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Since it's darn near as heavy as a rifle, but hurts more and is harder to shoot accurately, what's the point?
I love to handgun hunt. I enjoy shooting some pretty hefty loads out of some handguns. I do think there's a place for both things.
But the "Tim Allen Complex" in which more power is always better is a dumb idea, in my view. Let's face it, that kind of thing only appeals to a younger shooter - the kind of guy (and I think we're talking guy exclusively here) who drools over muscle cars, thousand-watt stereos and extreme sports. I'm sure it's a raging testosterone thing.
But the problem is that such guns should only be shot by a VERY experienced handgunner. That level of performance can seriously injure an unprepared, unknowing shooter. No amount of machismo, bravado or testosterone can prepare you for that level of recoil. Heck, I'd not only bet that most 500 S&W buyers are low experience handgunners, I'd wager that some are being bought by first-time handgun owners!
Hype sells, but it's a dangerous mistake to assume that absolutely anybody can handle every product that's sold. Put a first-time rider on whatever is today's most powerful motorcycle, with no training, and I think you know what the result would be: bike and rider imbedded in some immovable object within a very short distance.
It's not unreasonable to imagine that a 500 S&W in the hands of some low- or no-experience shooter could actually brain him. I have personal experience shooting full-house 45-70, 475 Linebaugh and 500 Linebaugh from modified Ruger Blackhawks. I was extensively coached before being allowed to do so, and I fired them with no injury (and those lightweight revolvers have INCREDIBLE recoil in those chamberings!) But I also know of one macho fellow who disregarded that instruction, fired a 45-70 (the LEAST recoil of the trio!) improperly, and imbedded the hammer spur in his forehead, right through the skull bone. It made a lasting impression on the emergency room staff, believe me.
My advice (which is free and worth every cent of that) is this: unless you already have fired thousands of rounds of some really heavy-recoiling handgun loads, avoid the 500 S&W.
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