About Us

Mike Cyrus, owner, with his family .

Cross Outdoors began in March, 2005 with an idea to make a compact .50 caliber hunting rifle and a dream to use this idea to in some way glorify God. Own

er Mike Cyrus began developing what would come to be known as the 500 Cyrus by looking at different cartridges that could be transformed into a short, powerful .50 caliber rifle cartridge. After several iterations, he completed development of the 500 Cyrus in March 2006.

The idea for this project came from realizing that in the big-bore rifle category, the only available options seemed to be rifles that were extremely heavy and large. The long actions associated with these calibers also inherently hindered that all important follow-up shot. Cross Outdoors wanted a short-action, big-bore cartridge that could be housed in a lightweight rifle similar to what people were already used to carrying around. We wanted the round to achieve its velocity in barrels ranging from 18-21" for compact manueverability in dangerous game situations.

Freelance writer Richard Mann pictured with wildebeast shot with 500 Cyrus.

But we also wanted to develop a catridge/rifle combination that could be used with reduced loads on deer sized game as well; not your typical safari gun that is brought out of the cabinet for a special trip that feels unfamiliar in your hands. This would be a rifle for all medium, large, and dangerous game.

Our company name, Cross Outdoors, comes from our long-held faith in Jesus Christ combined with our love for the outdoors. We strive to use all of the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given us to bring glory to His name. We strive for quality in everything we do, not just in our products. We strive to do honest business in a w orld where this is increasingly less common. Starting this company was a step of faith and we take this endeavor seriously.

Cyrus lives on a farm in West Virginia with his wife and two children.