Quoted:
Guilty as charged, I was there.

The L-W 15.499 has several advantages over the Beowulf.
First and foremost, the weapon has been thoroughly proven by military testing.
[red] Beowulf was tested with the US military and so far reports have been very favorable[/red]
[blue]They may have done some tests, but these were reportedly not that extensive.[/blue]

Redesigns and enhancements found to be necessary during the testing have been accomplished. The Coast Guard has ordered 8000 standard rifles, and is buying a number of specialty rifles in the same calibur.

The round is longer, thereby allowing for greater powder capacity, and greater velocity, which equals more energy downrange. The round is the same length as a .223, to enhance feeding capability
[red] as can plainly be seen in the picture [url]www.gunblast.com/images/50Beowulf/Mvc-005f-sm.jpg [/url] Beowulf is also the same size as a .223 and the brass is not even close to full and so more powder could be added if you dare [/red].[blue]I believe of the three big bores {458 SOCOM, 50 Beowulf and 499 LW} the LW does carry the best ballistics.  However, the 458 SOCOM will launch a 500gr projectile sub and supersonic...[;D][/blue]

The bolt and carrier are manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool, the same design Lewis is now selling for .223, through MSTN. Advantages include greater strength, dual extractor springs, greater reliability, etc.
[red] Beowulf uses the SAME bolt as a 7.62x39mm and so MANY MANY high quality bolts are readily available [/red]
[blue]From the maker of many big bore rifles, Tromix, that have been running for many years in full auto and other platforms the bolt redesign is a bunch of smoke and mirrors bullshit that is very unnecessary. FWIW, the 458 SOCOM's that I know of have had no issues with the bolt.[/blue]

L-W sells "green" (no lead)  frangible ammo (good for indoor ranges that don't allow solid .50 cal. bullets), hunting ammo, and has many more loads on the way.
[red] Beowulf is a newer round and more weights/styles are coming [/red]
[blue]This is a function of the uber-popular 500S&W which shares the same projectiles.  This is not because of the marginally popular Beowulf.  Sorry.[/blue]

If you compared ammo prices at the gun show, you would see a significant price difference between the L-W and Beowulf ammo.
[red] yes, the significant difference is that .499 ammo is usually more expensive than Beowulf ammo of similar weight. [/red]
[blue]This is false from a "factory ammo" to "factory ammo" comparison.  Where the Beowulf will gain the edge -- reloading.  Where the 458 SOCOM gains the edge over both is reloading.  The LW ammo was about $2 less per Beowulf box initially -- that may have changed though.[/blue]

The L-W includes an integral muzzle compensator. No extra charge.
[red] no argument there, I wish AA would offer one for Beowulf as is really needs one. However there is a 24" barrel that has one and there is "no extra charge" for it at that length [/red]
[blue]Honestly, from most of the reports I hear of with "brakes" they don't do a whole lot in the large bore gas operated guns, except for make a lot more noise, and spray.  Recoil is subjective and I guess if you are recoil adverse you'd like any help you can get.[/blue]

The L-W is .499 caliber, not .50 cal. 001" may not seem significant, but if certain Congresspersons have their way, all .50 cal rifles will be banned.
[red] Not so long as we remain diligent with our congressmen, with that attitude, you can think the AW ban will come back and ALL AR's will be illegal [/red]  Think about it.

I strongly believe in the future of the product, and have become the Florida distributor and a factory authorized service center. We offer dealer and LEO pricing to qualified buyers.
I have shot the rifles extensively, and got a lot of feedback from customers. One buyer has burned a lot of ammo through his L-W upper mounted on his M16 lower. He loves it.
More info and pictures on my web site.