Big Horn Armory .500 S&W carbine

piller · Post by **piller** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:54 pm

In my most recent Shooting Times I saw a notice of Big Horn Armory producing a new .500 S&W caliber lever action carbine. Was it posted here earlier, and did I miss it? It might be a good brush gun. The price is more than I want to pay, though.
http://bighornarmory.com/products/carbine_specs.php
http://bighornarmory.com/products/carbine.php
Here is the spec chart and the manufacturer photo.

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:13 pm

Yeah we had a few pages of discussion a while back: http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... ry#p280021

piller · Post by **piller** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:17 pm

I actually read that thread and forgot about it. Sorry.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:13 am

I saw that ad in my magazine yesterday and went to the website today. I was thinking I'd like to have one of those leverguns if it was ever offered in .460 S&W provided you could shoot .454 Casull and .45 Colt loads in it.

Then I saw the MSRP

I guess I'll buy an 1886 SRC in .45-70 instead.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:48 am

Yeah, yeah - BUT....... look at it this way:

How many folks own 1886's or M86's, and how many own a BHA .500 S&W levergun ?

Do ya wanna run with the herd, or lead it ?

Ya know, it's only green paper - and there more of that to be had.

.

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:54 am

I don't have that kind of cash laying around for gun purchases, but I think I would rather spend the money on the BHA carbine than one of the fancy replicas that Winchester is selling. That's assuming the people at BHA know what they are doing.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 10:52 am

Pete44ru wrote:Yeah, yeah - BUT....... look at it this way:

How many folks own 1886's or M86's, and how many own a BHA .500 S&W levergun ?

Do ya wanna run with the herd, or lead it ?

Ya know, it's only green paper - and there more of that to be had. .

Sure

I get in trouble thinking like that. The older I get, the more I realize I don't have to swim upstream all the time

I like unique toys, but I also like lots of toys. Choices, choices.

nemhed wrote:I don't have that kind of cash laying around for gun purchases, but I think I would rather spend the money on the BHA carbine than one of the fancy replicas that Winchester is selling. That's assuming the people at BHA know what they are doing.

.

I'd probably agree with you there, on all counts. The prices of the BHA rifle and carbine are close enough, I'd rather have one over an overpriced Winchester label. At least the Win. has a tang safety instead of a Cross bolt. It's still superfluous, but at least it's not so blatantly ugly. Does the BHA gun have a redundant safety?

shawn_c992001 · Post by **shawn_c992001** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:07 pm

I think I will stick to my Encore with 26" 500 Mag barrel.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 5:06 pm

I had a chance to handle one of the Big horn 89's at the SHOT show. Those people do nice work. It's not just a reduced size 86. They have taken features from both the 86 and the 92 to make this gun. Most of the action internals are scaled up 92 parts while the loading gate is 86 style. Like winchester learned from 1886 to 1892 there were easier manufacturing methodes used in the 92 and less parts so it only made sense to scale up for this gun.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:07 pm

I would put money down on one right now if it was a takedown in .475 linebaugh!!! I might even stop playing with 45-70 if that was a reality.

KWK · Post by **KWK** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 8:12 pm

I missed this thread the first time but just noticed the ad in Rifle magazine.

The price is very reasonable for a low volume run, so it's good to hear from someone knowledgeable and who's handled one that they seem to be well made.

I don't need a .500 thumper, but I certainly hope they do well -- my hat's off to them!

kaschi · Post by **kaschi** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:02 pm

So then, does the Big Horn Model 89 have a crossbolt safety? I thought one of the posts indicated that it did. Please correct me if i misunderstood(I REALLY hope I misunderstood!). Maybe if that rifle is successful, they will decide to make 86's and 92's as well.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:19 pm

kaschi wrote:So then, does the Big Horn Model 89 have a crossbolt safety? I thought one of the posts indicated that it did. Please correct me if i misunderstood(I REALLY hope I misunderstood!). Maybe if that rifle is successful, they will decide to make 86's and 92's as well.

Kaschi,
No cross bolt, tang or bolt top safety. Quarter cock on the hammer, that's all.

Post by **Hobie** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:16 am

I wish it was available as a straight grip. I wonder, would they do one that way?

