1
0
As long as I have been a Firearms enthusiast, there has always been a certain type of firearm that got all the attention at the range or in the field. People just congregate around the Unique or the Heavy Hitter/Powerful firearms. It must be human nature as we are drawn to things we’ve never seen before or to things that are strong and powerful. I look at cars for example. Crowds of people are always seen around the rare/unique automobile as well as the Fast/powerful cars as well. I see that in most of my hobbies as well. We just like unique and powerful things.
What if I told you that you could find that Unique and Powerful factor all within one firearm, would you believe me? Well it’s your lucky day because I present to you the AR500, manufactured by Big Horn Armory. This rifle is touted as “The Most Powerful AR Rifle in the World.” What makes it qualified to make such a claim? Well let me show you how. The AR500 is chambered in 500 Auto Max. If you’re unfamiliar with that name, it is a rimless 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum round. It is a beast that has knock down power for days. The AR500 is unique in that you won’t see anything like it at the range or the field. It draws attention wherever we have taken it. We usually hear the expression, “whoah” when we remove it from its case. It’s a beast and a half yet only weighing 9 lbs makes it ever useful and easy to carry in the field where tables and tripods aren’t easily accessible. The AR500 has the option of 2 sizes of magazines being a 5 round or a 9 round. These magazines are a feat within themselves being able to smoothly feed the massive round flawlessly into the rifle.
Big Horn Armory has been a staple in the large hunting rifle industry for a good long time. They produce the Model 89 lever action rifle which is just nuts in itself. In building the AR500, they wanted something that would be different. They wanted something in the big bore market that would be available in the AR platform. They came up with the AR500, and we are forever grateful that they did. Oh wait did we mention that this Unicorn is made in the U.S.A? Well it is, Cody Wyoming to be exact. That should be a huge incentive to want this firearm in your personal collection. It fits that American made go big or go home factor that you just can’t beat.
Let me tell you of our experience with this firearm. First it came to us in a MTM Case-gard hard case that is unlike anything we’ve seen before. We’ve had MTM case-gard hard shells before and this one was obviously built specifically for this firearm. The case itself is a work of art. When you open the case and you get your first view of the Monster AR500 you can’t help but smile. Yes, it’s that cool of a sight. We loaded it up for our first range visit and a test on a Level 3 body armor plate. We ran some rounds through the AR500 which cycled more smoothly than you’d expect with such a round being chambered in it. The recoil is there but the very well manufactured butt stock with its rubber cushion saves the shoulder for sure. Single shots and or rapid fire does not change the dynamics here. The AR500 is accurate beyond any expectations. We ran various versions of the 500 Auto Max round through this machine and it just kept going without a hitch. We were lucky enough to get our hands on some Steinel Ammunition hollow point 350 grain JHP and their 440 grain Hard Cast WFNGC rounds. They all ran smoothly and accurately on every pull of the trigger.
We can’t help but chuckle every time we put a round through this gun. It’s literally that fun to shoot. We ran our shooting test at 50 yards up to 200 yards and accuracy was on point at every distance. And then we did what any fun loving enthusiast should do. We put a round through a watermelon from 70 yards. I’m going to be honest, we didn’t find a piece of watermelon left. It exploded with such force it launched our slow motion camera that we had setup close by about 5 yards in a different direction. It also left a literal crater in the ground. If that isn’t fun at the range then I don’t know what is. The AR500 is very versatile, with it only weighing 9 pounds it’s easy to get into any hunting location as well as any spot for just a simple day at the range putting holes in targets.
Let drop some factoid specs here direct from Big Horn Armory
Caliber: 500 Auto Max
Rate of Twist: 1 in 24 Barrel
Length: 18”
Muzzle: Threaded w/ muzzle brake
Crown: Recessed
Trigger: Match Grade Rise Rave 140 trigger, single stage 3.5 lb pull
Butt Stock: Adjustable butt stock
Fore-end: M-LOK free float handguard
Action Materials: 7075 Aluminum hard anodized
Metal Finishes: Hunter Black Nitride on SS parts
Swing Swivel Mounts: Integral rear
Mag Capacity: 5 rd standard or 9 rd option
Overall Length: Varies
Weight: 9 lb.
MSRP: $2,399.00
Hunters and Firearm enthusiasts alike. Let me tell you, we enjoyed every aspect of this firearm. Heck, we even enjoyed cleaning it. When removing that massive BCG, it makes you say, “this is just awesome.” The folks at Big Horn Armory knew exactly what they were doing here. They made an accurate, fun to shoot, firearm that will keep you smiling for as long as you own it. We loved this firearm so much ourselves that we just couldn’t let it go. We purchased it because we loved it that much and so will you.
-Written By Jason Bean
