E.D.M. ARMS Windrunner Model 96 Take Down 30” Bolt Action .50 BMG
SOLD FOR: $8,050.00
WOA#: WY240610GM007
Make: E.D.M. ARMS
Model: AR-50
Serial Number: 469
Year of Manufacture: Modern Disc. 2017
Caliber: .50 BMG
Action Type: Bolt action takedown rifle fed by detachable single stack 3 round magazines.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “E.D.M. ARMS / U.S.A. .50 CAL. B.M.G. WINDRUNNER REDLANDS CA. SER. # 469”. The scope is marked “US OPTICS” on the eyepiece. The side of the objective is marked “U.S. OPTICS / HORUS VISION” with the patents listed.
Barrel Length: 30″ fluted by Fedderson Inc. barrel, 33 ¾” with the four chamber shark gill brake. The barrel uses a scaled up version of an Uzi barrel attachment method.
Sights / Optics: Mounted atop the elevated picatinny riser is a US OPTICS SN-3 3.8-22x65mm Scope. The scope has covered 1CM click at 100M turrets, first focal plane mounted HORUS VISION reticle, objective parallax adjustment, Anti reflective device sunshade, flip up scope caps, NIGHTFORCE tube mounted angle indicator with bubble level and an illuminated reticle(at the time of testing there was no battery installed this scope takes one CR2032 battery). The sight picture is very clear, the turrets adjust with positive clicks, cycling through the magnification range is very clean and smooth. The windage cap has some rub wear. Overall this scope is in Excellent Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on the rifle includes a Hogue AR 15 pattern rubberized pistol grip with finger grooves, and adjustable position stock with positions for 12.5, 14.25, and 16 length of pull(LOP). The stock features a folding adjustable rear monopod, adjustable cheek riser, very soft and thick rubber buttpad, and a sling swivel. The telescoping stock can also be closed up to the back of the action to shrink the overall length of the receiver down to 20.5”. As this is a takedown rifle it does not have a forend. However it does have an integral mount M60 style bi-pod. The furniture shows very little wear, there is minimal wear on the buttpad, and all adjustments are easy to make. Overall the furniture is in Very Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes 2 x 3 round single stack magazines in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is no build up from carbon or verdigris from copper on the brake or in the baffles. This rifle appears to have less than a box of 50 bmg through it. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bolt face has almost no brass residue on it and what is there should be easily removed. The bolt shows friction wear from use but in this writer’s opinion not from firing just from cycling. The barrel has rub wear from the barrel nut being moved around and a 1” rub mark wear the finish has been removed about mid length on the barrel. The receiver shows some very minor surface wear with a few small surface scratches. The bi-pod has some rub wear and finish loss. There are a few very small patches of rust freckling that should be easy to remove with a proper cleaning. The inside of the action shows very little wear from use. Overall this rifle is in about Very Fine to Very Fine + Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes its mounted scope, level, and BI-pod. Also includes cleaning patches, the two magazines, original sales brochure, and the EDM ARMS 34” OD Green Starlight air/water-tight wheeled hard case.
Our Assessment: The EDM Arms Model 96 Windrunner is a renowned bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .50 BMG, designed for extreme long-range shooting. Known for its accuracy and the compact design, the Model 96 is a testament to the innovative spirit of EDM Arms and its founder, Bill Ritchie, who has played a significant role in advancing precision rifle design. Paired with a US Optics SN-3 3.8-22x65mm scope featuring a Horus reticle, the Model 96 Windrunner is a formidable platform for military, law enforcement, and civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts. The founder of EDM Bill Ritchie is a key figure in the world of precision rifles, particularly for his contributions to the design and manufacture of long-range, large-caliber rifles. He founded his own tool and die company in 1979 and later changed the name of the company to EDM Arms (Electronic Discharge Machining AKA Wire Cut) in 1997 after accumulating extensive experience in precision machining and firearms design. Ritchie’s background in the precision machining industry provided him with a strong foundation which he brought into the firearms sector with the goal of producing some of the most accurate and reliable rifles available. The Model 96 Windrunner was one of the earliest and most successful designs to come out of EDM Arms. Introduced in the mid-1990s, the Windrunner quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional accuracy with a sub MOA guarantee, its innovative design, and the ability to break down into a compact package for easy transport—qualities that were highly sought after by military and law enforcement snipers. The rifle features a unique take-down design, allowing it to be disassembled and reassembled without losing zero, which is a significant advantage for shooters who need to transport the rifle discreetly or over long distances. The Model 96 Windrunner is at its core a bolt-action rifle designed around the .50 BMG cartridge, which is capable of engaging targets at extreme distances with remarkable power and precision. The rifle was built with a focus on compactness and ease of maintenance, featuring a fully free floating barrel, a highly durable one piece cnc cut 8620 chromoly receiver hardened to 40/20 Rockwell, and a simple yet robust bolt-action mechanism. The Windrunner’s bolt is notable for its smooth operation and strong lock-up, ensuring consistent and reliable performance under various conditions. The rifle’s barrel is a match-grade 30” barrel fluted by Fedderson Inc., designed to maximize the ballistic potential of the .50 BMG cartridge. Paired with a four chamber shark gill style brake that significantly reduces the recoil felt by the shooter. The Model 96 also includes a fully adjustable stock with an oversized rubber buttpad allowing shooters to tailor the length of pull and cheek rest height. The stock also includes a deployable rear monopod for added stability. The mounted US Optics SN-3 3.8-22x65mm scope is an excellent match for the Model 96 Windrunner, offering a wide magnification range that allows shooters to engage targets at various distances, from mid-range to extreme long-range. The large 65mm objective lens provides superior light gathering capabilities, crucial for clear visibility in low-light conditions, which are often encountered during long-range shooting. The Horus reticle featured in this scope is designed to provide advanced ranging and wind correction capabilities, using a grid pattern that allows shooters to make precise holdovers and windage adjustments without dialing the turrets. This is particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting environments where speed and accuracy are paramount. Early model US optics scopes are not only clear and well made but are some of the most robust and durable scopes ever produced, perfect to withstand the recoil and harmonics of the .50 BMG. Bill Ritchie’s EDM Arms, and the Model 96 Windrunner in particular, have made a lasting impact on the field of precision shooting. The Windrunner in various forms including the M200 have been adopted by various military and law enforcement units worldwide, appreciated for its rugged design, portability, and exceptional accuracy. It also remains popular among civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of performance from their equipment. Overall, the EDM Arms Model 96 Windrunner, paired with a US Optics SN-3 scope, represents the pinnacle of precision rifle technology, blending the innovative vision of Bill Ritchie with the practical demands of long-range shooting. Its reputation for accuracy, modularity, and ease of use makes it a standout choice for anyone serious about extreme long-distance marksmanship. These rifles having only been produced in limited quantities to begin with have become more and more rare since the closing of EDM following the death of Bill Ritchie in 2016. Personally this writer has put hundreds of rounds through many different 50 BMG platforms including the COBB, Barrett, AW50, AMAC, AR50, LAR, and Serbu and the Windrunner is by far one of the best 50 BMGs ever made. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
