A Journey into Power
The world of firearms boasts a rich history of innovation and raw power. Among the most captivating pieces of weaponry are the big-bore revolvers – instruments of immense force, both historically significant and undeniably impressive. These hand cannons represent a distinct niche, appealing to those who appreciate the thrill of handling extreme power. Today, we delve into a comparison, exploring two titans of the revolver world: the venerable .45-70 revolver and the imposing .500 S&W. We’ll dissect their histories, performance characteristics, and suitability for various applications, ultimately determining which reigns supreme in this battle of brute strength.
Roots of a Legend: The .45-70’s Humble Beginnings
The .45-70 cartridge itself is a legend, a testament to the American West and the development of military and hunting cartridges. Originally designed for use in rifles, the .45-70 “Government” (a reference to its original designation as the cartridge for the US Army’s Springfield Model 1873 rifle) quickly gained popularity. The cartridge, born in the late 19th century, quickly became a staple for hunting large game and defending against threats on the frontier.
While the .45-70’s primary application was in rifles, a secondary market for revolvers that chambered the round emerged. The design of the cartridge naturally lent itself to the creation of revolvers, though not in large quantities or from the largest manufacturers. The challenge, of course, lay in adapting a cartridge designed for a rifle, with its larger case, to the limitations of a revolver. These revolvers, often custom-built or produced in limited runs, were niche products, appealing to those seeking maximum power in a handgun. These custom revolvers are a testament to the passion for big-bore guns and the ongoing quest for greater stopping power.
The Dawn of the .500 S&W Magnum
The .500 S&W Magnum, on the other hand, is a product of the modern era, specifically designed for the revolver. Conceived by Smith & Wesson in collaboration with Cor-Bon, the .500 S&W magnum was created with the singular intention of pushing the boundaries of handgun power. The .500 S&W represented a bold step into a new realm of ballistic performance, eclipsing even the potent .44 Magnum in terms of sheer energy. The primary goal behind this new cartridge was to provide unprecedented stopping power for hunting large and dangerous game.
Smith & Wesson developed its X-Frame revolver to accommodate this colossal cartridge, a testament to the engineering challenges presented by such a powerful round. This frame was engineered from the ground up to handle the tremendous pressures generated by the .500 S&W Magnum. The advent of the .500 S&W signaled a renewed interest in large-bore revolvers, attracting attention from hunters, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts alike. It was specifically designed for the cartridge, unlike the .45-70.
Decoding the Ballistics: A Power Equation
The .45-70 revolver and the .500 S&W, while both champions of power, exhibit significant differences in their ballistic profiles. Examining these profiles reveals a lot about the best uses of these handguns.
The .45-70 revolver often makes use of bullets that are heavy for caliber, a classic characteristic of the .45-70 cartridge. The bullets for these revolvers typically range from grain to grain, and muzzle velocities can vary widely depending on the barrel length and the load. However, the .45-70’s trajectory is typically a bit more arcing than the flatter trajectories of modern high-velocity cartridges. Energy levels, while impressive, are generally lower than those of the .500 S&W. The choice of bullet for a .45-70 revolver is important, and the revolver’s usefulness is dependent on the handloader choosing the correct bullet.
The .500 S&W Magnum is known for its extreme power. The cartridge often features bullets that can weigh up to hundreds of grains, and muzzle velocities can surpass feet per second with certain loads. The immense energy of the .500 S&W is immediately noticeable. The trajectory is relatively flat compared to many .45-70 loads, enhancing effective range and enabling more consistent shot placement. The .500 S&W typically delivers a significantly higher level of energy at the muzzle than a .45-70 revolver. This added power comes at a cost, however, as .500 S&W loads generally result in greater recoil.
Examining Ammunition: Availability and Affordability
When comparing these two revolver cartridges, the matter of ammunition selection cannot be ignored. The cost and availability of the ammunition is a crucial factor, and the ammunition available for a .45-70 revolver is generally more limited than that for a .500 S&W. The .45-70, in particular, benefits from the legacy of the cartridge, and is often associated with handloading and bullet casting, both of which help manage costs. However, because of the smaller demand for .45-70 revolver ammunition, it can often be quite expensive and, perhaps more importantly, difficult to find.
The .500 S&W, being a more modern cartridge, enjoys a greater selection of factory loads from multiple manufacturers. The ammunition for this round is widely available in a variety of configurations, including hunting rounds and target loads. Because of this high demand, ammunition for the .500 S&W is a bit more readily available, though not necessarily cheaper. It is still a premium cartridge, and the cost reflects that.
