Getting a little giddy. Should be coming soon. Mine is #45 on the order list.

Congrats! I will be very interested in your review. Do they have any plans for different cartridges?


ddj

I'm looking forward to it. I like the looks and I'm hopeful the performance is there. It does seem lke the guys at BigHorn are making sure top quality parts are used.

The latest Petersen's Hunting magazine has an article on the Bighorn Model 89 by Wayne Van Zwoll. The verdict is favorable.

Good to know REESE. Thanks.

The verdict is ALWAYS favorable. Ever see one that wasn't?

Every once in a while a product will not fare well. In this instance, Van Zwoll was complimentary. He's one of the few gun writers I listen to.

Are they going to make the 89 in any other chamberings?


ddj

The article indicates no plans for chamberings other than 500 S&W at this time.

I'm excited to see your rifle. I was going to order one when they were supposed to ship in I think May/Jun 2010... I think I would have died waiting.

So far they have made me comfortable...and I get itchy. From what I understand they changed to milled receiver. I'd wait for that! And I do get it it takes a few to get it right, testing, etc...

Rather wait for the RIGHT offering...and all indications are that they are looking to do this rifle right.

Any news on when you might have your rifle?

quote:

Originally posted by johnnyreb:
Any news on when you might have your rifle?

Yep! Now they say August...

With August fast approaching has the date been moved back yet?

Just got off the phone with them - Said they are still a few months out - Kinda like Obama's jobs plan...

I been looking at them since they came out..but wanna here a range report till i dive in head first, Just saw turnbull will be doing blueing for them as a part of there custom shop
Matt

My buddy just ordered one last week. He talked with them several times on the phone. They said they will begin shipping the guns in November. He is #145.
ND

Still not shipping - Just got off the phone with them - They're waiting on parts. Guessing it will be in the first quarter.

Can't wait to shoot one of these...

JDA-CO

Are they requesting deposits?

I find it disconcerting that they keep pushing delivery dates into the future.

George

From what I remember when I was looking at them, they are requesting a deposit. I don't remember how much it was exactly, but I think they wanted somewhere around $600.

I hope I'm not smelling an Empire scenario.....

I'm #45 on their list. Sure are a bit nervous as I'm dying to get a hole of their rifle! But they have been upfront and certainly seem to be dead on honest.

They answer my e-mails and calls and seem to be even more frusdtrated than those of us waiting.

Time will tell! Hope it's soon!!

I surely dont need anything that big and powerful, but whats need aver had to do with anything. Man, that looks like a hell of a rifle! I sure wouldnt mind having one. Ill be watching for your report on the rifle as well. Im curious in how theyll shoot that monster of a cartridge!

What the guy said was that they were being very particular on the quality of their parts - I mentioned that I would love to shoot one and he said "come on up...". I may just may do that.

I don't get the sense that they are dishonest in any way - I think they just didn't anticipate production lead-times, supply chain and all the other shit that goes into it.

For some additional information from some other perspectives, see this recent post on Leverguns.com

http://www.levergunscommunity....+horn+armory&start=0

Since the post originated with a person who had been away for a while, you will have to wade through several "welcome backs" to get the information on the BHA Model 89.

That doesn't sound good....

Thanks for the reference material. On a side note I spoke to a good friend of mine who is pretty up on lever guns and his impression was that the 89's were rough and had some big design flaws. kind of in line with what that one guy from Wyoming had to say on the other site.

Here's some pics http://50caliberforum.proboard...=display&thread=2732

Some time ago the fellow at Big Horn contacted me, this might have been about a year ago or so as I recall. He liked my 50 B&M Alaskan cartridge and rifles, and was actually going to have one built, but I think got all caught up in his project at the time, which was already delayed. I even tested the 400 gr Hornady Soft Points he had Hornady make specifically for the 500SW gun.

The impressions I got was that Big Horn is very particular about the product, very serious about putting a good and proper product to you and will not under any circumstances rush it to market with bugs and flaws. As stated they are answering emails, phone calls, and not avoiding anyone. Projects like this are a major undertaking, they are starting from scratch and there will be many setbacks and bugs to be worked out that one has no way to anticipate until you get to that point. I don't think Big Horn will let anything away from the shop that is going to be a problem. So be patient with them and allow them to get it all sorted out, you will be happier this way and far better off in the end.

Michael

Anyone have any updates on the 500 Smith & Wesson lever project? Haven't heard much at all.

I would like to have such a rifle, and I understand the call for patience at this point in this operetta, in hopes it will all eventually pan out. Maybe it will. I sure hope so, for those who have already sent deposits.

BUT, I have had my fill of undercapitalized hobbiests-become-entrepreneurs who announce big pie-in-the-sky plans and take deposits before they have a working product developed, tested, and ready for market-fulfilling manufacture.

Their "high hopes" MAY be an honest approach, but it certainly isn't a likely formula for business success or repeat-customer satisfaction.

Whatever happened to folks who start businesses with an understanding of minimum required capital, adequate cash in fist, a SOUND long-term business plan, and the ability to deliver on that plan? Hopes are neither enough for their business to deliver with, nor enough to get my order.

This whole thing seems to have become viral with the Bren-10 in the early 1980s, and is now apparently almost accepted as the norm.

(Note: When Bill Ruger started his business he had a much larger potential market. But much more important, he had Sturm, who fronted $50,000 in cash working capital...the equivalent of $500,000 in today's money. Bill also had a production plan worked out to the last detail, which is a vital link in the chain for a new manufacturing company. Most important, he had some available guns to sell before he took the big advertising leap. Advertising before one has product or ANY cash from sales of delivered product just wastes money which should be used for production BEFORE doing advertising.)

Has anyone actually held and shot one of these?
Really like the concept and caliber.

Any updates? Anyone with a gun yet?

I have read several posts stating Bighorn is requiring "deposits". Has anyone actually paid a deposit? My buddy is #145 on their list and he asked them if they needed a deposit last October. They said no deposit was required...they will contact him when production begins, and he can pay for his gun when they build it.
ND

I am #45 on the list. I dropped a deposit and after over a year they offered to keep me at #45 and return the deposit.

They have been great guys to deal with. If the product comes to market I will certainly take that plunge.

They seem like good guys. I really hope this will materialize. I want one bad!
ND

Here is a link to David Clay's new .500 S&W levergun.
http://drcfirearmsoutdoors.bus...c-lever-action-rifle

I wonder if they are delivering or just advertising?

quote:

Originally posted by RREESE:
Every once in a while a product will not fare well. In this instance, Van Zwoll was complimentary. He's one of the few gun writers I listen to.

Van Zwoll is outstanding, most credable gunwriter I know.

That DRC 500 Levergun is quite nice, but the price is pretty heavy as well. Perhaps once he builds a few he may get a better feel for the build time/cost and lower it some.

Which game animals, both N. America & Africa, would this rifle be most probably used for? I'm thinking hogs out to 150 yards, but that is merely a guess...