The .500 S&W is more powerful but as far as I'm concerned it belongs in a rifle and not a "revolver." In addition to the Desert Eagle, the .50 AE is available in some single and double action revolvers, at least on a custom basis. It is certainly adequate for the thin skinned stuff like bear. I like big bore revolver cartridges as much as anybody but I could never get excited by either of these two cartridges. A modern .44 Magnum or .45 Colt is plenty for bear. If I went the expensive custom route I'd choose one of the Linebaugh cartridges instead.

Dave Sinko