{"id":95520,"date":"2018-10-27T10:27:25","date_gmt":"2018-10-27T14:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=95520"},"modified":"2018-10-27T10:27:25","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T16:12:02","slug":"big-horn-armory-ar500","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/big-horn-armory-ar500\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_95527\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95527\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You&#8217;ve never seen an AR like this before&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I don\u2019t often get the chance to review a record-breaking firearm. The usual suspects in my T&amp;E lineup \u2013 bolt action .308\u2019s, semi-auto CCW\u2019s, and pump-action shotguns \u2013 are functional and fun to shoot, but few are as unique as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bighornarmory.com\/catalog\/big-horn-armory-products\/ar500-500-auto-mag-16\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AR500 from Big Horn Armory<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The AR500 is, according to the company\u2019s claims and my own research, the most powerful short-range semi-auto rifle in the world. Chambered in the .50-caliber 500 Auto Max cartridge, the AR500 packs a wallop in a modified AR-10 platform. Its semi-auto action is perfect for big and dangerous game hunters, and it offers the maneuverability and customizability inherent in the AR platform. Combined with Buffalo Bore\u2019s 350, 400, and 440 grain loads, the AR500 is ready to bring down, quite literally, any kind of critter you\u2019re hoping to hunt.<\/p>\n<p>First, spec sheet\/feature list.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1:24 twist<\/li>\n<li>18\u2033 Barrel<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable gas block<\/li>\n<li>Full Picatinny rail<\/li>\n<li>M-Lok handguard<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable Buttstock<\/li>\n<li>Muzzle brake<\/li>\n<li>Thread Pitch: 3\/4\u00d728<\/li>\n<li>Carbine Length Gas Tube<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 9lbs, 1.7oz unloaded<\/li>\n<li>5-round magazine<\/li>\n<li>Hard plastic case<\/li>\n<li>MSRP $1999.00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>500 Auto Max?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div id=\"attachment_95528\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95528\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95528\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare-1024x645.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare-1024x645.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare-400x252.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare-768x484.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-Compare.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95528\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left to right: 300 Blackout, .308, 500 Auto Max, 5.56<\/p><\/div>\n<p>You\u2019ve never heard of this cartridge because it didn\u2019t exist before Big Horn Armory began developing the AR500. As the folks at Buffalo Bore Ammunition <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=529\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">explain<\/a>, Greg Buchel, the owner of Big Horn Armory, approached the ammo company for help developing a .50-caliber cartridge suitable for the AR-10 platform.<\/p>\n<p>The result was the 500 Auto Max, a reduced-rim 500 S&amp;W currently available loaded with three projectiles: a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=529\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">350 grain jacketed hollow point<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=530\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">400 grain jacketed flat nose<\/a>, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=534\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">440 grain hard cast<\/a>. Buffalo Bore plans to expand their offerings in the coming months using everything from 600-grain projectiles to light, fast JHP rounds. The company was kind enough to send me samples of each load currently in production, and they sell boxes of 20 on their website for $67.00 ($3.35\/round).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95529\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95529\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-400x271.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Rounds.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95529\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left to right: 440g hard cast, 400g JFN, 350g JHP<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If that sounds a little steep, keep in mind that once you accumulate a collection of AR500 brass, you can reload this ammunition for a much lower cost. According to Buffalo Bore, 500 S&amp;W load data can be used to make this cartridge, though they warn that \u201ccare must be given to powder selection to keep from gumming up the AR action.\u201d You can also chamber and fire AR500 ammo in any single-shot or revolver chambered in 500 S&amp;W (though the reverse is not true \u2013 don\u2019t try shooting 500 S&amp;W in your AR500). One caveat: Buffalo Bore warns that because AR500 cartridges headspace on the case mouth, they lack the roll crimp necessary to stop the bullet from jumping forward when subjected to heavy recoil. So, if you use AR500 rounds in a revolver, it might be wise to shoot them one at a time.<\/p>\n<p>However you choose to use the cartridge, you\u2019ll smack whatever happens to be downrange. In my testing, the 350-grain projectile average 2207 fps at the muzzle, the 400-grain averaged 1960 fps, and the 440-grain averaged 1838 fps. To provide some perspective, I compiled a chart listing a variety of common cartridges chambered in the AR platform. I\u2019ve included both kinetic energy (foot-pounds) and John Taylor\u2019s \u201cTaylor Knock Out\u201d number. Unlike the kinetic energy formula, the Taylor KO formula accounts for bullet diameter and is generally considered a better way to compare the effectiveness of different rounds against big game at certain velocities (the higher the number, the better).<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\"><strong>Cartridge<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"125\"><strong>Bullet Weight (g)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"127\"><strong>Muzzle Velocity (FPS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"126\"><strong>Foot-Pounds of Energy<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"112\"><strong>Taylor KO<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">.223\/.556<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">62<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2900<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">1158<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">300 BLK<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">125<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2200<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">1344<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">.308 WIN<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">168<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2600<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">2522<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">300 WM<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">185<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2900<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">3456<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">450 Bushmaster<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">250<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2200<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">2687<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">35<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">50 