Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
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- AJMD429
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Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Just came today.
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Last edited by AJMD429 on Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
I will be looking forward to it. It sounds like fun. I need to get to the range and try out my new (to me) Birthday Present.
D. Brian Casady
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Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Doc AJ, Best have a chiropractor and an orthopedic surgeon on retainer. That thing's gonna stomp the snot outta you.
I'll also be waiting for the range report. Oh and set your video camera up on a tri-pod so we can watch it stomp ya.
Joe
I'll also be waiting for the range report. Oh and set your video camera up on a tri-pod so we can watch it stomp ya.
Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts .***
- 7.62 Precision
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
I have been looking forward to this myself, vicariously.
I'm thrilled you finally got it. Can't wait for the report!
I'm thrilled you finally got it. Can't wait for the report!
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Awaiting with bated breath....
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Proud Life Member Of:
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Blaine, are you eating sardines again?
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
- Borregos
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Tease
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
- AJMD429
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Shot it twice this evening. First was a MagTech 'reduced recoil' 325 gr load and felt about like my Marlin 44 Mag 1894 with 240 grain factory loads. Second a Cor-Bon 275 gr claiming 1665 fps/1688 ftlb, that felt barely any hotter. I have Hornady 350 gr @ 1900 fps (all handgun claims I assume) I just found and will shoot if I get a chance tomorrow. I want to do it when I have time to set targets AND chronograph up though.
As far as recoil, I wasn't bothered by the Hornady loads in a Handi-rifle so I guess I am scrawny enough recoil just moves me instead of hurting.
Here are their claimed 'rifle' ballistics - Model 89 Factory Load Ballistics
They claim 1422 fps from the 325 gr MagTech loads, 2085 fps from the 275 gr Cor-Bon loads, and 2133 from the 350 gr Hornady loads. I also got some Buffalo Bore 400 grain ones that they claim 2003 fps from (3563 ftlbs...!) - now THOSE I'm thinking are serious loads.
Here it is next to my other 'short but powerful' leverguns and the other 500 S&W I have...
Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun - 500 S&W Hand-Rifle - BigHorn 89 - Rossi 454 Casull (16")
As far as recoil, I wasn't bothered by the Hornady loads in a Handi-rifle so I guess I am scrawny enough recoil just moves me instead of hurting.
Here are their claimed 'rifle' ballistics - Model 89 Factory Load Ballistics
They claim 1422 fps from the 325 gr MagTech loads, 2085 fps from the 275 gr Cor-Bon loads, and 2133 from the 350 gr Hornady loads. I also got some Buffalo Bore 400 grain ones that they claim 2003 fps from (3563 ftlbs...!) - now THOSE I'm thinking are serious loads.
Here it is next to my other 'short but powerful' leverguns and the other 500 S&W I have...
Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun - 500 S&W Hand-Rifle - BigHorn 89 - Rossi 454 Casull (16")
Last edited by AJMD429 on Sun Jun 29, 2014 12:10 am, edited 2 times in total.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
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Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
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Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
- Old Savage
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Wiry, that's wiry. Just finished relicensing seminar. Video flouroscopy of cervical spines with "motion anomalies". Hope that is not a harbinger.
- AJMD429
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
It was rainy (which not only impedes the use of a chronograph, but trashes our satellite internet), but we managed to get a few minutes at the range.
First, we did video the 'recoil'. The one with me shooting was filmed by my daughter, and she 'kept the film rolling' as I walked to the 100 yard range to inspect the gong that I shot down, so it is 180 Megabytes or something, but the one I filmed of her was brief and short enough our internet allowed 'upload', so it is what I posted. She's cuter than me anyway (there's a high bar to clear, eh... ), plus far more petite. She said the only issue was that her hearing protectors got bumped off her ear, but recoil was "no big deal". This from a kid who was timid enough of a Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag to prefer one in 357 Mag just a couple years ago.
