.50 caliber handguns

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

S&W Model 500 night firing.

There are a number of handguns that fire .50 caliber rounds, or near .50 caliber rounds, and in some cases even larger calibers. Many black powder pistols fired rounds with diameters well above ½ inch. Beginning in the 1900s .50 caliber bullets began to include larger versions of an existing, smaller bullet, such as the .50 Action Express, and specifically designed rounds, such as the .500 S&W Magnum, or rifle rounds such as .50 BMG.

There are automatic, revolver, and single-shot designs, and even some bolt-action examples. They tend to be larger and heavier than most other arms of their type, which helps absorb some of the tremendous recoil associated with firing some rounds. .50 rounds are not inherently 'high power'; they simply use large bullets. As with all firearms, recoil is a product of bullet weight, powder charge weight, projectile velocity and firearm weight. Felt recoil is affected by firearm design as well.

Despite being featured in many video games and action movies as the weapon of choice for some members of elite military and law enforcement units, the .50 caliber pistols' combination of heavy recoil and relatively low magazine capacity make these weapons a poor choice for tactical use.

Other large bore handgun cartridges include .480 Ruger, .475 Linebaugh, .500 Linebaugh, .500 S&W Magnum, .50 Remington 12.90 (.508), .50 Alaskan.