Beowulf<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">350<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">1820<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">2575<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">AR500<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">350<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">2207<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">3786<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">AR500<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">400<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">1960<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">3413<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">56<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"134\">AR500<\/td>\n<td width=\"125\">440<\/td>\n<td width=\"127\">1838<\/td>\n<td width=\"126\">3301<\/td>\n<td width=\"112\">57<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>None of these numbers account for bullet construction, and a 300 WM will be more effective than a 450 Bushmaster, for example, at longer distances. Still, it\u2019s clear from both kinetic energy and TKO that the AR500 makes a convincing argument as the most powerful semi-auto short-range rifle on the market.<\/p>\n<p>The 500 Auto Max\u2019s maximum effective range will depend upon the target, the shooting conditions, and, of course, the shooter. I won\u2019t pretend to be a terminal ballistics expert, but my suspicion is that this cartridge can push a projectile at lethal velocities far beyond its accuracy potential. Based on the results of my testing (below), you can confidently put rounds in the kill zone out to about 400 yards, depending, again, on the target.<\/p>\n<p>Buffalo Bore has also published complete data charts on each load <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=529\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(350g<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=530\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">400g<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalobore.com\/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=534\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">440g<\/a>), which provide tons of helpful information for a variety of muzzle velocities.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Features<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div id=\"attachment_95530\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95530\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown-1024x689.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown-400x269.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Breakdown.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95530\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The AR500 breaks down like any other AR-10.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>But enough about the cartridge. The AR500 feels, looks, and shoots (more on the below) like a $2,000 rifle. Big Horn Armory packed their record-setting long gun with tons of great features, all of which provide either aesthetic or practical (but mostly practical) value. The great-looking Ascend Armory receivers are constructed from 7075-T6 billet aluminum and feature enhanced AR-10 front and rear take down pins, ambi bolt catch\/release levers, anti-rotation trigger and hammer pins, and an oversized magwell and trigger guard. The safety selector is also ambidextrous, but the mag release is right hand only. The pistol grip is from ERGO Grip and is totally rubberized.<\/p>\n<p>I think the receivers are sharp, but more importantly, they fit together perfectly. The receivers on the model I tested didn\u2019t exhibit any noticeable movement while still maintaining ease of disassembly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95531\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95531\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Receivers.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95531\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The receivers fit together without any wobble, and include all the high-quality components you might expect.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95541\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95541\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95541\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber-1024x657.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber-1024x657.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber-400x257.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber-768x493.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Chamber.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You could park a tank in that thing&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95532\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95532\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell-400x284.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Magwell.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95532\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The magwell is expanded but also modified to accept the 500 Auto Max magazine.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95533\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95533\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt-400x224.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bolt.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95533\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bolt is coated in nickel-boron for added reliability. (It was also soaking in gun oil when I received it from Big Horn.)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The massive bolt and bolt carrier group are nickel-boron coated for added reliability. Otherwise, they\u2019ll look familiar to anyone already accustomed to the AR platform. The trigger is excellent\u2014just what you want for a once-in-a-lifetime big-game hunt. It\u2019s crisp, consistent, and relatively light. On the model I tested, the trigger broke cleanly at 4 pounds, 8 ounces.<\/p>\n<p>Moving to the rear of the gun, the Adaptive Tactical buttstock is adjustable and features a healthy recoil pad. The stock works fine, though I found it wobbles quite a bit. The wobble didn\u2019t affect performance, but stock wobble is one of my pet peeves, and I&#8217;d wager I\u2019m not alone. The castle nut can be staked to keep it from spinning loose.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95534\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95534\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger-1024x709.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger-1024x709.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger-400x277.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger-768x532.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Trigger.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95534\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The trigger is excellent.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95535\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95535\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Stock.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95535\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The stock does a great job absorbing the heavy recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95536\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95536\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut-1024x713.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut-400x279.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut-768x535.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Castle-Nut.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95536\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The castle nut can be secured using an Allen wrench.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95537\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95537\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95537\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Handguard.