Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen

The Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen represents a significant engineering evolution in large-caliber semi-automatic rifle platforms. Chambered in the formidable .500 Auto Max, this rifle bridges the gap between traditional AR ergonomics and the raw power required for heavy-game management and long-range steel target engagement. Built on a proprietary bolt carrier group and enhanced gas system, the AR500 Next Gen delivers controlled, repeatable performance for shooters who demand terminal energy without sacrificing the manual-of-arms familiarity of the AR platform.

Overview

The Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen is not a simple caliber conversion. It is a ground-up redesign of the AR platform to handle the extreme bolt thrust and pressure curve of the .500 Auto Max cartridge. The rifle features a hardened steel upper receiver, a reinforced barrel extension, and a heavy-contour, nitrided barrel with a 1:12 twist rate optimized for heavy projectiles. The handguard is a free-floated, M-Lok compatible aluminum rail system that allows for accessory mounting while maintaining barrel harmonics. The adjustable gas block provides tunability for suppressed or unsuppressed use, ensuring reliable cycling across varying ammunition loads.

Features & Specs

• Caliber: .500 Auto Max (compatible with .500 S&W brass and projectiles)
• Barrel: 16-inch, nitrided, heavy contour, 1:12 twist with 5/8×24 threaded muzzle
• Action: Direct impingement with oversized gas key, hardened bolt carrier, and dual ejectors
• Receiver: 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower, Type III hardcoat anodized
• Handguard: 15-inch M-Lok free-float, aluminum alloy with steel QD sling mount points
• Trigger: Single-stage, nickel-boron coated, adjustable pull weight from 3.5 to 5.5 pounds
• Magazine: 5-round steel magazine (10-round optional)
• Stock: Magpul MOE SL-K carbine stock with H2 buffer and flat-wire recoil spring
• Weight: 9.2 pounds unloaded
• Overall Length: 33.5 inches collapsed

The Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen incorporates a proprietary bolt design with a dual-spring extractor and an oversized cam pin to manage the 65,000 PSI chamber pressure. The gas system features a .936-inch diameter gas block journal with a three-position adjustable regulator. The barrel is cold hammer-forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel and then nitrocarburized for corrosion resistance and extended barrel life. Each rifle is test-fired with proof loads and supplied with a five-round group target at 50 yards.

Who It’s For

This rifle is designed for the experienced shooter who requires a semi-automatic platform capable of delivering energy levels exceeding .44 Magnum and .454 Casull from a shoulder-fired configuration. It is suited for professional guides managing dangerous game in Alaska or mountainous regions, precision steel shooters engaging targets at extended ranges with heavy-for-caliber projectiles, and collectors who appreciate the engineering challenges of adapting the AR platform to high-pressure, large-diameter cartridges. The Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen is not a recreational plinker or a beginner’s first rifle. It demands proper recoil management and ammunition discipline. Shooters should have prior experience with magnum-level recoil and be familiar with AR-10 platform maintenance procedures. The .500 Auto Max cartridge offers significant versatility for handloaders, with bullet weights ranging from 300 to 500 grains, allowing the shooter to tailor velocity and energy for specific tasks.

Shipping & FFL

All Big Horn Armory AR500 Next Gen rifles are shipped directly from our warehouse to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Upon purchase, you must provide the current, valid FFL information for a dealer in your state of residence. We do not ship to post office boxes, and signature is required upon delivery. The rifle is packed in a hard case with one steel magazine, a cable lock, and manufacturer documentation. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that their local laws permit ownership of a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .500 Auto Max. Your FFL dealer will complete the required background check and transfer paperwork before you take possession. Please allow 5 to 10 business days for processing and shipping. We cannot ship this item to any jurisdiction that restricts large-caliber rifles or magazine capacity. Contact our compliance team if you have questions regarding specific state or local ordinances.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

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