Shooting the Spike Driver Carbine (click the picture):
So - recoil is just NOT a big deal with the Spike Driver. If you don't mind shooting a Marlin Guide Gun, you won't mind shooting the 500 S&W from the Spike Driver.
I'll try to link to a bunch of pictures, if the internet and my wife's Honey-Do list allows it.
Loads I've shot:
First, we did video the 'recoil'. The one with me shooting was filmed by my daughter, and she 'kept the film rolling' as I walked to the 100 yard range to inspect the gong that I shot down, so it is 180 Megabytes or something, but the one I filmed of her was brief and short enough our internet allowed 'upload', so it is what I posted. She's cuter than me anyway (there's a high bar to clear, eh... ), plus far more petite. She said the only issue was that her hearing protectors got bumped off her ear, but recoil was "no big deal". This from a kid who was timid enough of a Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag to prefer one in 357 Mag just a couple years ago.
Shooting the Spike Driver Carbine (click the picture):
So - recoil is just NOT a big deal with the Spike Driver. If you don't mind shooting a Marlin Guide Gun, you won't mind shooting the 500 S&W from the Spike Driver.
I'll try to link to a bunch of pictures, if the internet and my wife's Honey-Do list allows it.
Loads I've shot:
- MagTech Light load 325 grain SJSP
Buffalo Bore 400 grain SJFN
Hornady 350 grain XTP
Federal 325 grain A-frame
CorBon 275 grain DPX
Last edited by AJMD429 on Wed Mar 02, 2016 10:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
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- Griff
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
I saw the 1st post... and my 1st thought was... ain't they "cheeky", just sending a box! And you to be so excited over it? Box looks a lil' short... did it come assembled?
Ok, yes... I am just the teeniest bit jealous.
Ok, yes... I am just the teeniest bit jealous.
Griff,
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There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
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There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
LOL well I am a whole lot jealous! But I think we all understand what's meant! The wood looks great, as does the rest of that Lever. Congrats on that and Wow! I know which website I'm going to drool over next.
Very nice and Congrats. I've been thinking of one of those since first reading about them here.
Very nice and Congrats. I've been thinking of one of those since first reading about them here.
John
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Family, blue steel & wood, hot biscuits, and fresh coffee.
Luke 22:36 Romans 12:17-21 Ephesians 4:26-32
"Life brings sorrow and joy alike. It is what a man does with them - not what they do to him - that is the true test of his mettle." T. Roosevelt
Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
That's going to be quite the SlammerHammer.......
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
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Proud Life Member Of:
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Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Looks like a keeper to me. I wonder about the pressures on the bb 440gr load, on all those posted loads actually.
Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Very jealous.......have fun and congrats on a fine gun
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
- AJMD429
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
It was a big ol' fat box, for sure. Look how it was 'suspended' inside.Griff wrote:I saw the 1st post... and my 1st thought was... ain't they "cheeky", just sending a box! And you to be so excited over it? Box looks a lil' short... did it come assembled?
I am going to have to trust the designer/builder that they took all that into account; the Buffalo Bore loads are specifically listed as 'acceptable' in the gun. I'm certainly more comfortable firing them in this design than the stout-but-not-quite-Ruger-level loads they sell for use in the Marlin Guide Gun, even though I'm well aware the latter are lower pressure.Grizz wrote:Looks like a keeper to me. I wonder about the pressures on the bb 440gr load, on all those posted loads actually.
What amazes me is how these high-pressure rounds like 500 S&W, 460 S&W, & 454 Casull can be fired in revolvers. All those big holes in that cylinder don't leave much steel around the cartridge.
Actually, if I find a 500 grain or so gas-check hard-cast bullet that feeds reliably, I plan to just load to around 1200-1400 fps; no real need for more velocity that I can see with a meplat that size. It seems like that's the optimum range for penetration most of the time anyway.
