Big Horn Armory Unveils Revolutionary AR500 NEXT GEN Firearms Series
Author: Marko L. | Publish Date: May 26, 2025 | Fact checked by: Aleksa Miladinovic
Enhanced Big-Bore Platform Now Available in Multiple Configurations
Big Horn Armory (BHA), renowned for manufacturing high-performance big-bore firearms, has officially begun shipping its much-awaited AR500 NEXT GEN series. This innovative product line represents a significant evolution from the company's original AR500 platform, offering enhanced capabilities across three distinct configurations designed to meet diverse shooting requirements.
The comprehensive series encompasses the AR500 NEXT GEN Rifle, AR500 NEXT GEN Pistol, and Complete Upper Assembly options for both rifle and pistol variants. Each configuration builds upon the proven foundation of the original AR500 while incorporating advanced features that deliver superior power and adaptability for professional users and enthusiasts alike.
AR500 NEXT GEN Rifle: Maximum Power in Familiar Platform
Unmatched Semi-Automatic Firepower
The AR500 NEXT GEN Rifle stands as the pinnacle of AR-platform power, chambered exclusively in the formidable 500 Auto Max cartridge. This groundbreaking rifle claims the distinction of being the most powerful AR firearm currently available in the commercial market, combining traditional AR ergonomics with unprecedented big-bore performance.
The innovative design philosophy merges the familiar AR manual-of-arms with the devastating effectiveness of the 500 Auto Max cartridge, creating a weapon system that delivers exceptional energy transfer while maintaining rapid-fire capability and shooting comfort. The rifle's versatile nature, combined with extensive accessory compatibility, positions it as a multi-role platform capable of addressing virtually any tactical or hunting scenario.

Specifications and Pricing
- Chambering: 500 Auto Max
- Platform: Enhanced AR design
- MSRP: $2,399
AR500 NEXT GEN Pistol: Compact Power Solution
High-Performance Semi-Auto Pistol Design
The AR500 NEXT GEN Pistol revolutionizes the concept of semi-automatic pistol power by incorporating the same 500 Auto Max chambering in a significantly more compact and maneuverable package. This configuration preserves the full potency of the original AR500 Rifle while optimizing the platform for enhanced portability and close-quarters applications.
Tactical Advantages and Applications
Featuring a precision-engineered 10-inch barrel integrated into the compact AR platform architecture, the AR500P excels in scenarios requiring rapid deployment and confined-space maneuverability. The pistol configuration proves particularly valuable for close-quarter engagements and rapid response situations where traditional rifle lengths might prove cumbersome.

Specifications and Pricing
- Chambering: 500 Auto Max
- Barrel Length: 10 inches
- Platform: Compact AR design
- MSRP: $2,399
Complete Upper Assembly: Modular Conversion Solution
Transform Existing AR10 Platforms
The AR500 NEXT GEN Complete Upper Assembly provides an innovative pathway for shooters to experience the AR500's exceptional power without purchasing an entirely new firearm system. This comprehensive conversion kit enables users to transform their existing AR10 lower receivers into full-capability AR500 rifles or pistols, depending on the selected configuration.
Non-Proprietary Compatibility
Engineered around a non-proprietary DPMS-style upper receiver, the assembly ensures broad compatibility while maintaining the system's customization potential. The design incorporates modified SR25 magazines, balancing compatibility requirements with the unique demands of the 500 Auto Max cartridge.
Complete Kit Components
Each Complete Upper Assembly includes:
- Complete assembled upper receiver
- 18-inch barrel (rifle configuration) or 10-inch barrel (pistol configuration)
- Adjustable gas block system
- Integrated muzzle brake
- M-LOK compatible free-float handguard
- Complete bolt carrier group
- Buffer assembly
- Buffer spring
Exceptional Value Proposition
- MSRP: $1,200 (both rifle and pistol configurations)
- Applications: Compatible with existing AR10 lower receivers
Company Leadership Perspective
Vision for Next-Generation Performance
Greg Buchel, Owner of Big Horn Armory, emphasized the transformative nature of the AR500 NEXT GEN series, stating: "With the AR500 NEXT GEN line, we've taken everything our customers loved about the original AR500 and pushed it even further. Whether you choose the rifle, the pistol, or the upper assembly, you're getting the most powerful AR platform ever built, designed for shooters who demand unmatched performance and versatility. This isn't just an upgrade. It's a new benchmark in big-bore semi-auto firepower."
The 500 Auto Max Cartridge: Technical Foundation
Advanced Cartridge Design
The 500 Auto Max cartridge serves as the technological cornerstone of the AR500 NEXT GEN series, representing a rimless adaptation of the proven 500 S&W Magnum. This specialized cartridge design enables optimal function within semi-automatic platforms while maintaining the devastating terminal performance characteristics of its revolver predecessor.
Versatile Bullet Weight Options
The cartridge's exceptional versatility accommodates an extraordinary range of projectile weights, spanning from 350 grains to an impressive 700 grains. This broad spectrum enables users to optimize ammunition selection for specific applications, whether pursuing precision shooting disciplines or confronting the largest North American game species.
Performance Applications
The combination of the 500 Auto Max cartridge's inherent power and the AR500 platform's mechanical reliability creates an unprecedented shooting experience that bridges the gap between tactical applications and big-game hunting requirements. This synergy establishes new performance standards for semi-automatic big-bore firearms across multiple shooting disciplines.
| Specifications | Big Horn Armory AR500 Rifle | Big Horn Armory AR500 Pistol |
|---|---|---|
| CALIBER | 500 Auto Max | 500 Auto Max |
| RATE OF TWIST | 1 in 24 | 1 in 24 |
| BARREL LENGTH | 18" | 10 inches |
| MUZZLE | Threaded w/ muzzle brake | Threaded |
| CROWN | Recessed | Recessed |
| TRIGGER | Match Grade Rise Rave 140 trigger, single stage 3.5 lb pull | Match Grade Rise Rave 140 trigger, single stage 3.5 lb pull |
| BUTT STOCK | Adjustable butt stock | None. Buffer Tube only. |
| FORE-END | M-LOK free float handguard | MLok Forearm brace w/pic rails & sling swivels |
| ACTION MATERIALS | 7075 Aluminum hard anodized | 7075 Aluminum hard anodized |
| METAL FINISHES | Hunter Black Nitride on SS parts | Hunter Black Nitride on SS parts |
| SWING SWIVEL MOUNTS | Integral rear | Integral rear |
| MAG CAPACITY | 7 rd standard or 4 rd option | 7 Round & 4 Round Magazine available |
| OVERALL LENGTH | Varies | Varies |
| WEIGHT | 9 lb. | 8.1 lbs |
| MSRP | $2,399.00 | $2,399.00 |
Author:
Marko Lalovic

Marko is a dedicated aviation enthusiast whose passion began with an unforgettable encounter with fighter jets at an air show in his home country. As an audiophile and sound engineer by training, Marko was initially captivated by the distinctive sonic signature of military aircraft—the thunderous roar of afterburners and the precise mechanical symphony of aviation systems. This auditory fascination evolved into a comprehensive interest in defense technology, particularly firearms engineering and ballistics acoustics.