Now that Smith has claimed biggest (and best?&@11) what do you see in the future for the Ruger 480 round?
I think the Ruger round will hang in there, but see the Smith always capturing the guys who want to experience the 'baddest' regardless whether their shooting needs actually require a 500. I also see the 500 as an enormously successful carbine round. ( And think if Smith wants to make money, they should stop selling ridiculous side items-like bicycles one year- and bring out a brush gun for this cartridge. ) One question is going to be if the 500 offers anything not already done well by the 45/70 and a few others. Again, though, the 500 can climb ahead because it's the 'biggest' (diameter, anyway)
I see the Ruger following along, modest sales, but growing.
But maybe I'm wrong: does anyone think the Ruger round will actually fail to survive?
munk
I think the Ruger round will hang in there, but see the Smith always capturing the guys who want to experience the 'baddest' regardless whether their shooting needs actually require a 500. I also see the 500 as an enormously successful carbine round. ( And think if Smith wants to make money, they should stop selling ridiculous side items-like bicycles one year- and bring out a brush gun for this cartridge. ) One question is going to be if the 500 offers anything not already done well by the 45/70 and a few others. Again, though, the 500 can climb ahead because it's the 'biggest' (diameter, anyway)
I see the Ruger following along, modest sales, but growing.
But maybe I'm wrong: does anyone think the Ruger round will actually fail to survive?
munk