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Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Make sure your Daughter's dates see that video. It should make them think very long before they try anything.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
I have used the 630gr and 700 gr (I don't think they make the 630 Hollow point any more) from Matts Bullets. These are Ranger Rick design, I load the 700gr to 1300 fps and there is some recoil to those. Matt does not usually stock many bullets and lead time can be over a month.AJMD429 wrote:It was a big ol' fat box, for sure. Look how it was 'suspended' inside.Griff wrote:I saw the 1st post... and my 1st thought was... ain't they "cheeky", just sending a box! And you to be so excited over it? Box looks a lil' short... did it come assembled?I am going to have to trust the designer/builder that they took all that into account; the Buffalo Bore loads are specifically listed as 'acceptable' in the gun. I'm certainly more comfortable firing them in this design than the stout-but-not-quite-Ruger-level loads they sell for use in the Marlin Guide Gun, even though I'm well aware the latter are lower pressure.Grizz wrote:Looks like a keeper to me. I wonder about the pressures on the bb 440gr load, on all those posted loads actually.
What amazes me is how these high-pressure rounds like 500 S&W, 460 S&W, & 454 Casull can be fired in revolvers. All those big holes in that cylinder don't leave much steel around the cartridge.
Actually, if I find a 500 grain or so gas-check hard-cast bullet that feeds reliably, I plan to just load to around 1200-1400 fps; no real need for more velocity that I can see with a meplat that size. It seems like that's the optimum range for penetration most of the time anyway.
http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?m ... x&cPath=66
Trump 2024
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- Sixgun
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
A post of substance! I'd sure like to play with that. First thing, I'd order me up a gas check mould, dies, brass, and get that to shoot a 300 gr about 1200-1400 for all day shooting.
Doc,
Can I have it? I'll trade you your Remington Model 25 for it.
6
Doc,
Can I have it? I'll trade you your Remington Model 25 for it.
6
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Good looking rifle with a variety of loads that each fill a niche.
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- Borregos
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Very nice indeed
Will be interested in your load development.
Will be interested in your load development.
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Oh yeah I am sure about the gun handling the pressure. I was interested in knowing if, for a given velocity, the heavies are lower pressure than a 45/70 at equal throw-weight and velocities. should at least be less thrust on the bolt face.
I shot 325gr cast from a sbh for years and kept the velocity low to keep the pressure low. I think the SW should get much higher velocity at its working pressure... still learning about those trade-offs.
your 89 does look like a gun that begs to go out and shoot it . . .
I shot 325gr cast from a sbh for years and kept the velocity low to keep the pressure low. I think the SW should get much higher velocity at its working pressure... still learning about those trade-offs.
your 89 does look like a gun that begs to go out and shoot it . . .
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
That's a beautiful rifle. Hope it shoots as good as it looks.
NRA Life Member
Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
7.62 Precision wrote:
I'm thrilled you finally got it.
+1,718
Me likey - AJ, yours is the first report I've seen of somebody actually receiving one, and a heretofore unknown (to me) blued version (ILO stainless).
I further like their adaption of a standard Remington-style rear bbl open sight, via adding that aperture slider, to mount/make it into a bolt peep - kewl.........
.
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Very nicely built rifle in a useful caliber. Really looking forward to seeing velocity and accuracy results. If she were mine, I'd probably get around to putting up some black powder loads, channeling the .50-70 Gummint.
- AJMD429
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Re: Range Report to follow (soon, hopefully)...
Actually, it IS 'stainless steel' - it has a 'nitride' finish of some sort, evidently kind of like Glocks...???Pete44ru wrote:AJ, yours is the first report I've seen of somebody actually receiving one, and a heretofore unknown (to me) blued version (ILO stainless).
They also make matte stainless ones, and they do look real good with the honey-colored Maple stocks...
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Very impressive Sir.
Cant help think how Elmer would of loved to get his hands on this round!
N.
Cant help think how Elmer would of loved to get his hands on this round!
N.
Psalm ch8.
Because I wish I could!
Because I wish I could!
- GonnePhishin
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Very purdy 'lookin indeed. The wood looks like burled walnut furniture. Enjoy!
