I know just what you mean. I would, however, consider trading my best old 30-30 for that .50, even if it is damn pretty.
Doug, I've shot a lot of guns, but I have never had as much fun with pure shooting than I do with that .50.
I can't imagine ever taking that thing hunting, mainly because after about a hundred yards of carrying it, I'd be ready for a bath and a bed.
But for pure shooting pleasure, it can't be beat.
It's like a shoulder mounted artillery piece, and the adrenalin pumps with every squeeze of the trigger.
I expected to have a sore shoulder for a week from firing it, but it's surprising how little it kicks because it's so damn heavy.
On the other hand, I've got a Sharp's 45.70 that punishes me with every round!
I could be talked into swapping that thing.