big gun

[CC Italian]

Most powerful i have shot is the 454. Largest caliber 480. 454 is to much for me after 3 cylinders. The 480 wasn't as bad but still a handfull. I think 45 colt +p is as far as i want to ever really go. I can handle that for a full range outing.

[Charlies.Contingency]

I only know one person with a Desert Eagle. His isn't even in .50, but it seems like it is always broken and he's sending it off for repair. We haven't been to the range together when it was in working order yet.

They come in a variety of calibers. If I do recall, the baby-DE was in 9mm, .40, and .45; with the DE being in .357, .44mag, and .50. I may be off, be they tried to embrace all the popular calibers.

[Chaparral]

If you watch the Jerry Michulek video carefully, he doesn't wrap his right thumb behind the grip. His right thumb is on the right side of the cylinder, and his left thumb is on the left side. Given that he (a) makes his living with his hands, and (b) knows a little bit about shooting, I think this says a lot about the recoil.

[canvasbck]

I have the .500 S&W in 8-3/8". I can confirm that it is a BEAST. It's a lot of fun to shoot but really expensive and it does punish your hand. I am going to be Elk hunting with that gun this fall.

I've shot the .50 DE, it's a cool gun but nowhere near the raw power of the .500.

If you're looking for a real beast, go with the .500. If you're looking for something that you can shoot often and put a lot of .50 cal rounds downrange, go with the DE.

ETA, If you're on the South side of Houston, you are more than welcome to give my .500 a try. If you want to shoot more than a round or two, you'll need to supply your own ammo.

Also, the .500 is the most accurate handgun that I own. I have no problem making a 100 yard shot from a rest with it.