SW .50 compared to .50 Beowulf

[Slicktop]

One of the most easiest to shoot big bore handgun I've shot was a Desert Eagle 50. Accurate and light.
I've never shot a SW.50 . But I do have a 16" Beowulf that is a showstopper.
My thought is to get a 12" Beowulf upper since I reload, but I like the idea of a handgun in 50.
A revolver in 50beo is stupid money.
If I bought a SW, would I be happy with the gun?

 

[Slicktop]

I guess I should have said the 500.
I hate to increase calibers to reload

 

[ruggyh]

500 SW is a big upgrade in horsepower compare to 50AE or Beowulf.

 

[STCM(SW)]

500 SW is a big upgrade in horsepower compare to 50AE or Beowulf.

You got that right!

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Funny enough I started off with the 450 bushmaster AR platform and that load is so similar to the starting loads of the 460SW it was a no brainer to pick one up. I dont know about a short barrel but going to a longer gas system made the AR less reliable. You might end up with a dedicated lower just to run the 50Beo.
In a revolver, 460sw has much more flexibility as it does not need to cycle an action.
Loads are hotter in the 460.
And its a completely different platform and an even bigger show stopper than the AR. People dont ask or stare as much at an AR as they do a big freakin stainless X-frame spitting fireballs, shaking walls and blowing eardrums.
500SW is the right direction imo to answer your question,

 

[Imissedagain]

New 34db muffs with the 33 db ear plugs for the next range trip with the 460s and some stout loads.
Individually the can almost tame a piccolo playing the high notes and will see what some stout loads sound/feel like in the near future.

 

[AmStaff64]

I have owned the 50AE, 500 S&W and Barrett M82 in 50BMG. I also shoot 454Casull & 460S&W. Of all of these the 50AE is the lightest in terms of recoil/blast etc. The 454Casull when shot in the 460 X-frame does not feel too bad due to the weight of the firearm, try it in a Ruger Alaskan.

As far as "showstoppers", the 50BMG takes the cake.

 

[jag1954]

I have both the 500 and 460 in 8 3/8" and enjoy 'em both. Great shooters and always get attention. The recoil is very manageable and this coming from someone (yours truly) who is 67 years young and 5'8" 130lbs soaking wet.

 

[cmj8591]

The 50 Beowulf is designed for the AR platform so it is limited to 30000psi. The 500 works at about twice that pressure in an X frame so it's going to give a little more performance. The 50 Beowulf is also limited to bullets of about 300 to 350 grains so it can fit in the AR magazine. If they were chambered in the same platform, the 50 Beowulf has a little bit more capacity so, theoretically, would give better performance. As far as making you happy, if you like banging away with your 50 AR, you will surely enjoy the 500. I do have to say that the thought of a 12 inch Beowulf is interesting. I think I would kick it up and get a SBR tax stamp. That would be cool.

 

[Oldfrt]

There is the 500 auto max from Big Horn Armory, if I didn't already have a generic 50 Beo and wanted something that big that's the direction I would go, I think same load data as 500. Not overly impressed with my 12.7 x 42, but it was cheap and helped out a freind that needed money, still doesn't run right.

 

[Flipside]

I've never shot a SW.50

If I bought a SW, would I be happy with the gun?

No telling if you’ll be ‘happy with the gun’. From what I’ve seen, it’s a love it or hate it affair. There’s little justification for the beast, and that’s part of the attraction…. It’s naughty, obscene, obnoxious, and unbelievable. For some, it’s too much. For others, it’s just right.

I imagine that there’s an equal number of owners on either side of the coin…. There are those that fired a cylinder full (or less) and sold it, then there are those that bought more versions, reloading equipment, etc.

Only one way to tell which side you’re on…. Get, or try one!

 

[Imissedagain]

If you want to make this dream come true, a happy 500 adventure, we'll be seeing you in the reloading forum.

Gun World in South Florida rents one, with supervision, but the ammo is factory only. Not sure what they use.

 

[SW1911302]

I'm a big fan of mine, shoots great and is very accurate using both Federal Fusion and Underwood 350 grain loads. Doesn't get a ton of range time due to the price but I love it and it's a great conversation piece.