Big Horn Armory AR500 — 500 Auto Max

Published on May 6, 2026
Duration: 2:38

This video reviews the Big Horn Armory AR500 rifle chambered in the potent 500 Auto Max cartridge. It highlights the rifle's significant power, comparing its ballistics to a .500 S&W revolver and even a .400 Nitro Express. Key features like the 18-inch barrel, match-grade trigger, and AR-15 ergonomics are discussed, positioning it as a formidable option for big game hunting.

Quick Summary

The Big Horn Armory AR500 is a powerful AR-style rifle chambered in the 500 Auto Max cartridge. It offers significantly increased velocity compared to revolvers, with a 400-grain bullet reaching approximately 2275 fps, rivaling cartridges used for large game. Key features include an 18-inch barrel, a 3.5-pound match-grade trigger, and familiar AR-15 ergonomics.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction by Roy Huntington
  2. 00:17Introducing the AR500 in 500 Auto Max
  3. 00:24500 Auto Max Cartridge Explained
  4. 00:32Ammunition Grain Weights and Handloading
  5. 00:45Ballistics Comparison: Revolver vs. AR500
  6. 01:01Ballistics Comparison: 400 Nitro Express
  7. 01:13AR-Style Semi-Automatic Platform
  8. 01:20Rifle Specifications: Barrel, Twist Rate, Threading
  9. 01:25Trigger and Ergonomics
  10. 01:39Construction Materials
  11. 01:47Magazine Capacity and Weight
  12. 01:56MSRP and Options
  13. 02:05Shooting Demonstration
  14. 02:23Concluding Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Big Horn Armory AR500 chambered in?

The Big Horn Armory AR500 is chambered in their proprietary 500 Auto Max cartridge. This is a rimless cartridge based on the .500 Smith & Wesson, designed for high-power semi-automatic rifle applications.

How does the 500 Auto Max cartridge compare ballistically to other powerful rounds?

A 400-grain bullet from the 500 Auto Max in the AR500 can achieve around 2275 fps, which is comparable to a .400 Nitro Express, a cartridge known for its use against large African game like elephants.

What are the key features of the Big Horn Armory AR500 rifle?

The AR500 features an 18-inch barrel with a 1:24 twist rate, a match-grade 3.5-pound trigger, AR-15 style ergonomics, and is constructed from anodized 7075 aluminum and black nitride stainless steel. It has a four-round capacity and weighs about 9 pounds.

What is the price of the Big Horn Armory AR500?

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Big Horn Armory AR500 is $2399. As with many custom firearms, there are options available, so checking with the manufacturer for specific configurations is recommended.

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