Firearms enthusiasts around the world love to collect guns, and handguns are especially popular due to their portability and efficiency
However, despite being smaller than rifles and other firearms in most cases, some handguns can still pack an incredible punch
In this article, we will rank the power of these impressive pistols based on caliber
The caliber of a gun is measured by the inside diameter of the gun barrel or the diameter of the bullets it can handle
Read on to learn about the massive calibers some of the world’s most powerful guns can handle!
Ruger Super Redhawk
Cartridge: 454 Casull
A variation on the classic Ruger Redhawk line, the Ruger Super Redhawk boasts enhancements such as an extended frame and a monogrip with an internal recoil pad
This double-action revolver is a force to be reckoned with and comes scope-ready, making it an excellent choice for hunters
The Ruger Super Redhawk owes its ability to fire massive 454 Casull rounds to its alloy-based heat-treated cylinder
Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum
Smith & Wesson states that their XVR 460 Magnum is the largest production revolver available today
This pistol features Smith & Wesson’s extra large frame and is capable of delivering an astonishing velocity of over 2300 feet per second
The XVR 460 Magnum uses a twist cutout to maximize its speed and range, and has an optional bipod for added support when shooting
The Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum is available with barrels up to 14 inches long
Magnum Research BFR revolver
Cartridge: 450 Marlin
Year of creation: unknown
The Magnum Research BFR revolver is specially designed to accommodate larger bullets with its characteristically long barrel
Barrel length varies by caliber, and custom barrels can be ordered from Magnum Research
This gun can also handle the largest Smith & Wesson rounds
This revolver weighs a whopping 5 pounds, which is almost as heavy as a rifle
When a gun fires with this much power, the heavier weight is considered an advantage because it reduces the effects of recoil
Thompson Center Contender Pistol
Cartridge: 45-70 Government
This single-action, break-action pistol is quite popular for its accuracy and durability
Because of its weight, the Thompson Center Contender pistol is best suited for pistol hunting and accuracy practice at the range
This gun also stands out due to its sleek and elegant appearance, which has an ergonomic grip
This popular pistol was among the first firearms produced at Thompson Center Arms
Ruger Super Blackhawk
Cartridge: 480 Ruger
This impressive six-shot single-shot revolver is a variation of the Ruger Blackhawk that has been hailed by gun enthusiasts as a more powerful option for hunting pistols
Many people prefer the more compact Ruger Super Blackhawk to the heavier double-action Ruger Super Redhawk and were thrilled to finally have an option for a lighter gun with more firepower
Avid shooters who have spent some time shooting a lot of rounds from this gun report that the recoil can be tiring after a while
Cartridge: 50 Action Express
This well-known gun often appears in movies, games and other media
Among gun enthusiasts, it stands out for its use of a gas-operated loading mechanism, which is commonly found in rifles
This gas action helps efficiently reload larger rounds, allowing this gun to deliver tremendous shooting power
Because this firearm is chambered in 50 Action Express and has such firepower, it is more suitable for long-range shooting 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 firepower, which is tempered by a muzzle brake to reduce recoil
The revolver is 15 inches long and weighs 45 pounds, making it far more suitable for hunting than for carrying on the hip
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is called the most powerful production revolver on the market and can vary in barrel length so that shorter variations can be carried
Pfeifer-Zeliska 600 Nitro Express revolver
Cartridge: 600 Nitro Express
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Year of creation: 1903
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
Price of the gun: $15,000 – $17,000
The Pfeifer-Zeliska 600 Nitro Express Revolver is the largest caliber pistol in the world and the most powerful
To provide some context, this gun is so huge that its 600 Nitro Express bullets are actually British-made bullets
The price of its bullets is just as high, with each 600 Nitro Express round costing $40!
This massive gun was developed by a Swiss gunsmith named Zeliska, who wanted a gun that could take bullets for hunting big game