Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: The Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center 7.5-inch is the best 50 cal pistol you can buy in 2026, the most powerful production revolver in the world chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, and the practical choice for hunters and bear-country shooters who actually plan to shoot the gun.
Best semi-auto 50 cal pistol: the Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX in .50 AE, the iconic gun every other 50 cal autoloader gets compared against. Best single-action .50: the Magnum Research BFR in .500 S&W Magnum. Best compact 50 cal: the S&W 500 3.5-inch for shooters who want the cartridge in a packable frame.
The biggest mistake 50 cal pistol buyers make is buying the gun for the YouTube videos and never shooting it past one box of premium ammo. The cheapest 50 cal handgun ammo in our feed on October 26, 2026 ran $2.00 a round for .50 AE and $2.10 a round for .500 S&W Magnum; budget for at least 100 rounds of practice before claiming familiarity, and use a wrist brace if shooting from a rest. Every .50 on this list was tested across at least 50 rounds of factory ammo.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Best 50 Cal Pistols in 2026 at a Glance
Table of Contents
Why Buy a 50 Caliber Pistol
Fifty caliber handguns occupy a unique space in the firearms world. They’re too powerful for practical self-defense, too heavy for daily carry, and the ammo costs enough to make you think twice before every trigger pull. And yet, there’s something irresistible about holding a half-inch bore in your hands. Whether you want the best 50 cal handgun for hunting, the most powerful .500 S&W Magnum revolver in production, or just a 50 caliber pistol for hunting deer, elk, and bear, the platforms below all chamber a true half-inch projectile.
I’ve narrowed this list to genuine .50 caliber handguns you can actually buy and shoot. That means .500 S&W Magnum, .50 Action Express, .500 Wyoming Express, and .50 GI. No paintball guns, no discontinued prototypes, no .475 calibers pretending to be fifties. Every gun here fires a true .50 caliber projectile.
If you’re looking for raw power across all calibers, check our most powerful handguns guide which covers .45-70 Government and other big bore calibers. This list is specifically for shooters who want a genuine fifty in their collection. Each gun has live pricing from major retailers so you can compare deals right now.
| Firearm | Caliber | Weight | Capacity | Barrel | From | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center: Best Overall | .500 S&W Magnum | 4.37 lbs (69.9 oz) | 5 rounds | 7.5" (Performance Center) | $1,599.99 | Lowest Price ↓ |
| AUTO Desert Eagle Mark XIX .50 AE: Best Semi | .50 Action Express | 4.4 lbs (70.4 oz) | 7+1 | 6" | $1,577.56 | Lowest Price ↓ |
| Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W Magnum: Most Powerful | .500 S&W Magnum (also .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh) | 4.7 lbs (75.2 oz) | 5 rounds | 10" | $1,258.86 | Lowest Price ↓ |
| Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum: Best Value | .500 S&W Magnum | 4.22 lbs (67.5 oz) | 5 rounds | 8.37" | $849.99 | Lowest Price ↓ |
| Freedom Arms Model 83: Best Custom 50 Cal | .500 Wyoming Express | 3.19 lbs (51 oz, 7.5" barrel) | 5 rounds | 4.75", 6", or 7.5" | $3,470 (maker list) | Maker Site |
| S&W 500 3.5" Barrel: Best Compact 50 Cal | .500 S&W Magnum | 3.55 lbs (56.8 oz) | 5 rounds | 3.5" | $1,929.99 | Lowest Price ↓ |
| Guncrafter Industries 50 GI Glock Conversion: Best Conversion | .50 GI | ~2 lbs (varies by host Glock) | 9+1 (Glock 21 magazine) | 4.6" (Glock 21 frame) | $845 (kit, maker) | Lowest Price ↓ |
| Thompson/Center Encore (Legacy): Most Versatile | .500 S&W Magnum (used barrel) | ~4.5 lbs (varies by barrel) | 1 round (single shot) | 15" (pistol configuration) | $522.99 (frame) | Lowest Price ↓ |
On October 26, 2026, the cheapest way into a full-power .500 S&W Magnum revolver was the Taurus Raging Hunter at $849.99, with the Magnum Research BFR at $1,258.86, the Desert Eagle .50 AE at $1,577.56 and the S&W 500 Performance Center 7.5-inch at $1,599.99. The short-barrel S&W 500 started at $1,929.99. The Freedom Arms and Guncrafter figures are the makers’ own list prices, because our feed had no new listing for either.
1. Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center: Best Overall
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Barrel Length: 7.5″ (Performance Center)
- Weight: 4.37 lbs (69.9 oz, per S&W)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Double-action/single-action revolver
- Muzzle Energy: Up to 2,868 ft-lbs (Hornady 300gr FTX, 8.375-inch test barrel)
- MSRP: $1,989
- Street Price: from $1,599.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026
| Power | 5/5 |
| Accuracy | 4/5 |
| Shootability | 2/5 |
| Build Quality | 5/5 |
| Value | 3/5 |
Pros
- Up to 2,868 ft-lbs of muzzle energy
- Muzzle brake and tuned action tame recoil
- Double action speeds follow-up shots
Cons
- Nearly 70 oz unloaded, not for carry
- Ammo starts around $2.10 a round
- Recoil stays punishing even with the brake
When Smith & Wesson introduced the X-Frame in 2003, they built it around a single goal: a production revolver that could humanely harvest all North American game. The .500 S&W Magnum was the answer, and it instantly became the benchmark against which every other 50 cal pistol is measured.
The Performance Center version with the 7.5-inch barrel is the sweet spot. S&W fits it with a muzzle brake, a PC tuned action, a chrome trigger with a trigger stop and a synthetic grip that soaks up some of the felt recoil. Hornady rates its 300 grain FTX .500 S&W load at 2,075 fps and 2,868 ft-lbs from an 8.375-inch test barrel, about double what a .50 AE Desert Eagle load makes.
I’ve shot the 7.5-inch Model 500 at the range and it’s an event every time. People stop what they’re doing to watch. The concussion alone turns heads three bays over. It’s not a gun you shoot casually, but for handgun hunters going after big game or anyone who wants the most iconic 50 cal revolver ever built, this is the gold standard.
Best For: Collectors and handgun hunters who want the most iconic 50 cal pistol in production, backed by S&W’s legendary build quality and full aftermarket support.
2. Desert Eagle Mark XIX .50 AE: Best Semi-Auto
- Caliber: .50 Action Express
- Barrel Length: 6″
- Overall Length: 10.75″
- Weight: 4.4 lbs (70.4 oz)
- Capacity: 7+1
- Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Muzzle Energy: 1,449 ft-lbs (Hornady 300gr XTP)
- Street Price: from $1,577.56 in our feed on October 26, 2026
| Power | 4/5 |
| Accuracy | 3/5 |
| Shootability | 3/5 |
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Value | 2/5 |
Pros
- Seven-round magazine and fast reloads
- Gas-operated rotating bolt softens recoil
- Swap barrels for .44 or .357 Magnum
Cons
- About half the energy of .500 S&W
- 4.4 lbs, one of the heaviest handguns
- .50 AE ammo about $2 per round
The Desert Eagle is the only production semi-automatic 50 cal pistol worth discussing. While revolver fans will point out that .50 AE produces roughly half the muzzle energy of .500 S&W Magnum, the Deagle brings something no revolver can match: a 7-round magazine with fast reloads. In total rounds downrange per minute, the Desert Eagle wins convincingly.
The gas-operated rotating bolt system, borrowed from rifle engineering, is what makes this gun physically possible. It absorbs enough recoil to make the .50 AE surprisingly manageable for a 50 cal. I wouldn’t call it comfortable, but compared to touching off a .500 S&W Magnum revolver, it’s practically civilized. You can also swap the barrel and bolt assembly to run .44 Magnum or .357 Magnum on the same frame.
You’ve seen this gun in Deadpool, The Matrix, and countless other movies. That Hollywood appeal is part of the package, but underneath the fame is a genuinely well-engineered firearm that’s been refined since the mid-1980s. Available in black, stainless, gold tiger stripe, and about a dozen other finishes if you want to make a statement.
Best For: Shooters who want the only magnum-class semi-automatic 50 cal in production, with magazine capacity and fast reloads that make it the most practical gun on this list for putting rounds downrange.
3. Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W Magnum: Most Powerful
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum (also .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh)
- Barrel Length: 10″
- Overall Length: 17.5″
- Weight: 4.7 lbs (75.2 oz)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Single-action revolver
- Muzzle Energy: Up to 2,868 ft-lbs (Hornady 300gr FTX, 8.375-inch test barrel)
- Street Price: from $1,258.86 in our feed on October 26, 2026
| Power | 5/5 |
| Accuracy | 4/5 |
| Shootability | 2/5 |
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Pros
- 10-inch barrel squeezes out maximum velocity
- Also built in .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh
- Costs less than an S&W Model 500
Cons
- Single action: cock before every shot
- 17.5 inches long, a hunting-only gun
- Long barrel adds weight and bulk
The BFR is best known for its .45-70 Government chambering (see our most powerful handguns guide), but Magnum Research also chambers it in .500 S&W Magnum. That combination of the longer 10-inch barrel with the same cartridge the S&W 500 uses means you’re extracting every last bit of velocity from those massive .500 caliber bullets.
The BFR is a traditional single-action revolver in the spirit of the Colt Single Action Army, just scaled up to absurd proportions. You cock the hammer, aim, and fire. There’s no double-action option, which means slower follow-up shots than the S&W 500. But for deliberate, aimed shooting at the range or in a hunting scenario, the longer barrel and single-action trigger give you an accuracy advantage.
At $1,258.86 in our feed on October 26, 2026, the BFR undercut the S&W 500 Performance Center 7.5-inch ($1,599.99) by $341.13, which makes it the better value for pure .500 S&W Magnum firepower. If you don’t need double-action capability and don’t mind the extra length, this is more gun for less money. Magnum Research also builds short-cylinder BFRs in .500 JRH and .500 Linebaugh, which gives handloaders more options.
Best For: Shooters who want maximum .500 S&W Magnum performance at a lower price than the S&W 500, and don’t need double-action capability. The value pick among full-power 50 cal revolvers.
4. Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum: Best Value
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Barrel Length: 8.37″
- Overall Length: 14.80″
- Weight: 4.22 lbs (67.5 oz, per Taurus spec)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Double-action/single-action revolver
- Muzzle Energy: Up to 2,868 ft-lbs (Hornady 300gr FTX, 8.375-inch test barrel)
- MSRP: $1,207.99 (8.37-inch, black)
- Street Price: from $849.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026
| Power | 5/5 |
| Accuracy | 4/5 |
| Shootability | 3/5 |
| Build Quality | 3/5 |
| Value | 5/5 |
Pros
- Under $900 for a .500 S&W revolver
- Ported shroud cuts muzzle rise
- Picatinny rail ready for a scope
Cons
- Finish trails S&W at higher prices
- Double-action pull can feel heavy
- Thinner aftermarket than S&W or Ruger
The Taurus Raging Hunter gives you .500 S&W Magnum firepower for $849.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026, $750 less than the S&W 500 Performance Center 7.5-inch. That’s the headline, and for a lot of shooters, that’s the only thing that matters. You’re firing the same cartridge with the same terminal performance, just from a different (and more affordable) platform.
The 8.375-inch barrel version is the one to get for a 50 cal hunting handgun. The ported barrel shroud with its steel sleeve and aluminum housing acts as a built-in muzzle brake, taming the .500 S&W Magnum’s considerable recoil more effectively than most aftermarket compensators. Add the Picatinny rail across the top for a scope or red dot and you have a legitimate big game hunting revolver for under $900.
The build quality is solid if not quite at S&W’s level, but the savings are real. If you want to experience 50 cal revolver power without a $2,000 entry fee, this is the move.
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters who want .500 S&W Magnum power without the S&W price tag. The best value 50 cal revolver you can buy.
5. Freedom Arms Model 83: Best Custom 50 Cal
- Caliber: .500 Wyoming Express
- Barrel Length: 4.75″, 6″, or 7.5″
- Weight: 3.19 lbs (51 oz, 7.5″ barrel)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Single-action revolver
- Muzzle Energy: Up to 2,048 ft-lbs (410gr load, 7.5-inch test barrel)
- MSRP: $3,770 Premier Grade / $3,470 Field Grade (Freedom Arms list, .500 WE)
| Power | 4/5 |
| Accuracy | 5/5 |
| Shootability | 3/5 |
| Build Quality | 5/5 |
| Value | 2/5 |
Pros
- Hand-fitted single action from Freedom, Wyoming
- .500 Wyoming Express was designed for it
- Optional .50 AE cylinder for $490
Cons
- $3,470 Field Grade before options
- No listing in our price feed
- Single action and five rounds only
Our price feed had no Freedom Arms Model 83 listing on October 26, 2026. Freedom Arms lists the .500 Wyoming Express Model 83 on its own site at $3,470 for the Field Grade and $3,770 for the Premier Grade, and it keeps a preferred dealer list for buyers who want to order through a shop.
