I've had the 4 incher on my watch list for a while now, but haven't run across one at a decent price. But I did run across a 6 1/2 incher the other day, at a great price.

So naturally I put it on layaway. But I have no intention of shooting full power factory loads in it. I want a .50 cal handgun, but not a bone crusher that's going to give me a flinch.

So I'm planning to shoot 350-400 grain cast bullets at 1000-1200 fps. Ought to be fun and plenty to whack a wild hog or some other Texas "exotic".

For a incapacitating case of the giggles, load up a case full of black powder...

it's fun with Corbon 500 specials. But still seems to me like about like a very heavy 44 mag. Full 500's are something that you like to shoot about 5 of then put it up. Although at CSA in 2010 Tony racked off 5 full house 500's out of mine in under 3 seconds. A full 500 will kill an old portable television. My nephew proved that one bright sunny day at the ranch trash pile.

at How The West Was Cut late this week or early next week, if you want to handle the 4 inch for a few minutes.

I have wanted a .50 cal handgun for years, but have no desire to shoot full bore loads through this one. I think I'm going to order some bullets from http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66 and load 'em up to 1000 to 1200 fps. I am hoping to find some folks that handload such loads, to see if they have any favorite loads, or have any problems with small powder volumes in those huge cases.

I put one cylinder full through a friend's .500 Smith, and promptly handed it back to him. Even with a soft rubber grip, touching it off was like getting hit in the palm of the hand with a ball bat.

That's the thing about shooting for fun... it has to be fun.

-AaronB

and one of the most experienced pistol shots and most experienced pistol hunter's I know, shot it one time, and lost all interest in it.