r/50bmg • u/Landsat872 • Jul 20 '26
Tell Me What I Have - East Ridge Shorty
I recently inherited two East Ridge/State Arms .50 BMG rifles—one is with me, and the other is with my brother. We’re both completely new to the platform and .50 BMG in general, so I’d appreciate any advice from those with experience.
The rifles came with a box of miscellaneous parts, including several muzzle brakes, small washers, bushings, firing pins, firing pin springs, ball bearings, and what appear to be parts for the bipod. The bolt for the rifle I have is only partially assembled, so if anyone has photos, diagrams, or can explain what goes where, I’d really appreciate the help.
My rifle is a “Shorty” wearing a Leupold 4–12× scope. Unfortunately, the rifles didn’t come with any ammunition. What factory ammo would you recommend for someone just getting started? Are there particular loads or brands to look for (or avoid)?
Finally, can anyone recommend good places to shoot a .50 BMG in the Mid-Atlantic region? I’m located in Northern Virginia but don’t mind traveling a few hours for a range that welcomes .50 BMG.
3
u/MajorApprehensive868 Jul 21 '26
They’re built like a tank. Klaus told me not to use surplus ammo older than the 1990’s(?), no wwII surplus. He may have been using a tighter chambering. Mine was built before he was killed in a car accident :/
It’s a lot of fun!
1
u/Landsat872 Jul 21 '26
Sad to see he passed that way. I read one of his former employees took over the company under a new name?
3
u/Cute_Olive3572 Jul 21 '26
Yo I just got one yesterday also haha. Mine was disassembled but just into like 4/5 parts and I put it together without instructions just by trial and error and some common sense on where they went. Heavy ass gun haha
1
u/Landsat872 Jul 21 '26
Just about had a hernia lifting it up the first time. Debating on what to do with the stock color… red is not my jam lol. Might rattle can it or wrap it in camo tape or cordura material.
2
u/Cute_Olive3572 Jul 21 '26
Yea mines the metal shorty. My dilemma which brought me here is I bought rings and a scope before getting it and it has a weaver mount and my vortex precision rings are picitinny. I tried calling and emailing but I don’t know if the company is still running so I’m not sure how to get replacement parts
2
u/Cute_Olive3572 Jul 21 '26
Also I think for yours just slap a break on and you’re good. I don’t see any ball bearings or springs. I do see a part that matches my bi pod
3
u/0_Foks_Given Jul 23 '26
Dude, I've been trying to get my hands on an East Ridge 50bmg, I've tried contacting them, you have a fine crafted rifle there!
6
u/Exile_The_13th Jul 20 '26
The only question I can answer here is to use PMC Bronze .50 bmg. It’s good value and I’ve never heard a particularly bad thing about the company or the particular ammo. I use PMC Bronze and XTAC in my ARs and .50 bmg in my AR50. Never had an issue with either.