaps and bounds over the years, and it is safe to assume that no kitchen tables are being utilized in the modern process of McMillan stock manufacturing. So, what is involved?

The company boasts a wide selection of tactical stocks, hunting stocks, stocks designed for a bench rest, other designed for competitions, and one specific series made for lighter rifles. The customer has the ability to choose from a variety of looks, pricing options, finishes, pads, spacers, plates, cheekpieces, rails, pillars, and more.

McMillan Rifles

While McMillan is deservedly famous and well-known for its TAC-50 sniper system, as well as its wide range of stocks, the company is also the manufacturer of more “mainstream” rifles dedicated to tactical use, recreation, competition, and hunting. Currently, there are a number of rifles being offered by McMillian, and here are some relevant models and specs (taken from the McMillan website).

McMillan Tac 308

Action:G31 McMillan Short Action
Drilled and Tapped for 8×40 Scope Base Screws
Calibers.308 Win
Barrel:Match Grade, Stainless Steel
.308 Winchester Twist 1:10″
Medium-Heavy Contour
24″ Barrel Threaded with Cap
Bottom Metal:Detachable Box Magazine System
1-5 Round Magazine
Trigger:Adjustable set at 3 lbs.
Stock:McMillan Firearms Tactical Stock
Integral Adjustable Cheekpiece
LOP Spacer System
1 Stud
6 Flush mount Cups w/ 1-1/4″ Sling Loops
Finish:Cerakote Metal Finish to Match Stock
Price:$4899

McMillan Tac 300

Action:G31 Long Action
Drilled and Tapped for 8×40 Scope Base Screws
Calibers:.300 Win Mag
Barrel:Match Grade, Stainless Steel
Twist 1:10″
Medium-Heavy Contour
26″ Barrel Threaded With Cap
Bottom Metal:Detachable Box Magazine System
1-5 Round Magazine
Trigger:Adjustable set at 3 lbs.
Stock:McMillan Firearms Tactical Stock
Integral Adjustable Cheekpiece
LOP Spacer System
1 Stud
6 Flush mount Cups w/ 1-1/4″ Sling Loops
Finish:Cerakote Metal Finish to Match Stock
Price:$4999

McMillan Tac 338

Action:McMillan TAC-338 Action
Chambered in .338 Lapua Mag
20 MOA 1913 MIL-STD Rail
Barrel:Match Grade, Stainless Steel
.338 Lapua Mag Twist 1:9.35″
Medium Heavy Contour
27″ Barrel with Muzzle Brake, 3/4-24 Threads
Bottom Metal:Detachable Box Magazine System
1-5 Round Magazine
Trigger:Jewell – Adjustable (Set at 2.5lbs)
Stock:McMillan Firearms Tactical Stock
Integral Adjustable Cheekpiece
LOP Spacer System
1 Stud
6 Flush mount Cups w/ 1-1/4″ Sling Loops
Finish:Metal Finish (to match stock) – Black, OD Green, Flat Dark Earth
Price:$5699

McMillan Tac-50 A1

Action:McMillan .50 Caliber
McMillan 30 MOA Picatinny rail
Drilled and tapped for 8×32 scope base screws
Caliber:.50 BMG
Magazine:Detachable Box, 5-Round
Stock:McMillan TAC-50 A1
Removable
Adjustable integral cheekpiece
4 flush mount cups with 1 1/4″ sling loops
A1 bipod
Decelerator pad
Fixed LOP
Barrel:Match grade, hand lapped, free floating, fluted
29″ Navy contour
Threaded muzzle
Threaded McMillan muzzle brake
1:15″ Twist
Trigger:Adjustable, set at 3.5 lbs.
Finish:Metal Finish (to match stock) – Black, Olive, Gray, Tan, or Dark Earth
R2 Recoil Mitigation System:No
Price:Call for pricing

