The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Big bore revolvers but none semi? dangers of timing off

James K · March 13, 2013, 09:31 AM

Semi-auto pistols for very large cartridges present a lot of problems, simply too many for companies to spend money developing something for which there is little demand.

In no particular order, the magazine has to be large enough in all directions to accommodate the cartridges. If limited to, say, 5 or 6 rounds, the pistol has few advantages over the revolver. If more than that, it becomes too large and heavy to be practical. (A 17 shot pistol in .500 S&W is a bit mind boggling, to say the least.)

Then the slide has to be massive enough that it won't batter itself to pieces in normal operation. The recoil spring would have to be very strong, and probably would need some kind of disconnector mechanism so the slide could be retracted manually.

Add in the sheer size and weight of the barrel and frame, and the idea takes the concept of "hand" gun to an extreme.

I am aware of a suggestion that a pistol or revolver be made for the .50 BMG, and I am sure that if it were not for the legal restrictions, someone would want a handgun for the 16" naval shell. But realistically, auto pistols are not likely to be made for larger cartridges than at present.

Jim

March 13, 2013, 09:31 AM	#7
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Semi-auto pistols for very large cartridges present a lot of problems, simply too many for companies to spend money developing something for which there is little demand. In no particular order, the magazine has to be large enough in all directions to accommodate the cartridges. If limited to, say, 5 or 6 rounds, the pistol has few advantages over the revolver. If more than that, it becomes too large and heavy to be practical. (A 17 shot pistol in .500 S&W is a bit mind boggling, to say the least.) Then the slide has to be massive enough that it won't batter itself to pieces in normal operation. The recoil spring would have to be very strong, and probably would need some kind of disconnector mechanism so the slide could be retracted manually. Add in the sheer size and weight of the barrel and frame, and the idea takes the concept of "hand" gun to an extreme. I am aware of a suggestion that a pistol or revolver be made for the .50 BMG, and I am sure that if it were not for the legal restrictions, someone would want a handgun for the 16" naval shell. But realistically, auto pistols are not likely to be made for larger cartridges than at present. Jim