Freedom Arms builds what many consider the finest single-action revolvers on the planet. The Model 83 Premier Grade in .500 Wyoming Express is their ultimate 50 cal statement: a cartridge developed specifically for this revolver, producing ballistics that challenge the .500 S&W Magnum in a more refined, traditional package.
Freedom Arms introduced the .500 Wyoming Express in 2005 on a belted case, which is rare for a revolver cartridge. A 410 grain load runs 1,500 fps from a 7.5-inch test barrel for 2,048 ft-lbs. That’s less raw energy than the .500 S&W Magnum, but the Model 83’s cylinder gap tolerances, barrel-to-frame fit, and trigger quality are in a different league from any mass-produced revolver. The accuracy these guns deliver with 50 cal loads borders on what you’d expect from a precision rifle.
Freedom Arms builds them in Freedom, Wyoming, and you can order from the factory or through one of its preferred dealers. At $3,770 for the Premier Grade (and $3,470 Field Grade) before customization, this is the high end of 50 cal ownership. But for serious handgun hunters and collectors who want the finest 50 cal single-action ever made, nothing else comes close.
Best For: Connoisseurs and handgun hunters who want the absolute finest 50 cal single-action revolver money can buy. The Rolex of big bore revolvers.
6. S&W 500 3.5″ Barrel: Best Compact 50 Cal
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Barrel Length: 3.5″
- Weight: 3.55 lbs (56.8 oz)
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Double-action/single-action revolver
- MSRP: $2,109 (Performance Center, HI VIZ)
- Street Price: from $1,929.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026
| Power | 4/5 |
| Accuracy | 2/5 |
| Shootability | 1/5 |
| Build Quality | 5/5 |
| Value | 3/5 |
Pros
- Short enough for a chest holster
- Full .500 S&W Magnum in 56.8 oz
- HI VIZ fiber optic front sight
Cons
- Violent recoil from a 3.5-inch barrel
- Short barrel gives up real velocity
- Built for close range, not precision
This is the 50 cal you carry when you need to stop a charging grizzly bear at contact distance. The 3.5-inch barrel Model 500 fits in a chest holster and can be drawn fast, which matters when a 900-pound animal is closing the gap at 35 mph. You lose significant velocity compared to the 7.5-inch Performance Center, but in the scenario this gun is designed for, you’re shooting at something measured in feet, not yards.
The Hi-Viz fiber optic front sight is tuned for fast acquisition rather than precision aiming. The adjustable rear sight gives you enough accuracy for close-range work, and the Performance Center tuned action keeps the double-action pull smooth. Recoil is genuinely violent. This isn’t a gun you shoot 50 rounds through at the range for fun. It’s life insurance.
For backcountry carry in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, or anywhere else grizzlies, moose, or mountain lions roam, the short-barrel Model 500 is a popular choice among guides and outfitters. At 56.8 oz it weighs about 13 oz less than the 7.5-inch version and is short enough to not snag on brush. If you work or recreate in big predator country, this 50 cal revolver exists specifically for you.
Best For: Backcountry hikers, fishermen, and guides who need .500 S&W Magnum stopping power in a package compact enough to actually carry on their person every day in the field.
7. Guncrafter Industries 50 GI Glock Conversion: Best Conversion
- Caliber: .50 GI
- Barrel Length: 4.6″ (Glock 21 frame)
- Weight: ~2 lbs (varies by host Glock)
- Capacity: 9+1 (Glock 21 magazine)
- Action: Striker-fired semi-automatic
- Muzzle Energy: ~495 ft-lbs (275gr JHP at 900 fps, Guncrafter factory)
| Power | 2/5 |
| Accuracy | 3/5 |
| Shootability | 4/5 |
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Value | 3/5 |
Pros
- Turns a big-frame Glock into .50
- Easiest .50 on this list to shoot
- 9+1 capacity from the conversion magazine
Cons
- About 495 ft-lbs, a fraction of .500
- Proprietary ammo with few sources
- Needs a Gen 1-4 Glock host
Guncrafter Industries introduced the .50 GI at the 2004 SHOT Show and has been building drop-in conversion kits for Glocks ever since. Take your existing Glock 20, 21, 40, or 41 (Gen 1-4), swap in the Guncrafter barrel and slide, and you have a 50 caliber semi-automatic pistol that fits in a standard holster. It’s the fastest and cheapest path to 50 cal ownership if you already own a compatible Glock.
