Description
Big Horn Armory has just expanded their AR500 NEXT GEN platform with new Cerakote options, and for the shooter who believes there’s no replacement for displacement, this is the semi-auto you’ve been waiting for. This isn’t just another black rifle. This is a purpose-built .500-caliber system that takes the legendary power of the .500 S&W Magnum and packages it into a modern, reliable, and familiar AR-platform. For our local customers in the market for serious stopping power, whether for hunting big game, securing a remote property, or simply owning one of the most capable semi-autos on the planet, the Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN represents a unique and thrilling point where proven architecture meets brute-force performance.
Specs at a Glance
- Manufacturer & Model: Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN
- Chambering: .500 Auto Max (rimless derivative of .500 S&W Magnum)
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Platform: AR-Style Architecture (compatible with many AR-10/DPMS pattern accessories)
- Configurations: Available as a complete rifle, pistol, or as a conversion upper for your existing AR-10 lower receiver.
- Finish: Newly announced Cerakote options available directly from Big Horn Armory.
Why We’re Stocking This
At Rampartguns, we stock tools, not just toys. We brought in the Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN because it solves a real problem: delivering massive, reliable energy on target in a controllable, modern format. We’ve handled plenty of big-bore lever guns and revolvers, but a semi-auto in this class is a different beast entirely. The engineering behind the .500 Auto Max cartridge—making that monstrous round feed reliably from a magazine—is impressive. We believe our customers who operate in bear country, hunt thick brush, or demand the ultimate in a defensive firearm should have access to this level of innovation. It’s a niche firearm, but for the right person, it’s the only tool for the job.
Having this Big Horn Armory AR500 in the shop lets us put it in your hands. You can feel the solid construction, work the controls, and understand its heft and balance. It’s one thing to read about a .500 semi-auto; it’s another to charge the handle and imagine what it can do. We’re stocking it because it’s a serious firearm for serious shooters, and we cater to exactly that clientele.
Who It’s For
- The Backcountry Hunter: Pursuing brown bear, moose, or other large, dangerous game at close to medium range where a quick follow-up shot is critical.
- The Rural Property Owner: Someone who needs a definitive last-line-of-defense firearm against large predators threatening livestock or family.
- The Ballistics Enthusiast: The shooter who appreciates cutting-edge cartridge design and wants to experience the pinnacle of semi-auto power in a familiar platform.
- The Professional Guide: An essential tool for those who lead clients into remote, high-risk environments and require absolute reliability and power.
- The Prepared Sportsman: For those who want one versatile, overpowered system that can be configured as a rifle, pistol, or upper to fit multiple roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .500 Auto Max cartridge the same as a .500 S&W Magnum?
A: It is derived from it, but not identical. The .500 Auto Max is a rimless cartridge designed specifically to feed reliably in the Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN semi-automatic action. It delivers similar ballistic performance to its parent case. You cannot fire standard .500 S&W Magnum ammunition in the AR500 NEXT GEN.
Q: Can I really use my existing AR-10 lower with this?
A: Yes, one of the brilliant aspects of the Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN platform is its modularity. You can purchase just the complete upper receiver assembly (barrel, bolt carrier group, handguard) and mate it to a standard DPMS-pattern AR-10 lower receiver. This drastically increases the flexibility and value of the system.
Q: How is the recoil compared to a .500 S&W revolver?
A: This is a common question. While the .500 Auto Max is a powerful cartridge, the semi-automatic action of the Big Horn Armory AR500, combined with its heavier platform and the option for a muzzle brake, significantly manages felt recoil. It is often described as a heavy, pushy shove rather than the sharp, punishing snap of a large revolver, making it faster to get back on target.
In Stock & Ready to Ship
The new Cerakote options for the Big Horn Armory AR500 NEXT GEN are available now. We are taking orders for complete firearms and conversion uppers. If you’ve read this far, you’re likely the person this firearm was built for. Don’t just speculate about its capabilities—come to the shop, handle it, and talk to us about the configuration that fits your mission. Contact us directly for current pricing, Cerakote color availability, and to discuss FFL transfer details. This is not a common rifle; it’s a statement of capability. Let’s get you behind one.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.