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Written by Ashley Burgess Gall, Laura Burgess Marketing, on behalf of Big Horn Armory
In recent years, a noticeable shift has been taking place across the hunting and backcountry communities—one that’s hard to ignore. More and more hunters are trading in their light, flat-shooting cartridges for something bigger, bolder, and undeniably more powerful. Big-bore hunting is on the rise.
But this isn’t just about chasing more recoil or bragging rights at deer camp. The growing interest in big-bore calibers is rooted in practical needs, real-world performance, and a changing perspective on what’s truly necessary when venturing into the wild.
Big-Bore for the Big Game—and Bigger Consequences
Hunters across North America are facing environments that demand more from both the hunter and the rifle. Whether you’re trekking deep into grizzly country, calling elk in the timber, or protecting yourself from the unexpected, big-bore calibers offer something that lighter rounds simply can’t: immediate and unmistakable authority.
In recent years, a noticeable shift has
been taking place across the hunting
and backcountry communities—one
that’s hard to ignore. More and more
hunters are trading in their light, flatshooting cartridges for something
bigger, bolder, and undeniably more
powerful. Big-bore hunting is on the
rise.
But this isn’t just about chasing more
recoil or bragging rights at deer camp.
The growing interest in big-bore
calibers is rooted in practical needs,
real-world performance, and a
changing perspective on what’s truly
necessary when venturing into the
wild.
Big-Bore for the Big Game—
and Bigger Consequences
Hunters across North America are
facing environments that demand
more from both the hunter and the
rifle. Whether you’re trekking deep into grizzly country, calling elk in the
timber, or protecting yourself from the
unexpected, big-bore calibers offer
something that lighter rounds simply
can’t: immediate and unmistakable
authority.
Calibers like the .500 S&W Magnum,
.460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, .475
Linebaugh, and .500 Linebaugh were
once seen as specialty rounds, often
relegated to revolvers or niche
firearms. But in recent years, their
utility in rifles has gained serious
traction—and for good reasons. These
heavy-hitting cartridges deliver
tremendous energy on target, making
them ideal for hunting large or
dangerous game in dense cover where
follow-up shots need to count.
Why the Shift?
Versatility in the Field
A large caliber lever-action rifle is as
effective at dispatching a bull elk as it
is providing peace of mind in bear
country. For hunters who like to do it
One Shot Confidence
Big-bore rounds offer something every
hunter appreciates: the confidence
that a well-placed shot will anchor the
animal quickly and humanely. When
you’re up against tough-bodied
animals like moose, bear, or hogs, that
kind of knockdown power matters.
Versatility in the Field
A large caliber lever-action rifle is as
effective at dispatching a bull elk as it
is providing peace of mind in bear
country. For hunters who like to do it all with one rifle, big-bore offer flexibility without compromise.
Increasing Interest in CloseRange Hunting
Not every hunter is taking 400-yard
shots across open terrain. Many are
returning to the challenge and thrill of
close-range pursuits—where brush,
timber, and tight shooting lanes
demand quick handling and serious
stopping power. That’s where big-bore
rifles, particularly those with shorter
barrels and fast follow-up capability,
shine.
Practical Self-Defense in the
Wild
There’s a growing awareness of the
need for backcountry defense—not just
from four-legged predators, but from
increasingly unpredictable wilderness
encounters. Rifles chambered in bigbore calibers give peace of mind when
venturing off-grid.
Where Big Horn Armory Fits
In
At Big Horn Armory, we’ve built our
rifles around these exact needs. We
weren’t chasing trends when we began
chambering lever guns in .500 S&W,
.460 S&W, .454 Casull, .475
Linebaugh, and .500 Linebaugh—we
were answering a call from hunters
who knew they needed something
more.
We’ve always believed that power,
precision, and dependability should
come standard. And as more hunters
gravitate toward big-bore options,
we’re proud to be among the few
offering purpose-built rifles that
deliver on all three fronts.
The Takeaway
The rise of big-bore hunting isn’t
about recoil junkies or overkill—it’s
about effectiveness, safety, and
confidence in the field. Whether you’re
tracking game deep in the
backcountry or simply want a rifle
that can handle anything thrown your
way, big-bore is proving to be more
than a passing trend—it’s a return to
fundamentals.
Big-bore is back. And this time, it’s
here to stay.
Ready to gear up?
Explore our lineup of big-bore lever
guns and find your ultimate hunting
rifle: www.bighornarmory.com.
