Is a .50-caliber handgun really useful???

[PALADIN85020]

Well... yes.

John

 

[LPD256]

A few quick rounds will clear the indoor range so you can have some privacy to shoot your 617.

 

[rockquarry]

Probably not, except for a very few experts. A light rifle will weigh only a little more, is much easier to shoot well and at longer ranges, isn't as awkward, and you can get into shooting position at least as quickly. Don't forget recoil, a very significant factor when dealing with handguns using huge cartridges. Some people can't handle the recoil well, especially those who don't shoot frequently.

 

[Eric300]

Or......it might be better than a spear in this type of scenario;

 

[rockquarry]

A .50 caliber handgun is probably a popular subject with the bear thread people; they're always looking for something bigger.

 

[Kid44]

Probably only in Alaska when the only thing between you and a mad grizzly bear is nothing. Even then a .50 caliber will seem small.

 

[jscheck]

All handguns are useful! Even an empty gun makes a good club!

 

[UncleEd]

Absolutely the .50 is useful
in providing a lot of laughs
on the S&W Forum.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Not much. I'm interested in shooting one but would never seek one out to own.

 

[Bastogne71]

I’m sure that the accounting department at Smith & Wesson will agree that the 500 is very useful for the bottom line. Marketing will certainly enthusiastically back them up!

 

[poprivit]

50 cal handguns

Well, I've found the S&W to be quite useful. I've taken an old stink bull giraffe and a lion with mine. Giraffe took a 500-gr Hornady through its second vertebrae; lion got a 440-gr hard cast in the neck, and the bullet drilled all the way down to the left hip.

 

[steelslaver]

Is a Ferris wheel useful?
Is a car that will go over 80mph useful??
Do you really need a 50" TV and find one useful?
How useful is a more expensive watch?
How useful is most jewelry?
How useful are women high heels or about 1/2 their shoes for that matter?
Do you need a 50 cal hand gun?

Whats with the useful?

 

[ZGrand]

I'm not sure I could afford the ammo, but I sure would love to shoot one!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

There's a great story on the forum about a guy taking an American Bison with one.

I bought my 10.5" specifically for elk, but I haven't been drawn for a tag, yet. Yes, it's a bit "big" for elk, but I wanted a challenge. A friend got a nice 5-point bull this year at 67 yards so I know I can get close enough.

 

[IWK2HT]

I’m sure this conversation happened when the 44 magnum first arrived in gun shops all over North America in the early fifties.
I don’t have a 50 nor have a shot one but when I come a cross one at the right price I will likely buy it, and it wouldn’t be that I need a hand gun of that size just simply because I don’t have one.

 

[delcrossv]

A few quick rounds will clear the indoor range so you can have some privacy to shoot your 617.

LOL. Yep.

You can also post fun pics like this:

 

[Kinman]

Just because full house loads are over the top doesn't mean that a .50 caliber handgun can not be made an excellent choice. Back when the .50 AE came out there was wild speculation about how useful it would be. A few handloaders got hold of a specimen and soon found out that .50 has everything going for it when it comes to providing optimum accuracy. You get the benefit of a large bearing surface which combined with the right powder charge, bullet, lube, etc. is capable of one hole groups.
I've seen a woman who supposedly worked for the FBI (maybe as a bookkeeper) shoot a .500 Smith that her husband had downloaded for her and in her hands it was scary accurate, she said it was her favorite handgun. I know a couple of guys that although do not shoot a .50 cal. do shoot 45/70 revolvers that have been custom downloaded and they are also very accurate, these guys use them to shoot marmots off rock piles at 100yds.

 

[Doug M.]

There are firearms that I find useful and some I don't everyone's individual value set and life will impact that. The only reason I would want a .500 is the same reason I would want a Barrett .50 BMG semi-auto rifle. It would upset the handwringing crybabies, snowflakes and moonbats. That does not mean enough to me to overcome the fiscal prudence and the fact that I try not to make a public display of owning/carrying a firearm.

 

[mikerjf]

Is there a 20mm handgun yet?

 

[delcrossv]

Is there a 20mm handgun yet?

I did see one chambered in .600 NE.