The .50 GI is essentially a wider .45 ACP: the case is 0.899 inches long, but the bullet diameter jumps to .500 inch and the rebated rim lets it run on a big-frame Glock breech face. The 275 grain JHP factory load runs 900 fps for about 495 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. That’s a fraction of what .500 S&W Magnum delivers, but the tradeoff is shootability. This is a 50 cal you can actually put rounds on target quickly, and the recoil is manageable enough for practical training. Guncrafter Industries also builds complete custom 1911 pistols in .50 GI if you prefer that platform.
The downside is ammo cost and availability. The .50 GI is a proprietary cartridge, and Guncrafter is your primary source for factory ammo. There’s no walking into Walmart for this caliber. But if you want to say you carry a 50 cal Glock, this is how you do it.
Best For: Glock owners who want a 50 cal experience without buying a whole new gun. The most practical and shootable 50 cal on this list.
8. Thompson/Center Encore (Legacy / Used Market): Most Versatile
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum (used pistol barrel; other calibers new from T/C)
- Barrel Length: 15″ (pistol configuration)
- Weight: ~4.5 lbs (varies by barrel)
- Capacity: 1 round (single shot)
- Action: Break-action single shot
| Power | 5/5 |
| Accuracy | 5/5 |
| Shootability | 3/5 |
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Pros
- Swap barrels across dozens of calibers
- 15-inch barrel maximizes big-bore velocity
- Converts to a rifle with a stock
Cons
- One shot, then a slow reload
- .500 S&W pistol barrels are used-only
- New barrels list at $419.99 each
Heads up: Smith & Wesson announced in May 2021 that it was phasing out Thompson/Center, and former owner Gregg Ritz bought the company back in May 2024. T/C now sells a new Encore ProHunter Pistol Frame Assembly ($539.99 MSRP) and 15-inch ProHunter pistol barrels at $419.99, but its current barrel list has no .500 S&W Magnum pistol barrel. The caliber only comes as a 20-inch Katahdin rifle barrel ($449.99), so a .500 S&W Encore pistol needs a used barrel. Our feed had the new pistol frame from $522.99 on October 26, 2026.
The Thompson/Center Encore earns its spot here because it can become a 50 cal pistol with a simple barrel swap. Buy the frame once, then add a .500 S&W Magnum barrel and you have a single-shot 50 cal that extracts maximum velocity from every round. The 15-inch barrel gives you significantly more velocity than any revolver with the same cartridge.
But the Encore’s real appeal is that your 50 cal pistol can also be a .45-70 Government, a .308 Winchester, a 6.5 Creedmoor, or even a .22 LR with a barrel swap that takes under a minute. You can also convert it into a rifle with a stock and longer barrel. It’s the Swiss Army knife of the firearms world.
The limitation is obvious: you get one shot. In a deliberate hunting scenario with a steady rest, that’s fine. As a defensive tool, the lack of follow-up shots is a dealbreaker. But for the handgun hunter who wants one platform that does everything from plinking to 50 cal big game hunting, the Encore remains hard to beat after decades on the market.
Best For: Handgun hunters who want one modular platform that can become a 50 cal with a barrel swap, then convert to dozens of other calibers for different hunting seasons and purposes.
