50 Cal Machine Gun Bullet Cartridge Pen Kit (Cross Refill)

Turn genuine military brass into a one-of-a-kind writing instrument with the 50 Cal Machine Gun Bullet Cartridge Pen Kit. Built around an authentic once-fired .50 caliber brass cartridge — the same round first developed for the Browning heavy machine gun in the late 1910s — this kit produces a boldly impressive ballpoint pen that carries a real piece of military history. The turned wood section is adjustable from 1⅛" to 2" in length, letting you put your own signature on each finished piece.

What truly sets this kit apart is the cartridge itself. The authentic .50 BMG casing is the body of the pen — not a reproduction, not a prop. The result is a substantial, impressive pen that runs 5½" to 6⅜" overall and comes with a Cross-style ballpoint refill already installed. For turners who want the 50 Cal experience with Cross-compatible refill replacements, this is the version to reach for.

Features

• Authentic military brass: Built from a genuine once-fired .50 caliber cartridge casing — the same round used in Browning machine guns since WWI

• Cross-style refill included: Ships ready to write with a Cross-compatible ballpoint cartridge; Cross-style replacements are widely available at office and pen supply stores

• Adjustable turned section: Turn the wood section anywhere from 1⅛" to 2" — every finished pen can look slightly different and be tuned to the turner's preference

• Large, impressive finished size: Overall length of 5½" to 6⅜" depending on turned section — a substantial pen that commands attention

• Short blank requirement: Only needs a ¾" × ¾" × 2" blank — great for premium scrap offcuts and short-grain exotics

• Outstanding gift appeal: Military-themed and built from real brass — a standout gift for veterans, hunters, collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts

• Dark, dense blanks like walnut, ebony, and cocobolo complement the raw brass cartridge body; lighter woods create a striking contrast

Tooling Requirements

• Drill Bit: 7mm

• Bushings: Bushings — 50 Cal Ballpoint Pen Kit (#PK50CALBU)

Mix & Match:

Combine the 50 Cal Bullet Cartridge Pen Kit with any other single pen kits to unlock the highest discount levels!

Kit Includes

• Pen components (blank not included)

• Authentic once-fired .50 caliber brass cartridge body

• Brass tube

• Cross-style ballpoint refill (included)

Specifications

• Style: Ballpoint

• Design Detail: Authentic once-fired .50 BMG military brass cartridge body

• Blank Size: ¾" × ¾" × 2"

• Drill Size: 7mm

• Turned Section: 1⅛"–2" (adjustable)

• Finished Length: 5½"–6⅜" (varies with turned section)

• Refill Type: Cross-style ballpoint (included; widely available replacements)

Why Turners Love This Kit

• The authentic .50 caliber brass cartridge is a built-in conversation piece — every person who picks it up asks about it, and the military provenance makes it instantly memorable

• The adjustable turned section lets you put your own stamp on each finished pen — no two need to look exactly alike even from the same kit design

• The compact 2" blank requirement is ideal for using premium scraps and offcuts that would otherwise go to waste

• An exceptional personalized gift for veterans, active military, hunters, and collectors — a pen with a story built right into its construction