The Platforms: Revolver Design and Build
The revolvers themselves, the platforms that fire these rounds, represent very different philosophies. The approach to building the perfect revolver has evolved with time.
Revolvers chambered in .45-70 are often built on modified frames, capable of withstanding the increased pressures of the cartridge. Barrel lengths can vary, with some offering shorter barrels more suitable for concealed carry, and longer barrels suited for target shooting. These revolvers are often a bit more historic, with their construction often reflecting the aesthetics of previous eras. The .45-70 revolvers often represent a combination of power, history, and artistry.
The revolvers chambered in .500 S&W are often of modern design, and are typically built on larger frames, such as the Smith & Wesson X-frame. The X-frame is designed to handle the tremendous forces generated by the .500 S&W Magnum. The overall size and weight of the .500 S&W revolver reflect the need to mitigate recoil. Features are intended to increase the shooter’s comfort and control over these powerful firearms, and barrel lengths are often shorter, but can also accommodate longer configurations. The .500 S&W revolvers represent a commitment to ballistic supremacy, blending modern engineering with raw power.
Hands-On: Handling and Ergonomics
The shooting experience differs significantly between the .45-70 revolver and the .500 S&W. The grip and handling of each revolver play a critical role in the overall shooting experience.
The .45-70 revolvers, with their often smaller frame, can often be manageable, depending on the load and the frame design. Even so, the .45-70’s recoil is significant, and some shooters may find the handling to be difficult. The smaller frame can be a benefit, though, since the handgun may be slightly easier to handle.
The .500 S&W revolver will generally produce greater recoil than the .45-70. Proper grip technique and stance are crucial for managing the recoil. Many .500 S&W revolvers incorporate features designed to tame the recoil, such as muzzle brakes and ergonomic grips. The overall size and weight of the revolver also play a role in recoil management.
Putting Them to the Test: Real-World Performance
The true measure of any firearm lies in its practical application. Each of these revolvers has certain advantages in certain applications.
The .45-70 revolvers can be accurate at longer ranges, and can be effective for hunting medium-sized game when used at the right distances. The power is sufficient for those tasks, but the arcing trajectory might be a consideration when taking shots at long distances. These revolvers are a good choice for game in the West, and are also a fine choice for target shooting.
The .500 S&W Magnum is an incredibly effective hunting cartridge for larger game. The energy generated by the .500 S&W is very high, and this can lead to fast, clean kills. The flat trajectory of the cartridge also benefits the hunter by increasing the effective range of the handgun. This level of power comes with recoil. The .500 S&W is also not a good choice for concealed carry, but can be a great choice for defending yourself from animal threats.
Pros and Cons: A Comparative Analysis
Let’s summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each contender:
The .45-70 revolver offers a certain historical mystique and is ideal for hunters who prefer a traditional approach. Because of the smaller demand, the revolvers may be less expensive than the .500 S&W. On the other hand, the .45-70 may offer some limitations in the ballistic field. The ammunition may also be a bit harder to find, or may have to be ordered.
The .500 S&W provides incredible stopping power and exceptional performance. The cartridge is well-suited for hunting large game. On the other hand, the .500 S&W comes with intense recoil, and is only suited for the most experienced shooters. The ammunition is usually more expensive than that for a .45-70, and can be difficult to carry, particularly if the shooter is not used to carrying a heavy gun.
Conclusion: Which Reigns Supreme?
Both the .45-70 revolver and the .500 S&W are powerful firearms that have their place. For those seeking historical significance and a unique shooting experience, the .45-70 revolver provides a connection to the past and a distinct challenge. It is especially good for the handloader, but may be unsuitable for hunting larger game at further ranges.
However, for those prioritizing sheer stopping power and modern design, the .500 S&W reigns supreme. Its ability to deliver massive energy on target makes it an outstanding choice for hunting large game and providing a measure of self-defense. The .500 S&W is a modern, powerful firearm.
The choice, ultimately, depends on the shooter’s needs and preferences. Both are extraordinary revolvers that deserve respect.
In conclusion, the battle between the .45-70 revolver and the .500 S&W is a clash of titans, each claiming its throne in the world of big-bore revolvers. The .45-70, with its historical roots and powerful cartridge, has built a legacy. The .500 S&W, however, takes the crown for sheer power and modern engineering.
The quest for raw power continues to drive innovation in the world of firearms.
