Has anyone heard an rumours about either Marlin or Winchester making a lever gun in 500 S&W?

If not, does it sound like a workable idea? Any glaring advantages/disadvantages? Would it work in the Marlin M94?

AC

Nope. Too much high pressure for the Marlin. The upper limit for 45-70/450 is 40,000 psi and that's just the 1895. Also too much back thrust. The S&W is running 50,000 to 60,000 psi.

Wildwestguns is building the 500 on the marlins. I asked them about the pressure issue and they said with a smile that it will work. I guess they have quite a few rounds through there rifle while testing and it works. I dont know cuz I'm not interested in the 500 in a rifle but if you are give them a call. I know a while back they modified a bolt and reciever for front and back lock-up. Maybe thats what they are doing? anyways they arent talking to much.

I find that very difficult to believe as the leveraction doesn't have a modern locking system. It still is basically a 19th century mechanism. Only time will tell as to how well their conversion would last. There is only so much you can do with the locking mortises in the frame. You can peen the shit out of them with over-pressure loads.

I will bet money that Puma comes out with a .550 S&W Magnum. The Puma .454 Casull is capable of holding the 65,000 psi pressures that cartridge generates. I dont think that the S&W is that high much pressure.

bowhuntr

I dont know, the guys at WWG have a habbit of talking out their ass, they told me there was no way a 16 yr old could shoot a 358 norma with any hope of accuracy, three days later I had a sub 1 inch groups at 100 and a 1.5 in groups at 200 and 250 yds. They can do some neat things with thier rifles, but they are not exactly the most honest guys in the city.

Dark Paladin,
I know who your talking about. He does seem to have a personality issue, but when you get to know him hes a decent guy. I know I have gotton in my fair share of disagreements with them but they do good work so I am happy.

As for the .500. I'm just passing on what I was told and saw. They always let me in the back to check out there new toys that they are working on. ( no I dont work for them). How it will work under repeated shooting, well thats up to the future client to call and ask about and do some research. I'm just passing on that they are doing the conversions.

I'd much rather see Marlin or Winchester produce a .50 Alaskan.....it'll easily outperform the S&W in a lever gun and do so at lower pressure.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com