First Shots: Big Horn Armory AR500 in .500 Auto Max

by
posted on February 24, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Big Horn Armory's AR500 pistol is chambered in .500 Auto Max, which is the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world. Not surprisingly, the AR500 delivers massive amounts of energy on target from a wide variety of loads. 

The cartridge was originally offered in a rifle format from Big Horn, but now it's available in the pistol variant. Weighing in at 8.1 pounds, the AR500 definitely punches above its weight class. While the pistol is well suited for reloaders, Big Horn also partnered with Steinel Ammunition and Buffalo Bore to offer custom loads ranging from 280 to 600 grains. 

The pistol features a beefy construction to handle what is a serious dose of recoil, while a bladed pistol brace provides a small bit of aid for stabilizing the shot as you rest it against your forearm. The pistol ships with a 5- and 9-round magazine and features a 10-inch barrel with muzzle brake. As Big Horn says, it's ideal for stopping everything from Peterbilts to pachyderms, so if that's your thing, game on.

Latest

Benelli Nova 3 Tactical Shotgun
Benelli Nova 3 Tactical Shotgun

Review: Benelli Nova 3 Tactical Shotgun

The new Nova 3 Tactical from Benelli combines innovation and affordability to create what might be the best defensive pump shotgun on the market.

First Look Steiner ATLAS Laser

Steiner released a powerful aiming device for a number of specialized applications.

First Look: GRITR Optics-Mounting Plates

GRITR now offers multiple optics-mounting-plate options for many popular handguns.

First Look: ZeroTech Vengeance 3-12x Scope New Reticle Options

ZeroTech's second-focal-plane scope now has three new reticle options.

Carry Permit Numbers Decline with Increase in Constitutional Carry

As is to be expected, as fewer states require a tax be paid to exercise your rights, fewer people are paying it.

First Look: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 Ghost Pistol

The special "skunk works" at Wilson Combat has released its next custom pistol.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.