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Doc, how's the action? The prototypes my friends got to shoot were pretty rough at first. Hoping they smoothed them out. I heard that Frank who used to also own Mt. Baldy Bullets is no longer with Big Horn either. -Tutt
"It ain't dead! As long as there's ONE COWBOY taking care of ONE COW, it ain't dead!!!" (the Cowboy Way)
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"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
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"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Very nice Doc. Have you decided what tasty animal is gonna be on the receiving end? I'm guessing some kind of "dream hunt" is in your future. A fancy gun like that deserves to travel.
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
How SWEET is that??? I figured the recoil thing was way over blown. After all it is a working gun not a plinker.
- CowboyTutt
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Hey Doc, I found this picture of Frank (on the right) and the prototype at NRA Whittington Center. I have to admit, I am envious of you too. If they ever make one in 460 I would be interested but I'm not certain even the Model 89 action can handle that cartridge. They didn't seem too interested in doing that at the time.
Regarding the super-heavyweight bullets in 600 and 700 grains I'm not sure what your twist rate would support. It would be worth checking into beforehand I think.
-Tutt
Regarding the super-heavyweight bullets in 600 and 700 grains I'm not sure what your twist rate would support. It would be worth checking into beforehand I think.
-Tutt
"It ain't dead! As long as there's ONE COWBOY taking care of ONE COW, it ain't dead!!!" (the Cowboy Way)
-Monte Walsh (Selleck version)
"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
-Monte Walsh (Selleck version)
"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
- Buck Elliott
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
SAAMI pressure limits for the .500 S&W are 60,000 psi.. Factory loads and most handloading data are usually held to the 50,000 psi range, for reliable extraction in DA revolvers.. BHA rifles weigh enough to ameliorate much of the recoil, and the stock dimensions are also a help..
It seems to me that loading ammo for this rifle, to low .50 AE specs is ridiculous.. the same phenomenon occurred with the proliferation of .454 revolvers.. Lots of guys were crafting loads that approximated .45 Colt factory specs, but proceeded to brag that they were "shooting a .454 Casull.."
I never hear of shooters loading their .300 whatever Magnum rifles to .30-30 specs..
The purpose of higher initial velocity is to flatten trajectory, making hits at longer or unknown ranges a bit easier.. A 700grain slug at speeds listed above will have a trajectory resembling that of a hand-flung bowling ball..
It seems to me that loading ammo for this rifle, to low .50 AE specs is ridiculous.. the same phenomenon occurred with the proliferation of .454 revolvers.. Lots of guys were crafting loads that approximated .45 Colt factory specs, but proceeded to brag that they were "shooting a .454 Casull.."
I never hear of shooters loading their .300 whatever Magnum rifles to .30-30 specs..
The purpose of higher initial velocity is to flatten trajectory, making hits at longer or unknown ranges a bit easier.. A 700grain slug at speeds listed above will have a trajectory resembling that of a hand-flung bowling ball..
Regards
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
Buck
Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
My new word for the day.....ameliorate
RE: Hand flung bowling balls. Wouldn't they be useful for close in grizz protection? (I'm askin', not tellin')
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
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- CowboyTutt
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Thanks Buck! The max pressure for the 500 is higher than I thought, but the 460 still beats it by 5000 psi
-Tutt
P.S. I'm pretty sure the other gentleman in the photo is Kelyie S. from Belt Mountain IIRC. The cartridge he is holding is using one of his Punch Bullets.
LOL! Well, I guess he can always get a 6 inch staff tang sight.....A 700grain slug at speeds listed above will have a trajectory resembling that of a hand-flung bowling ball..
-Tutt
P.S. I'm pretty sure the other gentleman in the photo is Kelyie S. from Belt Mountain IIRC. The cartridge he is holding is using one of his Punch Bullets.
