[45Auto]

I think that top-end loads even in this heavy, ported gun, are going to be like nothing you've ever experienced in a handcannon. I recently read a Taffin article on this beast, and he was not down-playing the recoil from top loads at all. The worst "handgun" I ever fired was a Thompson-Center Contender chambered in .45-70, built by J.D. Jones, with a 14 inch heavy barrel with a Jones compensator. After that, I decided that I would ONLY shoot .45-70 in a rifle! I have a Linebaugh-built .475 Linebaugh chambered Ruger Bisely Blackhawk; and that thing is awesome when loaded and fired with top-end 395 grain hard cast BRP flat nose bullets. Its a bit more manageable when loaded with 300 grain Hornady jacketed bullets, those intended for the .480 Ruger Super Redhawk. Still, these things make really big holes, which is the name of the game.

[umgud]

I really like my SRH in 454. I've held, but not fired both the S&W 500 and the BFR in S&W 500. Both are physically too big to be packable.

[SauronOfMordor]

I've never fired any pistol heavier than a .45, so I have no idea. I wonder how the recoil compares to a pistol-gripped 12-gauge?

Realisticly, if it's not suitable for concealed carry, I might as well lug along my 12-gauge

[Myrddin]

I have the BFR in 45-70 with a 10" barrel. The gunsmith warned me to keep the pressures under 31,000 PSI. The Marlin 1895G is rated for 40,000 CUP. My handloads in 45-70 are selected for the BFR. It's really not bad. I would like a TC Contender in .308 or similar for silhouettes, but that takes a backseat to the $$ set aside for the Hunter magnum this year. Magnum Research will fit a 450 Marlin cylinder to your 45-70 frame for $150. That puts a little more punch in that particular BFR.

I really like the workmanship of the Ruger .454 Casull. If I have some uncommitted funds next year, I might consider picking up a .480 Ruger as well. Perhaps I'll even have some time to take these beasties to the range next year. I've been so busy over the last few years that my vacation hour accrual just hit the maximum 480 limit this week.

[MarkL]

The worst "handgun" I ever fired was a Thompson-Center Contender chambered in .45-70, built by J.D. Jones, with a 14 inch heavy barrel with a Jones compensator. After that, I decided that I would ONLY shoot .45-70 in a rifle!

JD Jones is something else, isn't he?!?!?! I've spoken with him a few times on the phone over the years... There's a reason that his guns are known as "Hand Cannons!"

I believe that it was once said by a famous Colonel, that a handgun is what you use to fight your way back to your rifle." In JD Jones' case, JD must think, "What the hell do you need a rifle for?"

Mark