NSA x Western Big Horn Slug Swaging Press

[Billm]

So no one on HAM is using this press? Does anyone know someone using the Big Horn press?

I’ve been thinking about buying a press too. I’ve read some of your threads asking about swaging etc.. My concern about the Big Horn is product support and obsolescence. I have not found a single post/video anywhere from someone that has “purchased” one. If they aren’t selling them, are they going to support them? The proprietary dies for it are the cheapest around, but not a lot of selection. But there’s always Corbin Dies. I’ve looked at the Western, Corbin, Presslug, Walnut Creek and the diy version on the cast bulletin forum. I sent an email to Corbin with a few questions over a week ago, but got no response. I don’t even need one, but that’s how I’m wired, I just like making things lol.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Billm Also look into GMI dies. They have a decent looking system. I know someone using their dies to his satisfaction so far.

 

[Billm]

@Billm Also look into GMI dies. They have a decent looking system. I know someone using their dies to his satisfaction so far.

I have looked at their dies. If I end up getting one, I may get a custom set of dies from them.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Billm I hope you create a thread to keep us posted on what you end up with and how it works out for you.

 

[Billm]

I really wish I understood the corporate airgun web of Arizona. The Big Horn is a Western Airguns product, but is not even mentioned on their website. The promotional videos except for the one by NSA are all created by AOA. NSA appears to have been absorbed by Air Venturi (I know it’s a “collaboration “). So who who supports it? Is Western Airguns connected to the AZ companies or just a traditional business relationship. Just so there’s no confusion: I’m not implying a nefarious connection, I’m just wondering what everyone’s connection is. Not to mention AAA and Sub-MOA barrels etc.

 

[Billm]

@Billm I hope you create a thread to keep us posted on what you end up with and how it works out for you.

I will, but right now it’s a big if, lol. My wife keeps telling me that I need to sell some of my live-streaming/video equipment if I want more Airgun stuff. I’m a pack rat and so that’s hard to do lol.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I really wish I understood the corporate airgun web of Arizona. The Big Horn is a Western Airguns product, but is not even mentioned on their website. The promotional videos except for the one by NSA are all created by AOA. NSA appears to have been absorbed by Air Venturi (I know it’s a “collaboration “). So who really manufactures the Big Horn press and who supports it?

@Billm To my understanding the Big Horn presses are manufactured overseas (in China I believe). This is something I was told by folks at AOA IIRC. Or it may have been Nick Nielsen who shared the info with me. I can't recall which one communicated that to me. I don't know what support looks like or will look like.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Soooooo it’s a year and a half later. Does anyone know of anyone using a Big Horn hydraulic swaging press?

 

[Billm]

Soooooo it’s a year and a half later. Does anyone know of anyone using a Big Horn hydraulic swaging press?

No, it’s a shame, because I think it’s a very nice machine. My wife wanted me to buy it instead of the Corbin. I’m just going to be honest and say that I dont think it went over well with Corbin. It has very few die choices available for it and they said it was Corbin compatible. When I was researching which press I was going to buy, I called Corbin and asked them about getting dies made for it. The response was quick, abrupt and succinct: “I don’t know anything about the press and if we did make you dies for it, it wouldn’t be for a year or more”. That kind of knocked it off my list. Shortly thereafter, Nielsen sold NSA to Air Venturi and it seems like the product became an orphan. It’s not even not mentioned on American Casting anymore. I wish I knew Rob at AOA, I’d try and get my hands on the demo and write a few articles about it. It has a lot of potential. GMI did tell me that they would buy dies for the Big Horn. I’m into designing and modding CNC machines and I would still consider buying one for a project. But, the lingering concern for me is: what if it breaks? I know mechanically I could fix it, but could I get parts for it? I really don’t know. Again, it’s a great value, similar machines cost $15,000 - $20,000. I’d hate to see it die on the vine. I’m really glad you mentioned it.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Billm I’m glad I asked. If I owned one, my main concern would be parts and support. I thought obtaining dies for the Bighorn press would be easy.