quote:

Originally posted by GS:
One more time. The 500 S&W with a short barrel, and .500JRH ammo gives you 4-6 feet of bison, steer, or buffalo, with the same recoil as a 44, when you figure in the slight added gun weight.

You could also put .480 ammo in a .475 Linebaugh, if you can't handle the factory .475 loads recoil.

Yup, that load is really pleasant to shoot. Too bad the X-frame revolvers aren't easier to carry!

Michael, nice handguns!

I still like my 4 inch 500 Mag, but I also like my 475 Linebaugh and 510 GNR. Revolvers for me, and the hell with the auto's. Even though I own a bunch of them, they are not my hunting handguns.

Four inch barrel is doable. I am playing with an X-frame with an 8 3/8-inch barrel and it is one REALLY BIG HANDGUN!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Four inch barrel is doable. I am playing with an X-frame with an 8 3/8-inch barrel and it is one REALLY BIG HANDGUN!

I think you would like the 4 inch 500 Mag.

No doubt! This .460's just a bit on the big side!

Alot of good choices...Years back,I carried a 3" Smith 44 mag,but then the 454 came out,so a 4 5/8 one of those....then a Custom Alaskan Ruger 2 1/2" in 500 JRH,a Custom BFR 5" 50/110! ...Next Brownie Trip,my new favorite,a 2 3/4" Smith 500 With LW Red Dot.It is deadly and fast...yah,it kicks a tad,so what!

Tom, I too have a 3-inch Lew Horton .44 mag that is really easy to carry and bring into action.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Tom, I too have a 3-inch Lew Horton .44 mag that is really easy to carry and bring into action.

I have a Lew Horton as well, 3 inch but in 41 Mag...

Those Lew Hortons balance and carry well. Mine's a bit on the noisy/blasty side.

I'm an analyst by profession and obsession so I read these postings with interest. When wrestling with a similar question a couple of years ago I decided a deciding factor would be what would I actually be willing to carry, the pistol that's in the truck or hanging on the branch is useless. I went with a ported, scandium framed S&W model 357 and iron sights. For me the issue is black bear so I went.41 mag. I hope never to use it for the intended purpose, but it's east to carry and a comfort when I crossbow hunt or scout the woods.

Not my suggestion, more of a question, how about a 4" redhawk or an alskin rechambered to 50 AE?

CLK -- I am sure it would make for a great backup gun if loaded properly. I personally would rather have a rimmed cartridge like the .500 JRH or the .500 Linebaugh.