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

[s2harry]

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.

yeah you'll get one shot maybe two the second one will be muzzle to muzzle

 

[nate-dogg]

I shot 2 doe with my 500 mag this deer season. 275gr federal premium vital shock Barnes Expander hollow points. It's the heavy 10.5" barrel with compensator so it didn't recoil any more than a 4" 44 Mag with 240gr Winchester white box or similar rounds.

 

[DonD]

Everyone should own at least one hand cannon, however some folks tend to become addicted quickly. You are welcome to use the following excuses for owning one....or more.
The gun gets excellent mileage, a box of ammo lasts a long time.
It puts other recoil in perspective.
It eliminates folks asking to borrow it.
Occasionally the term “bullet proof” needs a test tool.
Occasionally you need a special event handgun.
You need another holster anyway; Guides Choice™ Leather Chest Holster, the ULTIMATE outdoor gun holster | Diamond D Custom Leather | Handmade Leather Holsters (be sure you save shipping and order your Toklot holster at the same time)
You always wanted to try a shooting glove.
You might as well get it over with and put this dream/nightmare behind you.

and of my favorite; Because I Can!

Good post. I have offered a significant number of people the opportunity to shoot one of my 500s. I have yet to have anyone take me up on it and that includes a couple active duty cops at a police range. All I get is a quick nod of "No".

My wife isn't into shooting these days. I did get her to fire a fun round with Trail Boss powder. She admitted that I wasn't kidding that the "plinking" round was OK. Don

 

[m657]

... is capable of one hole groups....

that's because some of them have only been fired once.....


my own ability to simulate actual interest in the one my buddy bought, did not extend to actually firing that many....Similar disinterest now, after earlier experience with his .460 Smith, first in long barrel, then 4"; I have managed to recover & redirect my enthusiasm to other calibers, thanks for asking

 

[29-1]

Absolutely!!!
Chuck

 

[clang444]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl17yr2VWQg[/ame]

 

[BigBill]

I’m too old for a 50 cal now.

I hunt bear. I carried a handgun with my ‘06. I put them away when I purchased a rifle in 338wm. If your going to blow a hole blow a big one. No need to carry a handgun except when visiting the outdoor plumbing.

 

[ruggyh]

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

Bottom line

ONLY IF YOU HAVE ONE

 

[WuzzFuzz]

Do ya feel lucky punk? Well do ya?







No


WuzzFuzz

 

[DonD]

I’m too old for a 50 cal now.

I hunt bear. I carried a handgun with my ‘06. I put them away when I purchased a rifle in 338wm. If your going to blow a hole blow a big one. No need to carry a handgun except when visiting the outdoor plumbing.

If you're talking about penetration and performance on large and dangerous animals, a heavy load in the 500 Mag gives up nothing to the .338. Don

 

[S.B.]

Good post. I have offered a significant number of people the opportunity to shoot one of my 500s. I have yet to have anyone take me up on it and that includes a couple active duty cops at a police range. All I get is a quick nod of "No".

My wife isn't into shooting these days. I did get her to fire a fun round with Trail Boss powder. She admitted that I wasn't kidding that the "plinking" round was OK. Don

I've had a couple grandsons shoot mine one when 14 years old. I think everyone enjoys this challenge.
Steve

 

[DonD]

I've had a couple grandsons shoot mine one when 14 years old. I think everyone enjoys this challenge.
Steve

That sounds somewhat like the introduction of the 500 Mag by S&W. They let people try it out but with the lightest factory load then available giving the false impression that they really don't kick much.

275gr wimp load is nothing, as you should well know, compared to 1700fps with a 440gr hard cast.

Let your 14 yr old try one of those and you might give him an early flinch. Don

 

[S.B.]

That sounds somewhat like the introduction of the 500 Mag by S&W. They let people try it out but with the lightest factory load then available giving the false impression that they really don't kick much.

275gr wimp load is nothing, as you should well know, compared to 1700fps with a 440gr hard cast.

Let your 14 yr old try one of those and you might give him an early flinch. Don

We were shooting some of my 500 grain hard cast over a full load of H110 powder? We had fun, all of us. I should note here I've never had anyone shoot my 500 without it leaving a trace of rubber on the web of their hand.
Steve

 

[DonD]

We were shooting some of my 500 grain hard cast over a full load of H110 powder? We had fun, all of us. I should note here I've never had anyone shoot my 500 without it leaving a trace of rubber on the web of their hand.
Steve

I stand corrected Steve. Good on your son shooting real 500 Mag ammo. Don

 

[S.B.]

One of my grandsons not my son who all four of them have shot it also the same day. Same young man also has taken a bear(In Maine) when they lived in Gloucester Ma. along with his father plus his younger brother(11 at the time) also has taken bear same hunt. Both of these boys have grown into men now. Looking around I mangaed to find a link to my son's and his son's Maine bear hunt on another website(hope this is OK to post here?) My Maine Bear Hunt.... | Graybeard Outdoors
Steve

 

[smithman]

If it makes even one sane person happy, it is needed.

 

[max503]

At one time I had the notion to buy the biggest caliber single-shot black powder pistol and use it for deer hunting. Then I found out they aren't legal for deer in Illinois.

 

[PALADIN85020]

At one time I had the notion to buy the biggest caliber single-shot black powder pistol and use it for deer hunting. Then I found out they aren't legal for deer in Illinois.

Is there something that IS legal in Illinois?

John

 

[Protocall_Design]

Criminals.

 

[S.B.]

At one time I had the notion to buy the biggest caliber single-shot black powder pistol and use it for deer hunting. Then I found out they aren't legal for deer in Illinois.

I bought a Ruger Old Army for the same reason, then argued my case with local state rep to no avail.
Steve