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

[HOUSTON RICK]

I do not have a Model 600 or 460, but I would like to when I grow up, but I am too cheap right now and realistically have no requirements above 357 Magnum. I do not handload/relolad now so the ammo even more than the gun is prohibitive in cost. I can certainly sympathize with all those who have and/or want X frame handguns. I may need to cut down a small tree when I cannot find my ax.

 

[smoothshooter]

Not for me it isn’t.

 

[ShootMeStraight]

I think it’s very useful! I get a lot of enjoyment out of shooting and loading for my S&W 500 8 3/8” and that in itself makes it incredibly useful.

 

[pistolpete10]

Well... yes.

John

Of course it's useful, it is 5 better than a 45.....

 

[DonD]

I think it’s very useful! I get a lot of enjoyment out of shooting and loading for my S&W 500 8 3/8”

As do I. Don

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

I have a S&W 500, S&W 460, 50AE Desert Eagle and several 454 Casull. Need them? Useful? Maybe not. If I could only keep one of my firearms - the fifties would not be my choice.

I also have a 50 cal rifle - I am not sure I need an anti-materiel rifle. Not much use, but a literal blast to shoot. ~13k ft/lbs.

Who else has a 50 "trifecta"? I.e 3 different 50 cals?

82A1's are a hoot to shoot.

 

[Dan Christopher]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. The 500 Magnums do have a coolness factor to them. Since S&W introduced them, I have owned three in different barrel lengths. I enjoyed shooting them while I had them, and I only ever used my own handloads. But even reloading for those is very pricey. They all got sold off. Now I am back where I started from with 44 Magnums. That's really all I need. YMMV.

 

[dasnake]

Wow

I like their look, but I'm afraid of everything so I would not like to shoot one, scary.

 

[Gregor]

Member of the .500 S&W Magnum Fan Club

Bought an 8 3/8" several years ago, the "cheap" one with the fixed comp. Have a DeSantis Black Mamba holster for it. Just added a 4" and bought the Diamond D Custom Leather Guides Choice holster for it along with a speed loader, speed loader pouch and ammo carrier.

In addition to the necessity of handloading, casting your own "boolits" opens up many avenues of different power factor loads and less expensive shooting.

After the initial capital investment in dies, moulds, etc., the sting of high ammunition costs can be lessened. The more I shoot it and load for it, the more apparent it becomes to its versatility and practicality.

John Ross has been fantastic here and on Cast Boolits forum with advice and loads. There is alot of support for it and an enthusiastic owner base for advice and guidance.

It does announce itself at the range when shooting it. Others have said it sounds like a magnum high powered rifle. Recoil isn't that bad or difficult to control, for the power it has. My 640-1 .357 Magnum with Crimson Trace laser grips is painful to shoot with 125 gr. Magnum ammo, much more so than my .500's.

 

[MN Nice]

"Useful". As "Useful" as any firearm.

History shows that anything can be killed with a spear or bow and arrow.

I believe you'd like to know if a .50 cal is "Overkill". The answer is an emphatic, YES!!!

Wrap your hand around that fat, cushy grip, pull the hammer back, squeeze that grip a little tighter...Touch that round off.

It's an experience. Recoil, noise, concussion... Damn!!

12 ga. slug type of experience. From a revolver.

It brings a really huge smile to the face of any who endure the recoil. It's holding what you shouldn't, doing something naughty...But you feel really good about it!!

Total Overkill. Leads to chasing the dragon, next fix, type stuff...

I may have a problem...

And you smile a lot when you read posts and guys are complaining about .44 mag recoil. ROTFL!!

 

[Oracle]

Please consider this; if we as the gun owning community start airing pros and cons, needed or not needed, number of guns needed or not we are playing right into the anti 2nd amendment peoples trap in my opinion.

I have a full blown turbo charged liberal neighbors who are always "just curious" asking questions, how many, why etc. It isn't their business and I always ignore the questions, I change the subject to begonias whatever begonias are.

 

[S.B.]

OP, I bought my John Ross 500 when he came out with them(in my 60s) now in my 70s and still own it and doubt I'll ever sell it, Mind you they're not for everyone but, I like mine(I like big handguns).
Steve

 

[__steve__]

A home, food, water, hygiene and liberty are all useful stuff. Anything else may or may not support those things, and if anyone wishes to blast over 1 pound of lead in just 10 shots reaching supersonic speeds by 50yds, moreover fired from a 3.5” barrel with one hand, there is no condonation in supporting it.

What would be an overkill would be doing the same with one in each hand.

 

[gen3guy]

You just never know when a rampaging rhinoceros is going to escape from the zoo.

 

[Buford57]

It is the bare minimum caliber for self-defense. 2 is 1, 1 is none; a 9mm is the equal of a .45; a .44 is just 2 .22s. You might be attacked by somebody on a D-9 Cat - then what good will your 73 rounds of 9mm do you? Although, with those measly 5 rounds you might want to back it up with a .50 Desert Eagle in an ankle holster. IMHO, YMMV, M-O-U-S-E.

 

[OLDSTER]

They're great for pocket carry

 

[Dave686]

I was at a local range a few years ago watching a guy shoot his S&W500. He asked if I wanted to shoot it, and I told him, No I don’t want to waste your ammo. He said go ahead and shoot a cylinder full. I braced myself and got ready for the worst. It really wasn’t bad at all. I enjoyed shooting it.

Now would I spend the money on one, and the cost to feed it? No, but everything is application driven and someone may have the application for one, or they simply don’t care about the cost and just want one for fun.

 

[BigBill]

I assembled 155 mm howitzers for the US Army the only difference is the wheels and bore brush size, lol. Ya if I was 25 yo I’d have i one. Why because there is no 60 cal yet.

 

[DonD]

Was wondering, after cataract surgery, would a 460 or 500 Smith be less brutal than a No.1/458 Win Mag?

Had one eye done a few days ago, right eye for distance, and it will be interesting to shoot again with irons, scopes and electric modern sights... firearms and bows.

Since I have both of those guns, a No.1 in .458 and two Model 500s, I can comment.

If you're concerned about your eyes, the .458 and its type of recoil, don't shoot the .458, shoot the 500. The .458 drives your shoulder back as well as muzzle rise. Your arms take care of all that with the 500.

Good luck with the surgery outcome. Don

 

[DonD]

An additional remark. Before you shoot anything that has substantial recoil, best check with your opthamolic surgeon. Old line, better safe than sorry and you only have two precious eyes. Don