I'm looking to buy a big bore also, but i'm concerned about recoil. Not scared of it, just don't want to spend big bucks on something i can't use.- From the other post they said a RB with the ports shoots like a 44, which is great, i could handle that.-But- how bout a 475 or 500 how would that shoot being ported?--thanks

As I have said many times before, recoil should not be an issue if you reload. You can adjust the powder charge accordingly to suit your taste. I am assuming that you can at least handle the recoil of a 44 Magnum. The 475 Linebaugh and the 500 Linebaugh generate heavy recoil only if you max them out. With a bit of common sense and a good “mid-range” powder like 2400, you can load any of the big bore calibers down to the 44 Magnum level in terms of recoil. Good luck and have fun. Cheers! Ming

I really don't know if this is a factor, but would porting do anything negative to the value of a high-end piece like that? I'm thinking it can only help, but then again, I would be one to mount weaver rails on a trapdoor sharps.

kevin,

Depends on what you want to do with this big bore handgun. If it is just for plinking, I agree with Ming you can download all your loads. But recoil is very subjective, it is different for each person.

I repeat the most comfortable big bore handgun with full loads is the Taurus RB.

It is the purpose with this gun is hunting, I think you'll be very satisfy with a Ruger .45 Colt

An other thing that I want to point out is the reaction of the gun after the shot. All guns with a Bisley or similar grip in wood allow the gun to roll up in your hands, with the Taurus or a Ruger SRH it is not the case the grip dosen't roll up in your hands. This is why these 2 handguns are more comfortable with ported barrel.

this is a copy of a post I made on another forum but it fits here as well
I think the recoil thing gets totaly out of hand. My first handgun was a .357 and I thought it kicked like hell. Now I own and shoot two linebaughs and I truely believe anyone who can confortably shoot a .44 can shoot the big ones confortably. IT JUST TAKES PRACTICE!! I can sit down in one session and shoot 200 full power rounds and not even end up in the hospital! Just wear some kind of a glove. I prefer just a tight fitting leather glove with no padding those padded gloves intefere with my grip. Once you get over the fact that these guns just jump and arent going to hurt you there a piece of cake to shoot. I have had people that have shot nothing bigger then a .357 shooting 2 inch groups in 10 minutes with a little coaching. I think alot of people want everyone to think that these guns kick because they feel macho owning them and want people to thing that there something special for being able to control them when in fact anyone who wants to take the time to slowly work up loads can shoot a hard kicking gun. My girlfriend shoots my .475 and .500 and she never shot a handgun until 6 months ago. Granted she cant shoot 200 full power loads in one sitting her wrist arent strong enough. But she hasnt ended up in the hospital either. Granted a 475 grain bullet behind 28 grains of 110 will let you know you pulled the trigger but it doest stop the world from rotating or tramatize you for life! IF you dont want to take the time to shoot these big guns ALOT! stick with the .44 it will kill anything!

Hey thanks guys. One cannot have too many guns. I do reload, so loading up or downs not a problem.I've got a 44mag i hunt, with and like it alot. I've also got a ruger in 45 colt with the bisley grip and just love it. I must say the looks of the bisley didn't appeal to me, but when i picked it up and felt it, that was it. I when home with it that day! I sure like the way it shoots. I've been thinking on sending it to Bowen,Linebough, or maybe Gary reeder and have it built up.But those guys are not cheap!-So i thought i'd try a rb or a ruger in the larger calibers. I was kind of thinking on the rageing bull until i read a post on them loosening up after a while.--thanks

kevin,
I've been thinking on sending it to Bowen,Linebough, or maybe Gary reeder and have it built up.But those guys are not cheap!-So i thought i'd try a rb or a ruger in the larger calibers. I was kind of thinking on the rageing bull until i read a post on them loosening up after a while.--thanks[/QUOTE]

I prefer Bowen, Clements or Linebaugh compare to Gary Reeder.

I have some big bore handguns and a Taurus RB, I have never have problems with my Taurus.

Withdraw one gr minimum of max load tables and don't use bullet over 335 gr in your RB. You'll never have problems.

You need to know that nothing can't be compare to FA, for the price I'd prefer a FA than send a Ruger to famous custom firms. Just my 0.02 cts

The Raging bull, with that grip and ports is a pussycat compaired to the rest.

Ming is right assuming you reload, you can have what ever you want. I've loads my 500 linebaugh that are easier shooting than 300gr 44mags.

I've made loads with 500L 465gr bullets that a friend of mine just loved to shoot, he had a blast. He's not a regular shooer, and up till that point the biggest thing he'd ever shot was medium 357 loads.

(Even at 650fps.. 465grs of half inch lead is nothing you'd want to step in front of.

I agree with Lloyd. I takes practice. I shot a lot of heavy 45 Colt loads before I bought my 454. Worked myself up, so to not be terribly surprised by the SRH. Once you know whats coming ,you can deal with it. I just recently got a .44 mag. Kind of rather pleasent shooting.

Recoil is a mental game. Right now, my FA has me psyched out. I've backed off to 18.5 grains 2400 for 255 grain bullets. I shot the black out of an NRA 25 yard target couple of days ago- 10 shots, no white touched. I also did it one handed- because I'm a bullseye guy, and that's how I shoot my best scores. I don't practice two handed enough.

It's a big boom. My flinch is not from anticipated pain, but anticipated boom- and I use earplugs AND muffs.

If I only ever use my FA as a Colt +P, it will be worth the money. It's a tack driver. However, I will eventually master my flinch. It's a mental challenge. My .45 acp rapid fire scores are improving already. I guess my grip is getting stronger, just holding all that steel and lead out there!

Pete

Thanks Rusty, I'm checkin Philips & Rogers out, but not dicounting the advice Ber007 said about the Freedom arms. I know they are well made revolvers at a decent price. Plus you might find a nice used one a little cheaper yet. I'll be looking real serious in a couple months. [ building a house right now]

HI,

I sent my ssbisley out to MR. Clements around a month ago, I understand it will be awhile before I get it. I am having a 500 Mag done or called a 500 Linebugh. I will load heavier bullets with it around 525 grains around 1150 or 1200 fps, I know, but love it. Thanks,Kev