The Model 89 Black Thunder is a modern tactical version of Big Horn Armory‘s Wyoming-made classic lever guns. They matched up their rifle with a modern powerhouse cartridge and then added several features so shooters could take on hogs and big bears.
Shooting the powerful 500 S&W cartridge from the handy 16-inch barreled lever gun lets you know you have a real rifle in your hands.
The rifle is outfitted with picatinny rail for mounting dots or optics but also has a classic peep sight and Marble front bead sight. The red dot is installed with quick detach mounts so it can be removed to use the iron sights. The forearm has an extension for mounting lights, lasers or a bipod.
The large muzzle brake helps tame the recoil of the 500 S&W to allow faster follow up shots, though I doubt many will be needed with over 2,400 ft lbs of energy in every projectile. The tubular magazine of the 16 inch gun holds 6 rounds providing a 7 round total capacity.
The Black Thunder has some heft when I handled it but it still moves well in the hands and steadies easily on to target. The trigger broke cleanly launching the large slugs downrange.
The Big Horn Armory Model 89 Black Thunder has an MSRP of around $2,700 to $3,000 depending on options chosen.
For more information about Big Horn Armory and the Model 89 Black Thunder click HERE.