# Tried out a super-powerful handgun today **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 9, 2009, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361 "2009-09-09T00:59:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/1 "2009-09-09T00:59:31Z")
The Smith & Wesson model 500. In case you’ve never heard of it before, it is a five-round revolver firing the most powerful handgun cartridge commercially available in the US, a .50 caliber magnum round rated at at least twice the muzzle energy of the .44 Magnum. My local gun range was offering free rental with ammo purchase, so I decided to give it a try (50.00 for twenty rounds!!$!), since the gun has a fearsome reputation and I wanted to see if I was macho enough to handle it. The version available was the four-inch barrel. The recoil was managable- the gun didn’t threaten to jump out of my hand or break my wrist or anything like that. The main problem was the sheer blast going off four feet from my face, with a LOT of flare from the muzzle compensator. This gun doesn’t go \, \ or \, it goes \< **BOOM** \>. It was like shooting a sawed-off twelve gauge without a stock. I did manage to put almost all my rounds into a man-silhouette target at twenty feet, but my aim was spotty- anticipating the next explosion intimidated me too much. Imagine shooting a .45 ACP for the first time when you’ve never shot anything but a .22 target pistol before, and that’s how big a jump it was. It’s a workable gun, but I for one would need to practice with it a lot to get used to the report before I could use it effectively. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Carter_of_Mars)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/2 "2009-09-09T01:11:02Z")
I suppose it was fun to try that, but the Colt .45 model 1911A that I inherited is about all the handgun power I can imagine needing. Are you considering buying the 500? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/3 "2009-09-09T01:18:41Z")
> [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](#): > > I suppose it was fun to try that, but the Colt .45 model 1911A that I inherited is about all the handgun power I can imagine needing. What if the zombies have body armor? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/4 "2009-09-09T01:47:55Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > What if the zombies have body armor? That’s what the chainsaw is for. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/5 "2009-09-09T01:49:19Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > What if the zombies have body armor? Head shot. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/6 "2009-09-09T02:48:18Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Head shot. Yeah, my .45 may not be the most accurate gun in the world, but at 10 feet, it would make a BIG hole in a zombie’s head. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/7 "2009-09-09T02:57:23Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > The version available was the four-inch barrel. Now, that’s just wrong. A gun like that should have a longer barrel to make the most of the cartridge, reduce the blast and also reduce recoil through the additional weight. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/8 "2009-09-09T03:06:12Z")
> [@thirdname](#): > > Now, that’s just wrong. A gun like that should have a longer barrel to make the most of the cartridge, reduce the blast and also reduce recoil through the additional weight. The original had a 7.5 or 8 inch barrel(don’t remember which). I think it’s still available in that length. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/9 "2009-09-09T03:12:35Z")
[8 3/8 inch](http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14777&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y) ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/10 "2009-09-09T03:27:12Z")
I was at an auction not too long ago when one of those went for $800. At the time, the auctioneer said not to even bring it into the State of California. I don’t know if Cal has some specific rules about handgun caliber, but I wouldn’t doubt it. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/11 "2009-09-09T03:32:42Z")
I can just about guarantee there won’t be any elephant attacks in Minnesota if you’re packing one of those. But just knowing you could handle 5 of them at a time… You can’t put a price on that. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/12 "2009-09-09T04:48:13Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > [8 3/8 inch](http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14777&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y) Doesn’t that gun unfurl a sign that says BANG when you pull the trigger? ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/13 "2009-09-09T05:52:59Z")
> [@Rysdad](#): > > At the time, the auctioneer said not to even bring it into the State of California. I think he’s full of shit, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and look it up. I’m in Simi Valley, and our local indoor range had a .50 Desert Eagle in their rental arsenal. The range closed down years ago for lack of business, and to this day I’m still kicking myself for never having gotten around to taking it for a test drive. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/14 "2009-09-09T06:16:28Z")
> [@InvisibleWombat](#): > > Yeah, my .45 may not be the most accurate gun in the world, but at 10 feet, it would make a BIG hole in a zombie’s head. With a little love from a gunsmith and some range time for you, that 1911A1 should be able to pick a button at 50 yards. I got beat by enough of them back when I shot competitions to know that for a fact. I always had a preference for the S&W 25-5 in .45 Long Colt. Carrying a lot, I just always felt better (faster and more accurate as well as safer in terms of accidental discharge) with a wheel-gun over an automatic. The 25-5 gives a swing-out cylinder and the Long Colt gives it a nice punch. Because you never know ------ some of those zombies could be really thick skulled. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Economist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/15 "2009-09-09T06:34:12Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > I think he’s full of shit, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and look it up. I’m in Simi Valley, and our local indoor range had a .50 Desert Eagle in their rental arsenal. The range closed down years ago for lack of business, and to this day I’m still kicking myself for never having gotten around to taking it for a test drive. He’s full of shit. You can see it on the [approved](http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/) list here. ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/16 "2009-09-09T06:35:04Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > I think he’s full of shit, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and look it up. He was probably taking some dramatic liberties to make the gun sound as bad ass as possible to drive the price as high as possible. Dramatic license, you know, like someone saying you can handle five elephants at once. We all know you’ll only be able to handle two at a time, three on a good day. 😉 > [@](#): > > I’m in Simi Valley, and our local indoor range had a .50 Desert Eagle in their rental arsenal. The range closed down years ago for lack of business, and to this day I’m still kicking myself for never having gotten around to taking it for a test drive. Damn man, the first word you heard of that place starting to lose business you shoulda gone over and plunked down a whole paycheck to blast that thing all day. Unless you’re very thinly built like I am. My wrists could probably only handle two shots before they give out on me. Hell, I’d be lucky if the damn gun doesn’t hit me in the face on the first shot. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/17 "2009-09-09T07:10:44Z")
> [@Covered\_In\_Bees](#): > > Damn man, the first word you heard of that place starting to lose business you shoulda gone over and plunked down a whole paycheck to blast that thing all day. That’s the ironic thing _and the pisser_—it wouldn’t have taken a whole paycheck! They charged $10 for a lane, no time limit. Rentals were actually free. The ammo for that monster was about 75 cents a round. For 100 bucks I could have had fun with the thing for an hour or so. It would have been worth it. Every time I went there I said “I’ll get around to it one of these days.” Then one day the range was just gone. Now it’s a company that sells fiberglass pool ornaments. Oh well, that’s life. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/18 "2009-09-09T08:22:42Z")
What was that thing designed for other than stunt shooting? My .357 magnum was always plenty enough for me and my father’s .44 magnum ticked me off after shooting a few rounds. I would volunteer to shoot a S&W 500 for at least a few rounds but I am not sure I would be too happy about it right afterwards. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/19 "2009-09-09T12:12:41Z")
Stunt shooting and _very close_ bears. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2009, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361/20 "2009-09-09T12:22:34Z")
> [@Rysdad](#): > > I was at an auction not too long ago when one of those went for $800. At the time, the auctioneer said not to even bring it into the State of California. It’s probably what started the recent fire. I too can’t imagine needing anything beyond a .357, .45 or at most a .44 Mag but would absolutely jump at the chance to take that puppy for a test drive. I’ll have to ask my psychiatrist/avid skeet shooting neighbor if the mere act of shooting one qualifies as sadomasochistic behavior. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tried-out-a-super-powerful-handgun-today/509361.md?page=2)