Legacy Hunting Rifle

Action:McMillan G31 Short Action

Calibers:BRL LengthTwist
.223 Win22″1:8
.243 Win24″1:7.5″
260 Rem24″1:8″
308 Win22″1:10″
300 WSM24″1:10″
Stock Options:McMillan Dynasty
McMillan Hunter
McMillan A3
XX Walnut
Standard Walnut
Nutmeg Laminate
Barrel:Match grade, stainless steel
Target crown (optional muzzle brake available)
Floorplate:Machined one-piece aluminum hinged
Sights:Drilled and tapped for scope
Weight:6 lbs. 8 oz. to 7 lbs.
Finish:Barreled action and bolt are black Cerakote. Call for stock colors and patterns.
Case:Travel case with rollers included
Price:Call for pricing

Heritage Hunting Rifle

Calibers:BRL LengthTwist
6.5 x 284 Norma26″1:8″
7mm Rem Mag24″1:9″
.284 Win26″1:9″
30-06 SPR24″1:10″
.300 Win Mag26″1:10″
Action:McMillan G31 Long Action
Stock:McMillan Dynasty
McMillan Hunter
McMillan A3
XX Walnut
Standard Walnut
Nutmeg Laminate
Barrel:Match grade, stainless steel
Target crown (optional muzzle brake available)
Floorplate:Machined one-piece aluminum hinged
Sights:Drilled and tapped for scope
Weight:7 – 8 lbs.
Finish:Barreled action and bolt are black Cerakote. Call for stock colors and patterns.
Case:Travel case with rollers included
Price:Call for pricing

Alias CS5

Action:Action McMillan ALIAS
Caliber.308 Winchester
Barrel:Length 12.5″
Stainless, Match Grade
1-8″ Twist
Threaded with Muzzle Brake System
Length23.5″ Disassembled
32.5″ Disassembled with Butt
38″ Fully Assembled
TriggerAnschütte®
ButtstockTactical
ForendTube or Quad
Pistol GripTactical
SuppressorAWC PSR
Typical MV, Supersonic2150 – 2250 fps with McMillan Ammunition
Typical MV, Subsonic950-1050 fps with McMillan Ammunition
MagazineDetachable Box, 10 Round
FinishBlack
Weight10.6* lbs. / with Suppressor 12.25 lbs.
Carry CaseFull Size Gun Case Provided

Alias Star

ActionMcMillan ALIAS
Calibers:.308 Winchester
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5×47 Lapua
Barrel:Length: 18.5-24″
Stainless Steel Match Grade
1-11″ Twist: .308 Win
1-8″ Twist: 6.5 Creedmoor
1-8″ Twist: 6.5×47 Lapua
Threaded Muzzle with Thread Cap
Length29″ Disassembled
38″ Disassembled with Butt
44″ Fully Assembled
TriggerAnschütz®
ButtstockTactical
ForendTube or Quad
Pistol GripTactical
SuppressorOptional
MagazineDetachable Magazine, 10 Round
FinishBlack
Weight11.6 lbs.* / without Suppressor
Carry CaseFull Size Gun Case Provided

Alias Target

ActionMcMillan ALIAS
Calibers.308 Winchester
.308 Palma
6.5 Creedmoor
.260 Rem
6.5×47 Lapua
6XC
BarrelLength: 24-30″
1:10″, 1:11″, 1:12″ Twist: .308 Win
1:13″ Twist: .308 Palma
1:8″ Twist: 6.5 Creedmoor
1:8″ Twist: .260 Rem
1:8″ Twist: 6.5×47 Lapua
1:7.5″ Twist: 6XC
Length33″ Disassembled
42″ Disassembled with Butt
48″ Fully Assembled
TriggerAnschütz®
ButtstockCompetition
ForendCompetition
Pistol GripCompetition
MagazineTwo Detachable 10 Round Magazines and One Single Shot Loading Block
FinishBlack
Weight12 Lbs.*
Carry CaseN/A

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Sam M

Sam is an avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores.

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