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95537\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The M-Lok handguard also has Picatinny sections for mounting flashlights and other accessories.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95538\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95538\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake-1024x666.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake-400x260.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake-768x499.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Muzzle-Brake.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95538\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The muzzle brake does a nice job minimizing recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Moving forward, the handguard extends nearly to the end of the barrel and features M-Lok cutouts, a complete top Picatinny rail, and short rail sections on the front and rear at the 3, 6, and 9-o\u2019clock positions. It also includes quick-detach sling mounts on both the right and left-hand sides, which pair with the QD mounts milled into the receiver. Finally, the 18\u201d 416 SS barrel is coated with nitride and\u00a0topped with a much-needed eight-hole muzzle brake.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Reliability, Accuracy, and Performance<\/strong><\/h1>\n<div id=\"attachment_95539\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95539\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1-1024x755.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1-1024x755.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1-150x111.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1-400x295.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1-768x566.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-1.jpg 1128w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95539\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I put a lot of lead downrange the day I tested the AR500.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The AR500 is a reliable rifle, provided the shooter can maintain a firm grip. Much like the 1911, this beast requires a strong hand, and I found that shooting from the prone delivered better results than from the standing or kneeling positions. Greg Buchel, the owner of Big Horn Armory, confirmed my suspicions. He explained that it\u2019s important for the shooter to provide a solid base against which the rifle can recoil. They\u2019ve found that strong shooters using proper technique can run an AR500 without any issues, while other shooters can have trouble using the same firearm.<\/p>\n<p>He also noted that their rifles generally need a 100-200-round break-in period before they\u2019re running at peak performance. If the rifle is still malfunctioning after 200 rounds, the adjustable gas block can be tuned down from fully open to \u00bd or 1\/3, which usually makes the gun run more smoothly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95543\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95543\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95543\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block-400x250.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Adjustable-Gas-Block.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The gas block can be adjusted to correct cycling problems.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95550\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95550\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp-1024x622.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp-400x243.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Case-Warp.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Most of the cases remained round (right) or were flat on one side from hitting the shell deflector (left). A few others were strangely warped, possibly due to extraction issues (middle).<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I experienced three failures to extract during the course of my testing, but none while shooting from the prone position. I guess I need to work on my form\u2014or hit the gym. If I planned to keep the rifle long-term, I\u2019d also consider adjusting the gas block.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of accuracy, Buchel said they expect 1.5 MOA groups from the AR500. The groups I shot tended to be larger, though for a rifle of this caliber I\u2019d be happy with anything under 2 inches. I shot these groups from 100 yards using a Caldwell Lead Sled. The wind was minimal, and the temperature was right around 96 degrees.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Bullet<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Average Velocity (FPS)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Smallest Group (in)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Average Group (in)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"156\">350g JHP<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">2207<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">1.8<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">2.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"156\">400g JFN<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">1960<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">1.8<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">2.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"156\">440g HC<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">1838<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">3.5<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">5.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95544\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95544\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95544\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-350.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95544\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">350g JHP<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95545\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95545\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95545\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-400.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95545\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">400g JFN<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95546\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95546\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440-1024x730.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440-1024x730.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440-400x285.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Target-440.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95546\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">440g HC<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The 350g and the 400g loads performed well, but my rifle didn\u2019t favor the 440g hard cast bullets. I thought perhaps the barrel was too hot or my scope had lost its zero, so I shot another group with the 400g load immediately after the first 440g group. The 400g group shrank down to normal size, so I ruled out any abnormal rifle or scope malfunctions.<\/p>\n<p>Buchel told me they haven\u2019t tested the rifle with the 440g hard cast load, so they aren\u2019t sure what kind of accuracy to expect. It\u2019ll do its job on a charging bear from 50 yards, but I\u2019d need to conduct more testing before going after game with the 440g.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_95542\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95542\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"wp-image-95542 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1-1024x670.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1-1024x670.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1-400x262.