New for 2019: Big Horn Armory 500 Auto Max Pistol

by
posted on December 23, 2018
big-horn-armory-ar500-pistol-f.jpg
After the launch of the company's big-bore AR-15 chambered for the new 500 Auto Max cartridge, Big Horn Armory fielded a number of consumer requests for a pistol-style version of the platform. To answer these demands, the company announced the launch of its AR500 pistol at the end of 2018.

“After the AR500 rifle came out, we started to receive inquiries regarding a pistol version,” said Greg Buchel, president of Big Horn Armory. “While listening to our customers, we also required the time to source and test parts that would create a compact AR500 without compromising on the quality our customers expect out of our guns. We believe that the AR500 pistol achieves that goal.”

To create the powerful 500 Auto Max cartridge for the AR500 rifle and pistol models, Big Horn Armory started with the dimensions of the .500 S&W cartridge, developing a rimless, straight-wall case that provides the same hard-hitting ballistic performance as this .50-caliber revolver round. Ammunition in this new chambering is now available from Buffalo Bore, Underwood Ammo and MidwayUSA, and the case can accept any .500-inch bullet weighing between 200 and 700 grains.

The Big Horn Armory AR500 pistol is constructed on the same anodized-aluminum receiver set as the rifle, only this model is equipped with a 10-inch barrel complete with a nitride finish and a 1:24-inch twist rate. An M-Lok-compatible handguard surrounds the barrel, and the muzzle end of the barrel is threaded to accept muzzle brakes and sound suppressors. A thread-protector ships with the gun to protect the muzzle while not in use.

One of the other unique features found on the AR500 is the inclusion of an adjustable gas block. This component allows users to fine-tune gas flow for reliable operation with sub-sonic loads fired through a suppressor. The gun weighs 8.1 pounds, unloaded, and ships with a single, 5-round magazine. The suggested retail price on the pistol is $2,199.

Latest

Federal .32 H&R Mag. JSP Ammunition
Federal .32 H&R Mag. JSP Ammunition

First Look: Federal .32 H&R Mag. JSP Ammunition

A new defensive round for an increasingly popular cartridge.

Shotguns: Out of Its Shell

Which is better: 2 3/4- or 3-inch shotgun shells?

I Carry: Rost Martin RM1S 9mm Pistol in a Crossbreed Holster

And we're carrying along a CRKT M16 pocketknife.

Study Finds Armed Civilians More Effective at Stopping Active Shooters than LE

A dispersed response works very well against a dispersed threat.

First Look: Silencer Central Banish 30-V2 Suppressor

Now available with the HUB mount for greater flexibility.

First Look: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

A variant of the classic CZ-75 that's meant to go with you wherever you go.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.