Best Big Bore Pistols & Revolvers of 2024

Big bore pistols and revolvers are a great option for hunting and bear protection, but they’re also just plain fun, right?

We love big bore stuff here, and we know you do too. So we wanted to talk more about these hard-hitting calibers, particularly the big bore handguns that are out there.

We’re going to look at the best big bore pistols and revolvers on the market today, as well as go over a little bit about how to choose the best one for your specific needs.

THE QUICK LIST

1. Best for Hunting

   Smith & Wesson Performance Center 629 Hunter

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2. Most Calibers

   Freedom Arms Model 83

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3. Most Powerful

   Smith & Wesson Model 500

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4. Best for Bigger Rounds

   Magnum Research BFR

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5. Most Powerful Semi-Auto

   Desert Eagle

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6. Editor’s Pick

   Ruger Super Redhawk

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7. Highest Velocity

   Smith & Wesson 460XVR

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Defining “Big Bore”

First up, let’s talk about exactly what we mean when we say “big bore.” This term isn’t very strictly defined, but we’re going to call it anything around .40 caliber and above for our purposes.

Some of the most popular big bore handgun rounds include:

• 10mm
• .44 Special
• .44 Magnum
• .45 Colt
• .454 Casull
• .475 Linebaugh
• .460 S&W
• .50 AE
• .500 S&W

You may have noticed there’s no .45 ACP on that list. Don’t panic, but we’re taking the .45 ACP out of the running here. We’re doing this because it’s such a common caliber that this list would be all the 1911s you’ve seen before if we did include it.

If you’re interested in .45 ACP stuff, you can check out our reviews of the best 1911s or our list of the best .45 ACP guns that aren’t 1911s.

Some other options in this space are traditionally what we would call rifle cartridges, also known as the “wait, they put that in a revolver?” category. These include:

• .450 Marlin
• .45-70 Gov’t

What Are Big Bore Revolvers and Semi-Autos Used For?

Putting big holes in stuff. Next question.

Alright, not just that, though the top use for big bore handguns is for hunting or defense from large animals. They’re very popular for hunting thin-skinned game such as whitetail deer.

Slapping a scope on top of a Ruger Blackhawk may look a little silly if you aren’t used to a scoped revolver, but such a setup has put an awful lot of meat in the freezer, particularly in the South, where hunting in thick cover is popular. 

Big bore handguns are also very popular with people in bear country, particularly with campers and hikers who don’t want to lug around a rifle or shotgun.

You can check out our full list of the best firearms for bear defense if you’re interested in some bear-specific options, but basically, all of the options on this list will also get the job done.

Dangers of a Big Bore Handgun.

Before we leave you, we want to cover one last thing…safety.

Some of the guns on this list, particularly the revolvers, can have some incredibly stout recoil, and while they aren’t inherently unsafe, it is a little easier to lose your grip. That can have some disastrous consequences if you aren’t ready.

You can check out this video of How NOT to Shoot an S&W 500 to see what I’m talking about. Don’t worry; he only almost ends up with the gun pointed directly at his forehead.

Be safe out there, kids, and don’t just hand one of these to a new shooter. Maybe only have one round in the gun for that first shot, just in case.

How We Chose the Best Big Bore Handguns

This article is a meta-analysis based on our experience with hundreds of handguns and tens of thousands of rounds over the years at Pew Pew Tactical.

For this article, we first had to choose our criteria for what we felt the best big bore handguns should have. Ultimately, we decided to keep the following criteria in mind while researching handguns: chamberings, reliability, fit & finish, price, flexibility, accuracy, and muzzle energy.

Based on this criteria our team pitched in to suggest models they’ve either hands-on tested or have extensive knowledge of. All guns with hands-on reviews are linked, and tested guns adhere to a strict testing protocol, which includes 500 rounds through every review gun. For each gun we hands-on review, we test with both FMJ and JHP ammunition and a couple of magazines (if applicable) to evaluate accuracy and reliability with different types of ammo and magazines. We shoot 5-round groups and 5 and 7 yards and use a pistol rest for at least one round of fire to eliminate shooter error.

Best Big Bore Revolvers & Semi-Autos

1. Smith & Wesson Model 629 Performance Center – Best for Hunting

Pros

• Excellent trigger
• Integrated compensator
• Included optic

Cons

• Only available in one caliber

Specs

• Action: Single/Double Action
• Caliber: .44 Mag
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel Length: 7.5″
• Weight: 61.9 oz

First up…a high-performance offering from Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center line, the Model 629.

The 629 is a versatile option for everything from bear defense to deer hunting, and it’s got a phenomenal trigger in it, as you’d probably expect.

It’s available in three different barrel lengths, 2.65, 6, and 7.5 inches, so you can get something to meet any need (even concealed carry, I guess).

The .44 Magnum chambering is large without being too difficult to control, and while it’s no longer the “most powerful handgun in the world,” it certainly packs a punch.