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Shooting-1.jpg 1168w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95542\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shooting the AR500 requires a strong stance to avoid cycling issues. (And yes, I forgot to wear shooting glasses for this picture. Always wear shooting glasses for safety, especially on a big-bore semi-auto like this.)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The rifle handles well. I found it to be somewhat front-heavy, but it\u2019s light enough to land shots in the standing position. Recoil feels much stiffer than a standard AR-10, but the muzzle brake and recoil pad keep it to a manageable level (something akin to a 45-70). The muzzle brake allows for relatively quick follow-up shots, but don\u2019t expect your shot splits to rival the performance from an .308 AR-10.<\/p>\n<p>Central Texas is decidedly lacking in elk, moose, or grizzly bear, so I can\u2019t speak directly to the rifle\u2019s performance against large and dangerous game. But I have found the water jug test to be a decent yardstick for bullet behavior, so I decided to give it a try.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The 350g JHP blasted through two one-gallon water jugs, fragmented, and penetrated a third.<\/li>\n<li>The 400g JFN blasted through five one-gallon water jugs, opened, and penetrated a sixth.<\/li>\n<li>The 440g HC blasted through nine water jugs and lodged in the stone backstop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_95547\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95547\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95547\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/400-Jugs.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 400g round destroyed the first two jugs and continued through the next three until stopping in the sixth.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95549\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95549\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"size-large wp-image-95549\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone-1024x749.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone-1024x749.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone-150x110.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone-400x293.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone-768x562.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/440-in-stone.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is where I found the 440g HC after it blasted through nine water jugs: between two stones I had used as a backstop.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_95548\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95548\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" class=\"wp-image-95548 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments-1024x713.jpg\" alt=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments-1024x713.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments-400x279.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments-768x535.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Bullet-Fragments.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-95548\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left to right: 440g HC, 400g JFN, 350g JHP. The projectiles performed exactly as advertised.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The results of the test are consistent with what Buffalo Bore says to expect from each load: 1) the 350g is designed for game up to 600 pounds and will likely disintegrate on big shoulder bones at close range, 2) the 400g is designed for game up to 1500 pounds and will over-penetrate deer-sized animals, and 3) the 440g is designed for animals up to 3000 pounds and will penetrate deeply and straight.<\/p>\n<p>For perspective, I <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/one-rifle-ruger-gunsite-scout-rifle-450-bushmaster-full-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"big-horn-armory-ar500\" title=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">conducted the same test last year<\/a> using .556, .308 WIN, and 450 Bushmaster. The .556 penetrated two jugs, the .308 penetrated five, and the 450 Bushmaster penetrated four. While water jugs aren\u2019t a perfect stand-in for animal flesh, the test confirmed the expected bullet behavior and suggests how the 500 Auto Max might compare with other AR cartridges in terms of penetration power at close range.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>For me, the most exciting benefit of the AR500 is its combination of cartridge and platform. The 500 S&amp;W has been around since 2003, and the AR platform has been in production since the 1950s. Combining the two gives users the power of the 500 S&amp;W with the rapid fire\/reload functionality of the AR-10. For decades, anglers have used big-bore revolvers and lever action rifles for bear defense in harsh northern terrain, but the AR500 provides better accuracy and handling than a revolver and faster shot splits and reloading than a lever action. If I\u2019m staring down an angry bear at 50 yards, I want the AR500.<\/p>\n<p>The same holds true for large and dangerous game. If I\u2019m on the hunt of a lifetime in Africa or Canada, fast follow-up shots can ensure the critter won\u2019t get away, and I\u2019ll have a trophy for my efforts (not to mention hundreds of pounds of meat).<\/p>\n<p>From feral hog to cape buffalo and everything in between, the 500 Auto Max out of Big Horn Armory\u2019s AR500 is, in short, versatile enough to take down whatever you\u2019re hoping to hang on the wall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The AR500 is, according to the company\u2019s claims and my own research, the most powerful short-range semi-auto rifle in the world. Chambered in the .50-caliber 500 Auto Max cartridge, the AR500 packs a wallop in a modified AR-10 platform. Combined with Buffalo Bore\u2019s 350, 400, and 440 grain loads, the AR500 is ready to bring down, quite literally, any kind of critter you\u2019re hoping to hunt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":95527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[850,849,694,593,858,37],"tags":[1196,737,1194,1195,132,102,108,116,343],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-95520","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-762-ar","8":"category-battle-rifles","9":"category-gun-reviews","10":"category-jordan-michaels","11":"category-misc-rifles","12":"category-gun-reviews-rifles","13":"tag-500-auto-max","14":"tag-ar500","15":"tag-big-horn-armory","16":"tag-buffalo-bore","17":"tag-buzz","18":"tag-feature-articles","19":"tag-guns","20":"tag-hunting-2","21":"tag-rifle"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The AR500 from Big Horn Armory is the most powerful short-range semi-auto in the world, and we got a chance to put one to the test.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/big-horn-armory-ar500\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Big Horn Armory AR500: 3,700 ft-lbs of Big Bore Record-Breaking Awesomeness (Full Review)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The AR500 is, according to the company\u2019s claims and my own research, the most powerful short-range semi-auto rifle in the world. Chambered in the .50-caliber 500 Auto Max cartridge, the AR500 packs a wallop in a modified AR-10 platform. Combined with Buffalo Bore\u2019s 350, 400, and 440 grain loads, the AR500 is ready to bring down, quite literally, any kind of critter you\u2019re hoping to hunt.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/big-horn-armory-ar500\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-10-27T14:27:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-08-31T16:12:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Feature-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jordan Michaels\" \/>\n<meta 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