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:38 am

Hobie wrote:I wish it was available as a straight grip. I wonder, would they do one that way?

I would agree with that but some might say I'm nit-picking. There are good hi-res hunting photos on their website. Both the rifle and carbine are very good looking.

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:29 am

Its more than I will spend on a single firearm but very cool regardless. I could sell several of my others... but I like them too much

My 500 S&W cost me $255

Unfortunately, there's no lever on it...

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:21 am

Are there any better pics of this shooter...
the ones at their site are not that good....

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:26 am

Pete44ru wrote:Ya know, it's only green paper - and there more of that to be had.
.

I hear the printing presses are churning it out day and night. You might want to get a Canon i9100 printer and join the party.

oic0 · Post by **oic0** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:39 pm

I wonder what kind of velocities it gets out of a rifle. I would LOVE to have one. Alas, thats just too much $$$ for me. I will have to stick with a cheaper production .454 casull lever gun.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:05 pm

That is a really neat rifle. It would be hard to choose between that and a Shiloh Sharps. Did you get a look at the Rifling Steve? Did it look fairly deep and crisp? I wish we could see some more close ups.

kaschi · Post by **kaschi** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:41 pm

That is GREAT news that they didn't screw it up with extra safties. Like some of you, I'd like to see a straight gripped one myself. It sure would be attractive that way. I'll email them and say: "There seems to be a lot of interest in your new Model 89, especially one with a straight grip. When will it be making its debut?"
I'll be sure to post their reply!

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:51 pm

I got a note back letting me know that they would be in production in March or April and that they are setting up dealer relationships at this time.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:07 pm

+3 or 4 on the straight grip. I could live with the pistol grip, and in fact it might just grow on me...it's different enough looking to be kind of cool, but a straight grip on the full length tube carbine would be the bees knees. Would be nice to see that offered.

Jeff Quinn · Post by **Jeff Quinn** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:26 pm

I got to fire one a few times the day before SHOT. It feels really good, and ringing the 100 yard steel offhand was easy for me, and I really do not see very well. Short video here:
http://www.gunblast.com/SHOT_2010_0.htm

piller · Post by **piller** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 1:23 am

I am starting to think about how much overtime I will have to volunteer for so that I can get one. I don't have a need for one. They look good, and I think the .500 S&W sounds like it could be fun in a leveraction carbine. If I stuck with only what I need, I would have a bunch fewer guns than I have.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 1:37 am

Jeff Quinn wrote:I got to fire one a few times the day before SHOT. It feels really good, and ringing the 100 yard steel offhand was easy for me, and I really do not see very well. Short video here:
http://www.gunblast.com/SHOT_2010_0.htm

Jeff,
Did you get a chance to look at Pedersoli's Model 71 remake. I was going to post on it here but i could find anything on-line about it. I had a brochure on it that i can't seem to find now. Basically it's a 71 configured 86, short mag pistol grip, IIRC it was Half&half round/oct and instead of 348 it's in 45-70!!!

CowboyTutt · Post by **CowboyTutt** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 2:11 am

I would take the Pedersoli "71" over the Chiappa any day of the week as David Pedersoli's reputation for quality is well known. Please let us know more when you find out!

-Tutt

Post by **Hobie** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 8:07 am

Jeff,

Did you find the pistol grip to be useful for controlling recoil? I have to say that Boge's photo shows the pistol grip to much better advantage than the maker's on-line photos. Your photo shows the PG to have nicer lines than I had thought...

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:25 am

Man, that's a nice carbine. And its got a Montana sling too

What loads were you shooting Jeff?

Jeff Quinn · Post by **Jeff Quinn** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:28 pm

The gun felt great. I like the feel of the pistol grip, and the relatively high comb made it painless to shoot. I do not know what loads they were. I shot some of the same ammo as everyone else, then Frank broke out some heavier loads, but I could tell no difference. The gun just did not hurt to shoot at all.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 1:22 pm

Thank you for the reports Jeff!

oic0 · Post by **oic0** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 1:57 pm

Rossi was crazy enough to make .454 casull. Maybe if this catches on they will design something for the .500 too?