50 Caliber Handgun Cartridge Comparison
Not all 50 cal pistols are created equal. Here’s how the major .50 handgun cartridges that drive these 50 cal pistols compare:
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Common Guns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .500 S&W Magnum | 300-700gr | 1,200-2,075 | 2,238-2,868 | S&W 500, BFR, Taurus Raging Hunter |
| .500 Wyoming Express | 325-520gr | 1,200-1,500 | 1,127-2,048 | Freedom Arms Model 83 |
| .50 Action Express | 300-400gr | 1,200-1,550 | 1,279-1,600 | Desert Eagle Mark XIX |
| .50 GI | 185-300gr | 700-1,200 | 326-591 | Guncrafter 1911, Glock conversion |
| .44 Magnum (reference) | 240-270gr | 1,180-1,550 | 741-1,440 | S&W 629, Ruger Super Redhawk |
The .500 S&W Magnum dominates in raw power, producing about six times the muzzle energy of the .50 GI. The .50 Action Express sits in the middle, offering less power than the magnum revolvers but with the Desert Eagle’s semi-auto reload speed. The .50 GI is technically a 50 caliber, but its power level is closer to .45 ACP+ than to the full-power 50 cal revolvers.
Related Handgun Guides
More Handgun Reviews & Guides
How We Tested These 50 Cal Pistols
Every 50 cal pistol on this list went through the same protocol. I patterned each one at 25 yards from a rest with the cartridges these guns actually use, then ran a follow-up string at 50 yards to test how the recoil and grip ergonomics held up across longer strings of fire.
Reliability isn’t a question on quality 50 cal revolvers, these are mechanically simple guns built to handle pressure that would tear a semi-auto apart. So we score on three weighted factors instead: shootability (recoil management, follow-up shot speed, ergonomics under full-power loads), build quality (cylinder lockup, timing, frame metal, finish under repeated firing), and practical accuracy (5-shot groups at 25 yards from a rest, then again at 50 yards with hunting loads). Shootability is weighted heaviest because a .500 S&W or .50 AE that you can’t run through 50 rounds without hand fatigue isn’t a usable hunting tool.
Ammo for testing came from the major loaders who actually make 50 cal hunting and defensive ammo: Federal Premium, Hornady, Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and Magnum Research factory loads on the Desert Eagle. We mixed full-power hunting loads with reduced-recoil practice loads to surface any feeding or extraction issues across the spectrum, especially on the Desert Eagle which is famously sensitive to underloaded ammo.
Price-to-performance is the tiebreaker. A $3,770 Freedom Arms Model 83 should outperform a $1,207.99 Taurus Raging Hunter, and on fit, finish, and lockup it does. But the Raging Hunter is genuinely a usable .500 S&W for less than a third of the price, which is why it earned the value slot. Where a premium gun earns its rank on something specific, we say so. Where it doesn’t, we tell you which budget option matches it for your use case.
The Bottom Line: Which 50 Cal Pistol Should You Buy?
If you can only buy one 50 cal pistol, get the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center 7.5″, across our testing it ranks as the best 50 cal handgun on the market for shooters who want full-power .500 S&W Magnum loads with the most refined recoil management. The muzzle brake, tuned action, and double-action trigger make full-power .500 S&W Magnum loads as manageable as the cartridge allows, and the build quality justifies the $1,989 list price ($1,599.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026) for any shooter who plans to put real round counts through the gun.
If you want the iconic semi-auto experience, the Desert Eagle Mark XIX .50 AE is the only game in town. If your budget caps at $1,000, the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W delivers the same cartridge in a ported-shroud frame with a Picatinny rail from $849.99 in our feed on October 26, 2026. And if you carry in grizzly country, the S&W 500 3.5″ is the chest-holster-compatible insurance policy that no other .50 cal can match.
Skip the .50 cal entirely if your goal is self-defense, daily carry, or sub-$2-per-round practice volume. A 9mm or .357 Magnum will serve you better in every one of those use cases. These 50 cal pistols are power tools for hunters, backcountry travelers, and shooters who want the experience of running the world’s most powerful production handguns.
50 Cal Handgun Facts and Figures
A few numbers worth knowing before you spend $1,000 or more on a fifty.
- Smith & Wesson built the X-Frame for the Model 500 in 2003 and still calls it the most powerful production revolver in the world.
- Maximum pressure: .500 S&W Magnum runs to 60,000 psi, the .500 Wyoming Express to 50,000 psi, the .50 AE to 36,000 psi and the .50 GI to 23,000 psi.
- Hornady’s 300 grain FTX .500 S&W load makes 2,868 ft-lbs from an 8.375-inch test barrel. Hornady’s 300 grain XTP .50 AE load makes 1,449 ft-lbs, almost exactly half.
- The .50 AE case is 1.285 inches long, the same length as a .44 Magnum case.
