Has anyone out there considered or tried building or converting a model '86 or '71 into the 500 S&W?
What do you Think? Will this be the new monster lever action?
Do you think these or the 1895 can handle the PSI?
Frank

With the 500 being spec'd at 60k PSI it's going to take a stout lever gun. I thought someone was already making one too but I can't remember who it is. As far as I know, the '86 and '71 can't handle the pressure but I think the 95 would. Problem is that it would take a gob of work to get it to function out of the 95's magazine. You'd have to open it way up to accept the extra diameter of the 500 case.

Wasn't Wild West Guns,, making up or producing their own lever in that caliber?

I remember reading some where they where going to make one, looking some thing like along the lines of the 336 Marlin

Thanks for the replies.
How does the PSI relate to cup? I thought I had read that the '71 could handle around 47K in cup and the newer '86 somewhat more.
I took a look at Wild West but they don't reference the 500 Smith.
I wondered about the 336 being a good choice since they use it for the 444 marlin but I don't know about the 500 sw since it is rated at such a high PSI. Is the 60, K for sure? I thought Lyman had it listed at 50K?
Frank

Yes the 500 S&W is rated at 60K

I have a Puma in .454 Casull which is a 65,00 psi cartridge. A Puma uses modern metallurgy in a replica of the 1892 action to handle this stout cartridge. I have as yet, not noticed any problems with this action (other than a split forend at 10 rounds). Why wouldn't that work with the .500 S&W ??? Puma also uses the action for the .480 Ruger, which of course is a lower pressure round.

Thanks for the info on the Puma. That is worth looking into. This is for a fellow I know who saw my 450 alaskan last year and now wants one with the same barrel contour but in the 500 smith. I think he will either have to go for the 50 Alaskan- I also offered to buy the barrel from him or buy a Puma and start there.
I wish the factories were more willing to give specs on the ability of the rifle to withstand specific pressure limits.
Frank

Frank,
sit tight.. there's a "new" belted 500 pistol round that is coming out... and it will work fine in lever guns.

I didn't do this one, so don't blaime me..

mean while, a puma in 480 ruger should hold you over

jeffe

Not for me Jeffe but thanks for the info.
We are looking into the puma now.
Frank

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
there's a "new" belted 500 pistol round that is coming out

What are you talking about jeffe?