I usually hit the range 2-3 times a month. I used a scope once and missed my shot of a 10-point deer. From that day on I practiced and practiced with iron sites. When I was in the USCG I always shot expert with any weapon. I am almost 70 now and still have 20/20 vision. I am a rookie at leather work and started about a year ago. Last year I went hog hunting with the .500 revolver and got one at 50 yards. Will be using the new .500 rifle for deer hunting in the fall. I typically use a Henry 45/70 which I have hit deer at 150 yards which is about the longest I feel comfortable with.
It all depends on powder type and bullet type and bullet grain size. A 325 grain Hornady FTX flies out at a little above 2350 FPS close to max load. A 400-grain bullet is around 1750 FPS close to max load. I have watched videos of the .500 rifle blowing right through bullet proof glass. Impressed the hell out of me but, I am easily impressed.
A guy I talked to at the range had a mosin that was rebarreled to 500 sw, I accepted his offer to shoot a few rounds with it when he offered… It was pretty cool! I understand the attraction to it. User hickock45 on YouTube has a video shooting watermelons with a 500, I could watch that all day!
The one I have had the upgraded fancy walnut stock and holds 7 rounds in the tube and 1 in the chamber. I thought it would kick a lot more than it did. It is a real pleasure to shoot.
You ought to cut a window in that leather to show off that wood. They always use real nice wood
The leather protects the stock from damage while hunting.
