Gun enthusiasts all over the world love collecting firearms, and handguns are especially popular because of their portability and efficiency
However, despite being smaller than rifles or other types of firearms in most cases, some pistols can still pack an amazing punch
In this article, we will evaluate the power of this impressive handgun according to its caliber
The caliber of a handgun is measured according to the diameter inside the barrel or the diameter of the bullet
Read on to learn about the huge calibers some of the most powerful handguns in the world can handle!
Ruger Super Redhawk
Cartridge: 454 Casul
A variation on the classic Ruger Redhawk line, the Ruger Super Redhawk boasts improvements such as an extended frame and monogrip with internal recoil cushioning
This double-action revolver is an excellent choice for hunters as it has terrifying power and is equipped with a scope
The Ruger Super Redhawk can fire heavy 454 Casull rounds thanks to its heat-treated alloy-based cylinder
Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum
Smith & Wesson says the XVR 460 Magnum is the highest-velocity production revolver available today
This pistol features an extra-large frame from Smith & Wesson and can deliver an astounding rate of over 2,300 feet per second
The XVR 460 Magnum uses a gain twist rifle for maximum speed and range and features an optional bipod for added support when shooting
The Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum can be used with barrels up to 14 inches long
Magnum Research BFR Revolver
Cartridge: 450 Marlin
Year Created: Unknown
The Magnum Research BFR revolver has a characteristically long barrel and is specifically designed to accommodate larger ammunition
The length of the barrel depends on the caliber and custom barrels can be commissioned from Magnum Research
This pistol can handle even the biggest rounds from Smith & Wesson
This revolver weighed a whopping 5 pounds, almost as heavy as a rifle
A heavier weight is considered an asset as it reduces the effects of recoil when firing a pistol with this amount of force
Thompson Center Contender Pistol
Cartridge: 45-70 Government
This single-action, single-shot pistol is quite popular due to its accuracy and staying power
Because of its weight, the Thompson Center Contender Pistol is best suited for pistol hunting and accuracy practice at the shooting range
This pistol also stands out for its sleek, elegant look featuring an ergonomic grip
This popular handgun was one of the first firearms produced by Thompson Center Arms
Ruger Super Blackhawk
Cartridge: 480 Ruger
This impressive 6-shot single-action revolver is a variant of the Ruger Blackhawk that was hailed by gun enthusiasts as a more powerful option for handgun hunting
Many people prefer the more compact Ruger Super Blackhawk over the heavier, double-acting Ruger Super Redhawk, and were happy to finally be able to choose a lighter gun with higher firing power
Avid range shooters who have spent time firing many rounds from this pistol report that recoil can become tedious after a while
Cartridge: 50 Action Express
This well-known handgun frequently appears in movies, games, and other media
Among gun enthusiasts, it stands out for its use of the gas-operated reloading mechanism commonly found on rifles
This gas operation helps to reload larger bullets efficiently, giving this pistol great firepower
Because this firearm boasts such firepower in a 50 Action Express chamber, it is suitable for long-range shooting rather than self-defense
Smith & Wesson Model 500
Cartridge: 500 S&W Magnum
Cartridge: 500 S&W Magnum
This double/single action revolver is known for its intense firing force tempered by a muzzle brake to reduce recoil impact
The revolver is 15 inches long and weighs 45 pounds, making it far more suitable for hunting than carrying it around your waist
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 was said to be the most powerful production revolver on the market and could have a different barrel length to allow for a shorter variant
Pfeifer-Zeliska 600 Nitro Express Revolver
Cartridge: 600 Nitro Express
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Year of manufacture: 1903
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
Pistol price: $15,000 – $17,000
The Pfeifer-Zeliska 600 Nitro Express Revolver is the largest caliber pistol in the world and the most powerful
To give a bit of context, this pistol is so big that the 600 Nitro Express round is actually a British-made rifle bullet
Rounds are priced similarly high, with each 600 Nitro Express round costing $40!
This massive pistol was developed by a Swiss gunfighter named Zeliska Zeliska wanted a pistol that could carry ammunition for big game hunting