Oh, and it ships with a combination red/green dot optic to ensure you are ready for hunting or target shooting right out of the box.

2. Freedom Arms Model 83 – Most Calibers

Pros

• Huge caliber selection
• Excellent trigger
• Top-notch build quality

Cons

• Expensive

Specs

• Action: Single Action Only
• Caliber: .22LR, .22 WMR, .357 Mag, .41 Mag, .44 Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger, .50 AE, .500 Wyoming Express,
• Capacity: 5
• Barrel Length: 4.75″ – 10″
• Weight: 44.6 oz – 66.9 oz

I get it; .44 Magnum isn’t big enough. I agree, and so do the folks at Freedom Arms. Their Model 83 is offered in a myriad of chamberings, many of which are classified as big bore.

The first is .22 LR, which sounds silly to even mention in a list like this until you realize how expensive shooting something like .475 Linebaugh on the regular is.

Still, if you’re looking for the big stuff, you’ve got the following options: .357 Magnum, .41 Rem Mag, .44 Rem Mag, .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, and .500 Wyoming Express. Additional cylinders are available for .50 Action Express and .480 Ruger as well.

Everything on that list will do for bear and other large game, though maybe leave the .357 at home if you’re in brown bear country.

Still, it’s nice to have options. And whichever one you go with, you get a superbly machined single-action revolver with an excellent trigger and a manual sliding bar safety. 

3. Smith & Wesson 500 – Most Powerful

Pros

• Extremely powerful round
• Compensated models available
• Some models are optic-ready

Cons

• Heavy recoil
• Expensive ammo

Specs

• Action: Single/Double Action
• Caliber: .500 S&W Mag
• Capacity: 5
• Barrel Length: 3.5″ – 10.5″
• Weight: 56.8 oz – 79.6 oz

Of course, S&W also has some bigger options out there, particularly their Model S&W500 chambered in, you guessed it, S&W 500.

This is one of the names you’ve probably seen brought up a lot in the big bore world, and with good reason. It is arguably the most powerful production handgun available today, and S&W claims exactly that on its website.

You could maybe argue that another S&W option takes that prize, and we’ll get to that later, but the S&W500 is still an absolute monster that can sling a 440-grain bullet at 1,325 fps.

That’s enough energy to take down any game animal that walks the earth, and it’ll certainly do for something like a bear or mountain lion.

Also, it’s an S&W revolver, which means it’s as reliable as a Swiss Watch and won’t let you down when you really need it. Smith makes these revolvers in varying barrel lengths from 3.5 inches up to the 10.5-inch Performance Center model.

It’ll also have you grinning from ear to ear at the range (provided you have a good, firm grip before you squeeze that trigger).

4. Magnum Research BFR – Best for Bigger Rounds

Pros

• Great caliber selection
• Available in rifle calibers
• Grip isn’t the most comfortable

Cons

• Certain calibers can be hard to find in stock

Specs

• Action: Single Action Only
• Caliber: .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh/.480 Ruger, .500 JRH, .500 Linebaugh, .30-30 Win, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin, .45 Colt/.410, .45/70 Gov’t, .460 S&W Mag, .500 S&W Mag
• Capacity: 5, 6 (.30-30, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, .45 Colt/.410 only)
• Barrel Length: 7.5″ – 10.”
• Weight: 59.2 oz – 77.7 oz

Next, we have my personal favorite, the Magnum Research BFR. Magnum Research swears that “BFR” stands for “Biggest Finest Revolver.” While I can’t legally dispute that, I’m sure you can think of something else that acronym could stand for.

Still, the Biggest Finest Revolver does live up to its name. This is an absolute monster and comes in around 5 pounds unloaded on the long cylinder models.

And that’s because the long cylinder model comes chambered in totally sane and reasonable things like .500 S&W, .30-30 Winchester, .450 Marlin, and .45-70 Gov’t.

You read that correctly. They built a revolver that shoots .45-70 Govt. This thing needs to be heavy to deal with that recoil.

But if you’re looking for the biggest option, this is the one.

What else do you expect from the people who gave us the Desert Eagle?

5. Magnum Research Desert Eagle – Most Powerful Semi-Auto

Pros

• Semi-automatic
• Reasonably controllable recoil
• Cool factor

Cons

• Requires constant cleaning and maintenance for reliability

Specs

• Action: Semi-Automatic DA/SA
• Caliber: .357 Mag, .429 DE, .44 Mag, .50 AE
• Capacity: 7, 8, 9
• Barrel Length: 5″ – 10″
• Weight: 48.96 oz – 72 oz

Speaking of, let’s talk about the Desert Eagle.

This has been one of the most iconic big bore guns on the planet for years, thanks to being featured in all sorts of media (Call of Duty, Boondock Saints, Snatch, John Wick, etc.), and it’s a huge part of the gun community now.

But is it just a meme? A fun, silly gun to own as a status symbol?

No.