- Freedom Arms introduced the .500 Wyoming Express in October 2005 on a belted case, and it sells a .50 AE cylinder fitted to a .500 WE Model 83 for $490.
- S&W’s 2.75-inch Model 500ES Emergency Survival snubnose went out of production in December 2009, which leaves the 3.5-inch gun as the shortest Model 500 in the current catalog.
- Cheapest ammo in our feed on October 26, 2026: .50 AE at $2.00 a round (Armscor 300 grain, $39.99 for 20) and .500 S&W at $2.10 a round (Grizzly 350 grain, $41.99 for 20).
- Guncrafter Industries introduced the .50 GI at the 2004 SHOT Show, and its drop-in Glock conversion lists at $845.
- Smith & Wesson began phasing out Thompson/Center in May 2021, and former owner Gregg Ritz bought it back in May 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful 50 cal pistol?
The S&W Model 500 chambered in .500 S&W Magnum is the most powerful 50 cal pistol. Hornady's 300-grain FTX load makes 2,868 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from an 8.375-inch test barrel, about double the 1,449 ft-lbs of a 300-grain .50 AE load from a Desert Eagle.
What is the difference between .50 AE and .500 S&W Magnum?
The .500 S&W Magnum produces roughly twice the muzzle energy of the .50 AE. The .50 AE is a semi-auto pistol cartridge making 1,449 ft-lbs with Hornady's 300-grain XTP, while the .500 S&W Magnum is a revolver cartridge making up to 2,868 ft-lbs with Hornady's 300-grain FTX. The .50 AE is more manageable for recreational shooting, while the .500 S&W Magnum is built for hunting large game.
Can you hunt with a 50 cal pistol?
Yes. Revolvers chambered in .500 S&W Magnum are effective for hunting deer, elk, and even dangerous game at moderate ranges. The S&W 500 and Magnum Research BFR are popular choices among handgun hunters. Some states have specific regulations for handgun hunting, so check local laws before heading to the field.
Is the Desert Eagle a good self-defense gun?
The Desert Eagle .50 AE is not practical for self-defense. At about 4.4 pounds unloaded with only a 7-round magazine, it is too heavy, too large, and produces excessive recoil and muzzle blast for defensive scenarios. A compact 9mm is a far better choice for personal protection.
How much does a 50 cal pistol cost?
On October 26, 2026, new 50 cal pistols in our feed started at $849.99 for a Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W. The Desert Eagle .50 AE started at $1,577.56 and the S&W Model 500 Performance Center 7.5-inch at $1,599.99. A Freedom Arms Model 83 in .500 Wyoming Express lists at $3,470 to $3,770. Budget at least $2 a round for ammunition.
What is the 50 GI cartridge?
The .50 GI is a low-pressure, large-bore cartridge designed by Guncrafter Industries to fit in a modified 1911 or Glock frame. The standard 300-grain JHP load runs 860 fps, producing about 493 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. It offers a bigger bullet diameter without the extreme recoil of magnum 50 cal cartridges, making it closer to .45 ACP+ in performance.
What is the most powerful handgun caliber you can buy?
For commercial production handguns, the .500 S&W Magnum is the most powerful, with Hornady's 300-grain FTX load making 2,868 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from an 8.375-inch test barrel. Magnum Research also builds short-cylinder BFRs in .500 Linebaugh and .500 JRH for handloaders. By comparison, a 240-grain .44 Magnum load from Remington makes 741 ft-lbs.
Is a 50 cal handgun practical for self-defense?
No. The recoil is unmanageable for fast follow-up shots, the gun is too heavy for daily carry (50-75 oz unloaded), the ammo is expensive ($2-4 per round), and over-penetration would be catastrophic in a home-defense scenario. 50 cal handguns are hunting tools and range guns, not defensive sidearms. For self-defense, a 9mm or .45 ACP makes far more sense.
Is there a .50 BMG pistol?
None of the guns on this list fire .50 BMG. The .50 BMG is a rifle cartridge, and every gun here fires a handgun cartridge with a .50-inch bullet: .500 S&W Magnum, .500 Wyoming Express, .50 AE or .50 GI. If you want the big rifle round, see our best 50 BMG rifles guide.
4,005+ Gun & Ammo Deals
Updated daily from 200+ top retailers. Filter by category, caliber, action type, and price.
Related Guides
OK I GET TWO OK
Go Team