3,500 ft lbs of energy in a big fat chunk of lead coming from a lil ol lever gun seems like it would be a good ol time. Then again I guess you can do that with a hot 45-70, but it would lack some of the coolness factor

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 4:31 pm

Steve Wrote:Jeff,
Did you get a chance to look at Pedersoli's Model 71 remake. I was going to post on it here but i could find anything on-line about it. I had a brochure on it that i can't seem to find now. Basically it's a 71 configured 86, short mag pistol grip, IIRC it was Half&half round/oct and instead of 348 it's in 45-70!!!

_________________
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765
Please,Please, Someone tell Me more about this ONE.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 4:59 pm

.45colt wrote:Steve Wrote:Jeff,
Did you get a chance to look at Pedersoli's Model 71 remake. I was going to post on it here but i could find anything on-line about it. I had a brochure on it that i can't seem to find now. Basically it's a 71 configured 86, short mag pistol grip, IIRC it was Half&half round/oct and instead of 348 it's in 45-70!!!

_________________
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765
Please,Please, Someone tell Me more about this ONE.

I have a call in to EMF about it. EMF imports the Pedersoli guns so they are getting me some info on the 71.

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:15 pm

Steve,Thanks for the reply. That one will be on My list.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:46 pm

oic0 wrote:Then again I guess you can do that with a hot 45-70, but it would lack some of the coolness factor

If you are willing to consider the modern .45-70 as the "same" as the original, despite the tripled pressure levels, then it IS sort of 'cool' to blast that level of power from a "19th-century" cartridge. To me, other than the looks of the cartridge and some of the guns, there is nothing "vintage" about today's .45-70's loaded to "Ruger No. 1" pressures; may as well use a .460 S&W so at least you can use the .45 Colt in it if you have to, instead of a .45-70...

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:04 pm

Summa you guys wouldn't be happy if they hanged you with a brand-new rope...

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:42 pm

Buck Elliott wrote:Summa you guys wouldn't be happy if they hanged you with a brand-new rope...

That's true!

I'm thinking I might try to get one anyway (despite the pistol grip) just as I'd take a Model 71...

I've never shot the .500 S&W and it looks to be like a modern .50-70 which I've been wanting but this will be in a cool gun.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 2:39 pm

Buck Elliott wrote:Summa you guys wouldn't be happy if they hanged you with a brand-new rope...

Exactly

That's what people like us do: Grouse, complain, opine, belabor. Especially on cold, rainy days.

I am thrilled to see a new levergun manufactured. I see why it is offered in a big bore-it's an attention grabber.
I personally won't be interested in a .500 S&W carbine or rifle. I am one of those who favor companion guns if it's possible.
I'm thrilled to see the new .500 S&W offered, because it gives me hope that a .460 S&W will follow. Then I could have a companion revolver (I have absolutely no desire to own a .500 S&W handgun) and would have a choice on ammo. I like a gun that will digest different things.

I see, after looking in my Hornady book, that the .500 is shorter than the .460, so maybe a .460 rifle can't happen without major changes. But I would also have interest in a .475 Linebaugh/.480 Ruger combo. I will also have to save up some pennies.

Until then, I'll be content (

) with my .45 Colt pair.

Hopefully, our wishing out loud gives gun makers ideas instead of discouraging them.

Buck Elliott · Post by **Buck Elliott** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 6:13 pm

My books list the .500 and the .460 at the same maximum overall length... Even though the .460 case is 0.20" longer.

Hope springs eternal...

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 6:38 pm

Buck Elliott wrote:My books list the .500 and the .460 at the same maximum overall length... Even though the .460 case is 0.20" longer.

That's interesting. Of all the reloading books I have, the Hornady 7th edition is the only one that lists those two rounds.
It shows .500 S&W case length 1.625 and COL of 2.040 - .460 S&W case length 1.800 and COL 2.275

Accurate's website shows the .500 S&W case lenght 1.625 and COL 2.100 - no data on the .460

I guess the difference is bullet choice. Hornady's largest bullet listed is the 500 gr FP-XTP.
I load 535 grain Postell bullets in my .45-70 that are much longer than the published COL.

Buck Elliott wrote:Hope springs eternal...

Agreed. I'll be wishing for a pot o' gold while I'm at it