Zel Custom 3rd Gen .50 BMG AR-15 Upper
Updated: January 9th, 2013
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
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
More by Steve Johnson
![[SHOT 2026] TriStar Expands Color Options, Debuts Thumbhole O/U](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/27/21151/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] New Diamondback SDR-A Aluminum Frame .38 Special Revolver](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/20/17351/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Caldwell ClayCopter Surface-to-Air & Rip Launcher](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/31/17121/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Jacob Grey Hex Pro Pistol and Recoil Reaper 1911 Buffer](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/23/22321/post.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation
what is the cost of the 50 bmg vs say the 416 and the 338 lapua
With the Lothar Walther std barrel, we've been getting sub-MOA with match ammo and proper barrel maintenance. The .50 BMGs start at $1748, the .338s start at $1348 and the .416s start at $2048. The .416s have been getting a lot of attention, lately.