The Firearm Blog

Zel Custom are just about to put their 3rd generation Tactilite .50 BMG / .416 Barret AR-15 Upper into full production.

Gen-3 Upper

The new Gen-3 receiver is CNC-machined from a single piece of steel. It includes an integrated picatinny which is machined into the receiver.

Zel are also working on a quad rail system for the Gen-3 upper (see photo below).

Shown without coating on the rails

Zel Custom Mfg. have developed a new model of their Tactilite AR-15 Upper Receiver chambered in .416 Barrett. Like the .408 Cheyenne Tactical that I mentioned yesterday, the .416 is also a long range sniping round that sits between the between the .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG. Over the .50 it offers greater energy past 1000 yards and is California compliant (it is fortunate that the Cali legislators do not understand ballistics).

The .50 BMG version with custom finish.

You can read my coverage of the Tactlite .50 BMG AR-15 Upper and listen to the Gun Nuts Media podcast that features an interview with Michael Brendzel, owner of Zel Custom Mfg.

Zel Custom Manufacturing recently purchased the Ultralite50 line of .50 BMG AR-15 Uppers. They have just released an improved version of the Ultralite50 called the Tactilite.

As you can see above the Taclite is a single shot bolt action that sits atop an AR-15 lower. Because the lower is considered a firearm by the BATFE, the Tactilite is legally an accessory not a firearm, a fact that I am sure would freak out certain elements of society if they ever found out!

It features a free-floating barrel and is available in barrel lengths 18.5″, 22″, 29″ or custom lengths up to 30″. There are three main models. The Ultralite is the budget model that has a Mossberg barrel. The Duty is next step up and is the basic law enforcement / military model. It features a Lothar-Walther barrel. The Super Match is the competition-grade model featuring a Lothar-Walther Super Match barrel.

TactLite UltraLite Defender with custom finish.

They also sell a variety of packages. One of the packages they sell is the ultra-short 18.5″ barrel UltraLite Defender. It is designed to be fired from the shoulder (as opposed to a bi-pod) and is packaged with a set of back-up iron sights (BUIS) and sling. I don’t think a single-shot .50 BMG is ever a good choice for self defense, as the name suggests, but it could be popular with hunters wanting to carry something exotic during their next hunt. While it would have the power for African dangerous game, civilian ownership of military cartridges are banned in many African countries where hunting is popular.

Pricing starts at $1550 for the most basic model.