It is those things, but it’s also a very reliable, hard-hitting semi-auto that you can get in .357, .44, or the big .50 Action Express.

And it’ll stop a bear or put a smile on your face at the range all day long. Oh, and it’s made right here in America, so what’s not love?

Check out Johnny’s full review of the Desert Eagle!

6. Glock G20 – Best for Hiking

Pros

• Great capacity
• Reliable and durable
• Optics-ready

Cons

• 10mm isn’t as strong as true magnum cartridges
• Mediocre trigger

Specs

• Action: Semi-Automatic, Striker-Fired
• Caliber: 10mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4.61″
• Weight: 38.8 oz

Let’s slip one more semi-auto in here with the Glock G20. This 10mm is actually the smallest chambering on our list, but it’s still an incredibly popular big bore option, particularly for a lightweight bear defense gun.

The 10mm is a very hard-hitting and flat shooting round, making it a good choice for a carry gun in any area where large, dangerous wildlife is a concern.

It wouldn’t be my first choice for stopping a brown bear. That said, I always advocate that the gun you have on you is way better than the gun you left in the truck because it’s too heavy, and you’re “just gonna be a minute.”

The resurgence of 10mm has led to the development of improved loadings. These hotter rounds have led to the increased popularity of the Glock 20 amongst Alaskan guides and other folks looking for a solid, high-capacity, reliable wilderness pistol.

Be sure to peep our full review of the Glock 20!

7. Ruger Super Redhawk – Editor’s Pick

Pros

• Able to handle extremely hot loads
• Ultra-durable
• Easy to mount a scope on

Cons

• Not particularly attractive
• Trigger is not as good as the S&W offerings

Specs

• Action: Single/Double Action
• Caliber: .22 Hornet, 10mm, .44 Mag, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger
• Capacity: 6, 8 (.22 Hornet)
• Barrel Length: 5″ – 9.5″
• Weight: 47 oz – 66 oz

The Ruger Super Redhawk is another legendary big bore with a passionate fan base and a history of reliability.

The .454 Casull chambering is my personal favorite and has been used to take every single big game animal on the planet, including brown bear, cape buffalo, and more. And the Super Redhawk platform is absolutely perfect for it.

It’s a surprisingly lightweight gun for its size, and the balance is just about as good as you can ask for, which helps keep the recoil manageable even with relatively rapid shooting.

Don’t get me wrong; this is still a very hot cartridge (one of the two highest-pressure revolver rounds of all time). The recoil is pretty snappy, but the Super Redhawk tames it admirably.

If that is still too much, you may be happy to hear that the .454 Casull chambering also has the added benefit of being able to chamber .45 Colt. This gives you an option for a still-powerful but much lighter recoiling round in the same gun.

Want more deets on the Ruger Super Redhawk? Check out our review here.

8. Smith & Wesson 460XVR – Highest Velocity

Pros

• Extremely powerful round
• High velocity
• Compensated models available

Cons

• Heavy recoil
• Expensive ammo

Specs

• Action: Single/Double Action
• Caliber: .460 S&W Mag
• Capacity: 5
• Barrel Length: 3.5″ – 14″
• Weight: 58.8 oz – 79.6 oz

Earlier, I mentioned that while Smith & Wesson bills the S&W500 as the most powerful revolver, there is another gun that can arguably take that title.

It is none other than Smith’s own 460XVR. This revolver utilizes the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge, which was designed for maximum velocity.

We are talking about velocities like 2,300 fps with a 200-grain bullet or an eye-watering 1,900 fps with a 360-grain bullet. The latter loading provides a whopping 2,885 ft/lbs of energy, matching that of the .500 S&W Magnum.

Besides being equal in power, the 460XVR has a massive leg up over the S&W500 because it can chamber .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, and .45 Colt. This backward compatibility gives shooters more ammo availability and more options to find a loading that is perfectly suited to the task at hand.

You can snag a 460XVR with a barrel as short as 3.5 inches for you crazy folk, all the way up to 14 inches for those looking for a target or hunting-oriented gun.

What do you think of the S&W 460XVR?

Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical

This article builds on the original work of Megan Kriss, former PPT author and freelance editor. Megan is an avid recreational shooter and writer/editor. She has an extensive writing and linguistics background, which she uses to analyze and collect data on guns and turn them into articles.

Lead researcher and editor for this piece is Wyatt Sloan, Jr. Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Our experienced team of gun reviewers is run by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

Final Thoughts

Big bore handguns are a lot of fun and offer a lot of value as well. If you’ve ever thought about hunting with a handgun, or you’re worried about safety in bear country, then one of these options is definitely the way to go.

Yes, they’re expensive and have a lot of recoil. But they’re absolutely worth it.

What do you think of these big bore handguns? Let me hear from you in the comments! Need more on Big Bore? Check out our guide on the Best Big Bore Hunting Rifles!

Latest Updates

September 2024: Removed the Glock 29, Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. Added the Glock 20, S&W 460XVR.