[epow]

I haven't seen the ballistics of the new S&W .50, but I would bet it isn't any more powerful than the .476 Linebaugh

I'm glad no one took that bet. I found the stats for both rounds, and the S&W .50 mag is about 550 ft lbs more powerful than the Linebaugh .475. I'm impressed, to say the least.

According to my calculations, the .50 Smith 440 grain load fired in the new 4 1/2 lb revolver produces about 54 ft lbs of recoil, about the same recoil as a .458 Winchester elephant rifle. Ooouch, that hurts my hands just thinking about it!!! In contrast, a Smith model 29 (Dirty Harry's gun) firing a factory .44 mag 240 grain round produces about 15 ft lbs of recoil.

I enjoy shooting most .44 mags, even with hot handloads, but I don't think I'm quite ready for the big .50 even if I had some use for one. OTOH, I believe any law-abiding American who wants one has the right to have one whether or not he has any real use for it.

[Blood of Tyrants]

But you are leaving out the counter effects of the muzzle brake. 54 ft. lbs of recoil in a handgun is too much for the vast majority of us.

[Sergio]

Hi Epow

The only "Big" handgun I had was a T/C Contender, Super 14, in 35 Remington. I would shoot between 40 to 60 rounds of .35 Remington per session. Offhand, no rests, what can I say, I was young and stupid. Before anyone beats me to it...as opposed to older and stupid. :-)

Would you or anyone else know how the recoil would compare between the two?

If it's more than the Contender/.35 Rem combo, then no thanks.

Best Regards

Sergio

[Taxman]

Where did you find the stats for the S&W .50 Mag?