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Joined: Dec 2008
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elkrazy Offline OP
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I am considering a Bighorn 89 and have been looking through some older posts on that rifle and wondered if there any other updated or new opinions about this rifle or company?

If you got one would you get the 18" barrel or 22"? That is really the only thing I was considering to change from the base version -- a bit longer barrel.

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I would be interested to see replies to "elkrazy's" post.
I have been studying on a Bighorn in 460 S&W myself.


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I dont have one but I've talked to other levergunners that do. From what I can gather they are sized midway between a 92 and an 1886 while being closer in size to the smaller frame but with the weight closer to the larger frame. I was originally interested in one as a saddle gun when I'm back in Montana in bear country. Unfortunately I feel the weight not worth it in that scenario. If I was on trail rides where time and distance didnt matter it would be ok but working cattle I dont want to burden the horse with extra weight when you never know what hills you will have to climb or what rangy cow needs roped so she can be doctored.
I suppose I will still end up with one someday, just for the sake of owning the finest production levergun (same reason I have a Freedom Arms .454 Casull).

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Thank you kind Sir.
I honestly have no requirement for one other than as a companion to my S&W 460XLR. But I have yet to run across one locally and don't know of any in use where I could get a true opinion.


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There are a few guys that have them over on the levergun forums. I came to the conclusion that for a saddle gun I'd be ahead to use my 92 with heavy .45 Colt loads or to try to find a 94 Timber Carbine in .450 Marlin and have the barrel cut back a few inches rather than get a BHA gun. Not saying the BHA isnt worth the money just that for the weight penalty there are better saddle guns (for my use).

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All good points for alternatives but you have to admit their model 89 is one fine levergun and I for one would love to have a 18" 500!

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Cool rifles, I was just lookin at the same thing a couple weeks ago. If go 18" , handy dandy hammer.


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Ltdshooter, they are beauties and damn sure the finest custom production levers available. I just wish they'd slim down that bulbous forend to make a saddle scabbard friendlier version. Though for the money they ask I'm sure they would do that for an order.

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One things for certain they are built like tanks. Both 500 S&W and 460 S&W operate at 60K psi and 65K psi. For comments on light saddle guns I would agree that a 92 in 45 Colt or 44 Mag.

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I've been sorely tempted by a .500, but then I think of what vintage Winchester I could buy for that kind of money, and the thought goes away. I don't know how you could stand throw that costly in a saddle scabbard, a ratty '92, '94 or 336 would fill that bill.


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Originally Posted by tmitch
I don't know how you could stand throw that costly in a saddle scabbard, a ratty '92, '94 or 336 would fill that bill.


I cant stand Marlins as saddle guns. They need a bunch of stock/forearm thinning just to be slimmed down to to even be considered for a scabbard. More expensive doesnt bother me a bit, my guns are for use not to be pretty. My main saddle gun is an easy $1500 to replace. Its had the stock broken and had a lot of finish wear but that's the name of the game.

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I’ve got a BHA in 500 and love it, but there is not a lot of need to carry it everyday in Iowa. I shot an antelope with it, and the track job was 1/2’. Truly dead in its bed, but that is not a test in relation to the initial post or what most would use it for.

Quality is outstanding, customer service is better, and the aesthetics are second to none. Worth the money for sure.

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$2,499 plus $60, plus FFL fee - wow

Is it that much more powerful than a 45-70 or a 450? Is it that much better than a Marlin?


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I held one a few years ago and found it to be built like a tank and heavy. It reminded me of how Ruger built many of it's durable guns over the years. But, I think years of packing my customized Marlin 1895 in 45-70 influenced me, as it is lighter and has a sender forearm. The Marlin is very popular here in Alaska and 45-70 components easy to find and maybe cheaper then 500 S&W and the 45-70 after all these years still has plenty of the "right stuff" to take any critter in America.

But, if one has the itch then heck ya, buy one and scratch that itch! That's what I did when I bought a Mirkoru made Winchester Mod. 71 Deluxe awhile back. Gun smith has it and making it into a .348 Ackley Improved. With my Win. Big Bore .356 and 45-70 and Mod. 94 in .44 mag. ain't like I needed it. But, I have had the itch for a old school lever gun tossing 250 grain .35 caliber bullets at close to 2,500 fps mv. The .348 Ackley Improved will do that and my itch will have been scratched, for now. LOL

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I have a 500 with a 22" barrel and like it alot. I got 22" as we "plink" a bunch here and hitting floating targets at long range is a ball. It's taken 2 brown bears with 400gr Hornady's,, both very close and head shot as they were raising havoc at my wifes smokehouse and the other trying to get into our chickens. Mine is better than new if your interested,, other rifles here need more use!


I tend to use more than enough gun

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