The .50 BMG Handgun: Urban Legends and Rarity

The .50 BMG handgun has often been the subject of urban legends and exaggerated tales within the shooting community. These weapons, known for their powerful rounds, have garnered significant attention and controversy. However, their rarity makes them an intriguing mystery. In this article, we will explore the .50 BMG handgun as a concept, debunking myths and laying the groundwork for a clearer understanding of such firearms.

Myths and Realities: The .50 BMG Handgun

The only known .50 BMG handgun sighting was a custom Thompson Center Contender that had a barrel specifically altered for the caliber. The stories around this gun are fascinating but vary in legitimacy. Iraqi veteran 8888 transformed a 50 BMG into a 12-gauge single-shot, which only resulted in laughter. The strange combination of a real gun called the Thunder 5 and a photoshopped image of a 50 BMG adds to the complexity of claims about such firearms.

Engineering Challenges: Velocity and Barrel Length

The primary engineering challenge with the .50 BMG caliber is velocity. 50 BMG bullets rely on slow-burning gunpowder, a characteristic that contrasts with smaller bullets like the 223. For maximum efficiency, barrels require significant lengths, often over 36 inches, to allow the powder to burn completely before the projectile exits the barrel. This design aspect is crucial because partially burned powder outside the barrel can cause issues, similar to lighting gunpowder on a cement sidewalk.

Historical Attempts and Failures

Attempts to build a revolver chambered for the .45-70 cartridge have historically met with mixed results. One attempt produced a six-pound, five-shot revolver, which proved to be nearly impossible to handle. Despite initial claims of manageability, the full-bore 500 gr. bullets and the weapon’s weight made it impractical for use. Experiences like these highlight the technical and ergonomic challenges in designing .50 BMG handguns.

Practical Considerations: Need and Appropriateness

Despite the allure of such firepower, practical considerations underscore the questionable need for weapons chambered in .458 or 50 cal. firearms. In North America, a 30-06 round is more than sufficient for hunting any animal, making such large calibers unnecessary. The .458 Winchester Magnum is primarily used for very large game like elephants, while the .50 Beowulf is designed for specialized applications such as punching through metal plates. These specialized uses do not justify the high price and impractical nature of .50 BMG handguns.

Conclusion: The .50 BMG Handgun in Context

The .50 BMG handgun remains a contentious tool in the shooting industry, often overshadowed by its powerful rounds and the challenges associated with them. While the concept is intriguing, the realities of its use and the sheer impracticality of the weapon for everyday needs make it a rarity. Whether a myth or a reality, the .50 BMG handgun continues to capture the imagination of shooters and non-shooters alike, serving as a reminder of the advancements and limitations in firearm design.