The Magnum Research BFR (Big Frame Revolver) chambered in .45/70 Government is widely considered among the most powerful handguns available, pushing the boundaries of handgun performance with rifle-level cartridge power. This formidable revolver adapts a cartridge originally designed for large-game hunting rifles into a handgun platform, delivering immense muzzle energy.
Defining Handgun Power
The "power" of a handgun is primarily measured by its muzzle energy—the kinetic energy of the bullet as it leaves the barrel. This figure indicates the bullet's potential for impact and penetration. Higher muzzle energy generally translates to greater stopping power, especially crucial for hunting large, dangerous game.
Other factors contributing to a handgun's perceived power include:
- Caliber Size: Larger diameter bullets (e.g., .45, .475, .50) tend to deliver more energy.
- Bullet Weight and Velocity: A heavier bullet at higher velocity generates more energy.
- Recoil: While not a direct measure of power delivered to the target, the felt recoil indicates the energy being expelled, and extremely powerful handguns are known for significant recoil.
Top Contenders for Handgun Power
While the .45/70 Government in a handgun like the Magnum Research BFR stands out due to its rifle cartridge origins, several other handguns and their respective calibers are renowned for their incredible power. These weapons are typically used for hunting large game, defense against dangerous animals, or as specialty firearms for enthusiasts.
Here's a look at some of the most powerful handguns and their cartridges:
| Handgun Model | Caliber | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Magnum Research BFR | .45/70 Government | A single-action revolver designed to handle powerful rifle cartridges, making it exceptionally potent. |
| Magnum Research Desert Eagle | .50 Action Express (.50 AE) | A large, gas-operated semi-automatic pistol known for its iconic appearance and ability to chamber high-energy cartridges. |
| Freedom Arms Model 83 | .475 Linebaugh | A premium, high-quality single-action revolver chambered in a cartridge specifically designed for maximum power and reliability, favored by experienced big-game hunters. |
| Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan | .480 Ruger | A compact yet powerful double-action revolver, specifically designed for personal defense against dangerous animals in close quarters, offering substantial power in a more manageable package than some larger calibers. |
| Ruger Super Redhawk | .454 Casull | A robust double-action revolver capable of handling the high pressures and energies of the .454 Casull, a cartridge known for its flat trajectory and exceptional power for hunting. |
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | .44 Remington Magnum | Made famous by movies, this double-action revolver established the .44 Magnum as a benchmark for powerful handguns, offering significant stopping power for hunting and self-defense. |
Magnum Research BFR in .45/70 Government
The Magnum Research BFR is specifically engineered to contain the immense pressures of rifle cartridges. The .45/70 Government cartridge, originally developed for the U.S. Army in 1873, fires a heavy bullet at considerable velocity, making it effective for hunting large North American game like bear and moose when adapted to a handgun. Its sheer power places it at the very top of the handgun hierarchy.
Magnum Research Desert Eagle in .50 Action Express
The Desert Eagle in .50 Action Express (.50 AE) is another icon of handgun power. While not a rifle cartridge, the .50 AE is one of the largest and most powerful handgun cartridges available for a semi-automatic pistol. It delivers impressive muzzle energy, making the Desert Eagle a popular choice for target shooting, hunting medium-to-large game, and its undeniable "cool factor."
Freedom Arms Model 83 in .475 Linebaugh
For those seeking bespoke power and precision, the Freedom Arms Model 83 chambered in .475 Linebaugh offers an uncompromising experience. The .475 Linebaugh is a custom-developed cartridge known for its immense power and heavy-hitting bullets, making it a favorite among experienced handgun hunters pursuing the largest and most dangerous game.
Other Notable Powerful Handguns
- Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan (.480 Ruger): Designed for close-range defense in the wilderness, the .480 Ruger offers significant power in a relatively compact revolver, capable of deterring large predators.
- Ruger Super Redhawk (.454 Casull): The .454 Casull is a high-performance cartridge known for its flat trajectory and deep penetration, making the Super Redhawk a favorite for hunters needing to reach out to longer distances with a handgun.
- Smith & Wesson Model 29 (.44 Remington Magnum): While perhaps overshadowed by newer, more powerful cartridges, the .44 Magnum remains a powerhouse and a classic for good reason, offering considerable energy suitable for a wide range of applications, including hunting and personal defense.
These handguns represent the pinnacle of power, each offering unique attributes for serious enthusiasts and professional users alike.