"It ain't dead! As long as there's ONE COWBOY taking care of ONE COW, it ain't dead!!!" (the Cowboy Way)
-Monte Walsh (Selleck version)
"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
-Monte Walsh (Selleck version)
"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
true-dat, but it is worth noting that a mortar crew can get pretty specific with location, and the buff hunters whacked 'em pretty far out there with similar trajectories.... and I would hate getting whacked by a falling bowling ball too..a trajectory resembling that of a hand-flung bowling ball
- AJMD429
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
It reminds me of the (only) Winchester 94 I have - a Big Bore in 375. A bit 'clunky' and although lockup is tight, with the lever down it is 'loose' like that design seems to be, vs. the Marlins I am used to.CowboyTutt wrote:Doc, how's the action? The prototypes my friends got to shoot were pretty rough at first. Hoping they smoothed them out. I heard that Frank who used to also own Mt. Baldy Bullets is no longer with Big Horn either. -Tutt
I don't know about Frank, but I do know that whenever inventors, engineers, innovators, and investors start up new businesses, lots of 'personality' comes out, likely inherent in their various talents, so I'm not surprised when people come and go and so on.
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
A beautiful rifle . The fit , finish , wood , metal , all look great
Phil
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
looks like a very fine gun Doc. take the 500 & enjoy the fruits of your labor!!!!!
ollogger
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
RE Hand Flung Bowling Balls...Grizz wrote:true-dat, but it is worth noting that a mortar crew can get pretty specific with location, and the buff hunters whacked 'em pretty far out there with similar trajectories.... and I would hate getting whacked by a falling bowling ball too..a trajectory resembling that of a hand-flung bowling ball
4 words: Billy, Dixon, Adobe, Walls.
Still, far from being wimpy, I used to load my FA Casull with some ridiculous load - IIRC it was a 350gr LBT in front of 31gr H110/296 or thereabouts... (been years and my notebook is buried in my reloading stuff)
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
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מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Doc, not that it is what you intended or have a use for, but you could surely load that rifle up with a @ 500 grain bullet and some form of iron sights and "shoot for the moon" distance-wise with that rifle. It is one of the nicest leverguns on the entire planet right now and you are a fortunate man to own one! Judging from your posts on this thread, you have extremely good taste in leverguns overall I might add.
A "little birdie" told me that even my 43 Mauser with its custom 485 grain load at a muzzle velocity of @ 1150 fps still arrives at 1538 yards with the same velocity of a good ol' 45 Colt. Not too shabby for a 125 year old rifle.
Now YOUR rifle in 500 S&W, well now, there is not much it can't do decently with the proper sights. Maybe not true competition material, but still darn capable!
Dang, I may have just talked myself into one over the 460. Hmmmm.
Keep us posted Doc!
I look forward to many more range reports!
-Tutt
A "little birdie" told me that even my 43 Mauser with its custom 485 grain load at a muzzle velocity of @ 1150 fps still arrives at 1538 yards with the same velocity of a good ol' 45 Colt. Not too shabby for a 125 year old rifle.
Now YOUR rifle in 500 S&W, well now, there is not much it can't do decently with the proper sights. Maybe not true competition material, but still darn capable!
Dang, I may have just talked myself into one over the 460. Hmmmm.
Keep us posted Doc!
I look forward to many more range reports!
-Tutt
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
FWIW, the .460 limits out at 65,000 psi -- the same as the .454 Casull.. Difference is, that again, .460 factory loads and most loading data quit at about 55,000 psi, for the same reason as the .500.. DA revolver extraction gets a bit sticky beyond that pressure.. The .454 was designed for SA guns, and works well, even at full "allowable" pressure..
In a strong levergun, bothe the big S&W rounds can be pushed at full pressure with no repercussions..
In a strong levergun, bothe the big S&W rounds can be pushed at full pressure with no repercussions..
Regards
Buck
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Life has a way of making the foreseeable that which never happens, and the unforeseeable, that which your life becomes...
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Now that is an interesting rifle. Looking forward to further range reports. I'm not ready to give up my 50-110, but enjoy hearing about a new levergun.
"Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not used one or is un-wittingly commenting on their marksmanship." Phil Shoemaker
Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Doc AJ, your new toy would probably be just fine for hunting bears on the coasts of Alaska. It sure sounds fun to me.
D. Brian Casady
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Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Buck, your my friend, but I don't understand why the difference in extraction between a "double action" and "single action" revolver? Granted the Freedom Arms revolvers are legendary for tolerating heavy 454 Casull loads but I have always attributed that to a stronger and better made cylinder?Difference is, that again, .460 factory loads and most loading data quit at about 55,000 psi, for the same reason as the .500.. DA revolver extraction gets a bit sticky beyond that pressure.. The .454 was designed for SA guns, and works well, even at full "allowable" pressure..
I have a 454 Raging Bull and a S&W 460 ES "snubbie" and as long as I have had the chambers polished there have been at worst, minimal problems with extraction even with handloads from various manuals. The S&W came that way and is my favorite hand gun.
If you could elaborate some, I would be interested in knowing more about why the action results in sticky extraction and why its not related to the cylinder metallurgy and dimensions? Dick Casull is a pretty smart guy to say the least! And so are you!
I will always remember having the pleasure of shooting your P001 levergun. It really was a very accurate and easy to shoot rifle.
Regards my friend,
-Tutt
"It ain't dead! As long as there's ONE COWBOY taking care of ONE COW, it ain't dead!!!" (the Cowboy Way)
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"These battered wings still kick up dust." -Peter Gabriel
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
Perhaps just a matter of personal preference, BUT...
SA's handle higher pressures/recoil better because, unlike DAs, the grip can actually rotate in one's hand without smashing/tearing out the web between the thumb & forefinger.
The "hump" on a DA gun is what makes high-recoil loads brutal, not the recoil itself.
My FA was a joy to shoot with 2200fpe MaxiWhompum loads, while my DA guns bit me horribly with OEM fodder...
SA's handle higher pressures/recoil better because, unlike DAs, the grip can actually rotate in one's hand without smashing/tearing out the web between the thumb & forefinger.
The "hump" on a DA gun is what makes high-recoil loads brutal, not the recoil itself.
My FA was a joy to shoot with 2200fpe MaxiWhompum loads, while my DA guns bit me horribly with OEM fodder...
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
I keep hearing tangentially about that gun, so . . . where can I find out more about it. . . ???CowboyTutt wrote:I will always remember having the pleasure of shooting your P001 levergun. It really was a very accurate and easy to shoot rifle.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
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Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
And the SA revolvers just handle and balance nicer. When that grip frame shape was developed, concern was for Cavalry troopers firing one-handed from the back or a horse. Balance and pointability were important considerations.Old Ironsights wrote:Perhaps just a matter of personal preference, BUT...
SA's handle higher pressures/recoil better because, unlike DAs, the grip can actually rotate in one's hand without smashing/tearing out the web between the thumb & forefinger.
The "hump" on a DA gun is what makes high-recoil loads brutal, not the recoil itself.
My FA was a joy to shoot with 2200fpe MaxiWhompum loads, while my DA guns bit me horribly with OEM fodder...
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
As long as we are showing off 500 S&W's, here is mine that I just got in from the gunsmith a few weeks ago. Its got a lever on it!!!
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Re: Bighorn Armory Model 89 - 500 S&W Levergun Arrived
I've shot the S&W X-Frame 500 with full house......Stout, but not as stout as a BFR with Garrette +P 45-70sOld Ironsights wrote:Perhaps just a matter of personal preference, BUT...
SA's handle higher pressures/recoil better because, unlike DAs, the grip can actually rotate in one's hand without smashing/tearing out the web between the thumb & forefinger.
The "hump" on a DA gun is what makes high-recoil loads brutal, not the recoil itself.
My FA was a joy to shoot with 2200fpe MaxiWhompum loads, while my DA guns bit me horribly with OEM fodder...
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
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Proud Life Member Of:
NRA
Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
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