Hey guys, thinking I need to get a big bore handgun, I didn't see the place that this would really go but figured this group might be able to help me out.

In the over 44mag size what chambering is good, meaning well designed and performing for its size, with good, sufficient for load brass and a good track record? I see 454 casull, 475 linebaugh, 500 linebaugh and 500 wyoming etc.

Also, what companies make the big bore handguns? I know Freedom Arms is supposed to make good guns. I don't rmemeber handling one though.

Thanks guys!

Red

I have had RSR in 44 Mag and 454, FA in 454 S&W in 44 and 500. Sold the Rugers and Freedom Arms over the years.
RSR - seems to transmit more recoil into my palm, sold and well built - never a problem, took many whitetails with them.

FA - nicely built, but nothing particularly impressive to me, rotated in hand with recoil as SA revolvers are supposed to do but something i didn't particularly care for.

S&W revolvers have always felt best in my hands. took plenty of deer with the 629 and now have 2 500s - 2 3/4" and 8 3/8". have not yet hunted with them, but recoil is handled nicely, balance is GREAT especially the 8 3/8 and can't argue with power. Only question is what you are getting it for. Long-range deer would mean 460S&W for me - ya know, I just might have to get one of those also.

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
Hey guys, thinking I need to get a big bore handgun, I didn't see the place that this would really go but figured this group might be able to help me out.

In the over 44mag size what chambering is good, meaning well designed and performing for its size, with good, sufficient for load brass and a good track record? I see 454 casull, 475 linebaugh, 500 linebaugh and 500 wyoming etc.

Also, what companies make the big bore handguns? I know Freedom Arms is supposed to make good guns. I don't rmemeber handling one though.

Thanks guys!

Red

Get the BFR by for the best bang for the buck. Any one of the followinng chamberings 454, 475, 500 JRH will serve you well.. The bfr's are very strong and accurate revolver

If you want to stay away from the recoil and still want a big bore handgun, the BFR in 45-70 is a great choice. The pressures are a lot less than the 454 Casull, 450 and 500 Mags as well as any of the linebaugh's.

The BFR offers the most bang for your buck and the guns a very accurate and well made. Unless you want to spend more money on a fancy gun. I have the 45-70 and 500 Mag in a BFR an I love them both. I have a 460 and 500 S&W and a 454 Casull in a Super Redhawk as well, but my BFR's are the ones I use the most.

well never shot a bfr but heard alot of good but i prefer the route of buying a ruger bisley and have one of the quality smiths convert to what you decide you want i used dustin linebaugh
dustin linebaugh there are others gary reeder, john linebaugh,jack huntington just to name a few

I have a Jack Huntington custom 454 Casull, even thought I love the gun. My BFR's are my first choice for hunting. I am also sure the converted guns are very nice, but some cost more for the conversion than 2 new BFR. And that's using your gun.
It all comes down to what you want to pay and what you can live with.

Also you can get a BFR .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh Revolver and save a bundle.


http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=BFR480-475

I agree that if you want a big-bore single action revolver, you need not look no further than BFR. But, if you want a DA revolver, you can't go wrong with Ruger's wonderful Super Redhawk in either .454 Casull or .480 Ruger.

Not sure exactly why you have the need but a plain ol' Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt can throw 325 gr slugs at 1300+ fps and drop about anything in North America. The standard blued 7 1/2" guns shoot well though are a bit much to pack. The best of them IMO is the stainless steel Acusport 5 1/2" guns. Cheap and plenty of oomph. Here's my slightly tweaked Acusport. It is a marvelous gun, powerful, packable and very accurate.



If you really have a need for more then I would head towards the 475 Linebaugh. Faster 45 caliber bullets than the Ruger can deliver are moot in the field from my experience. I shoot for 1200 fps or so and go up in diameter if more "knockdown" is needed or desired.