There is no doubt about the superior range, penetration or stopping power of the fifty. But in an Urban environment NO ONE is going to be taking shots more than 600 yds. And most urban snipers are trained at 100-200yds. In the military for every 20 guys that are rated for 600 yd kills, there is 1 who is rated at 1000 plus. And half of that at 1500. The .308 which most consider the standard sniper rifle is good at 600 yds. up to 1000yds. Plenty for 99% of all urban sniping. The only time the fifty would ever need to be employed, is if someone is driving a Bradley down the street.
A .338 lapua at 300-400 yds with an ap tip will most definetly stop a car.
It comes down to this. Its now illegal to own a fifty in Cali.. But also A Barrett with scope is $8000 plus $5+ per round too expensive for cops to afford on their own. But hey tell city hall you need one for anti terrorism and they'll give you whatever you want. If I were a cop, I'd want the force to buy one of these toys to.
One other thing. Practice. It takes A LOT of practice to be sniper level with one of these. Like I said $5+ per round. Keeping someone qualified on this is going to cost a lot of money. Also, you don't shoot one of these just anywhere. I know there is a Marine base in California with a 2000 yd range, and I think the army has a long range also in Cali.
Thanks fo the info, mountain man. You certainly know your stuff.