I have a 10.5" BFR in 45-70 and have pushed 405gn cast to 1750fps in it. The BFR is about the same weight as the S&W, but doesn't have the porting. the 405/1750 loads were painful to shoot, still controllable with 5 shot groups comeing in around 1.5" at 50yds with open sights. I did try some 500gn loads, but they all hurt to shoot, it could have been that my hand was already bruised from the 405's though. I would think for a hunting handgun that I would not want a muzzle brake on it. They are just too loud and painful.

Kent....I agree that porting goes a long way to reduce recoil. I've spent most of my adult life shooting Linebaughs, SSK Handcannons, BFRs, etc, and with the right brake, they're not too bad. The .50 Alaskan/.500 Martin can be downright punishing however, especially with 690 grain cast bullets. I haven't ported any of these guns yet, but may do a brake on our latest .500 Martin. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

Lee,

While I haven't shot your pistols or your loads I have shot plenty of 50 AE and many 500 S&W loads. With proper porting these pistols are pussy cats. I have to agree with Robgunbuilder 100%! I don't think there would be any issues with a 2100 fps load for an experienced and competent big bore pistol shooter.

Kent