When it comes to sheer power in the handgun world, only a few firearms truly deserve the “hand cannon” title. The Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum and Magnum Research BFR .45-70, better known as the T-Rex Pistol, are two prime contenders.
Both are monsters in their own right, capable of punishing their shooters with brutal recoil while delivering absurd levels of energy downrange. But when put head-to-head, which one comes out on top? This showdown is not just about power but also recoil, target devastation, and, most importantly, the ability to test the shooter’s wrist endurance.
The Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum: A Modern Legend

The Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum holds a legendary status as one of the most powerful production handguns in the world. Developed in 2003, it quickly cemented itself as a top-tier big-bore revolver, chambered in a round that produces immense stopping power. The design is sleek, rugged, and somewhat elegant – despite being a beast in terms of weight. Weighing in at nearly 4 pounds with a short 4-inch barrel, this revolver packs a punch that few can handle comfortably.
What sets the 500 Magnum apart isn’t just its raw power but the way it channels recoil. Thanks to the compensator on the barrel and ergonomic design, the recoil is sharp and punishing but doesn’t excessively flip upward. Instead, it delivers a jarring blow straight to the palm, which can feel like holding onto a controlled explosion. If you’re shooting high-powered loads, such as the absurd 700-grain bullets, expect to ice your hands for days afterward.
The T-Rex Pistol: Big Bore Madness

On the other end of the ring stands the Magnum Research BFR chambered in .45-70 Government – a rifle cartridge in a revolver platform. Nicknamed the “T-Rex Pistol,” this handgun feels like something out of a science fiction movie. With its massive frame, longer barrel, and hefty cylinder, the BFR is built to handle the extreme power of rifle rounds fired from a handgun.
The .45-70 is a historical round, used for hunting large game, and it brings immense power when fired from a rifle. Out of a handgun, the results are downright violent. The T-Rex Pistol has a unique recoil pattern; rather than slamming into your hand like the 500 Magnum, it flips dramatically upward. The muzzle rise is so intense that it feels like the gun is trying to jump right out of your grip. While this reduces some palm punishment, it doesn’t make it any easier to handle.
Recoil Showdown: Which Hurts More?

If recoil is the metric, the 500 Magnum wins for its sheer brutality. High-powered 700-grain bullets from the 500 Magnum feel like they detonate in your hand, delivering bone-jarring impact. The T-Rex Pistol, while just as intimidating, spreads the energy through muzzle flip rather than a straight-back blow. In some ways, this makes the .45-70 revolver slightly “easier” on the wrist, though it doesn’t save the shooter from the physical exertion of controlling such a massive gun.
Target Destruction: Splatter and Penetration

Powerful hand cannons aren’t just about recoil – they’re about delivering devastating results to targets. Both guns performed incredibly well, but with slight differences. Standard targets, like steel plates, were easily blown apart, but where things got interesting was in penetration tests.
The T-Rex Pistol, loaded with 460-grain hard-cast bullets, blasted through multiple ceramic tiles and water jugs, leaving a trail of destruction. However, its trajectory tended to veer off slightly, which might be due to the .45-70’s massive energy dispersing unpredictably in a short-barreled handgun.
The 500 Magnum, on the other hand, proved more “efficient” in its destruction. Using a 700-grain bullet, it plowed through the targets with shocking precision.
Size and Handling: Beauty vs. Beast

Though both handguns are massive, there’s a noticeable difference in handling. The 500 Magnum, with its shorter, curvier design, feels like the sleeker option. It’s more compact and easier to maneuver, though that doesn’t mean it’s a joy to carry. The BFR T-Rex Pistol, by contrast, is a hulking revolver with a longer barrel and heavier weight. This added length helps control muzzle rise but makes the gun feel more cumbersome overall.
Interestingly, loading mechanisms differ as well. The 500 Magnum’s swing-out cylinder allows for quick loading and unloading, while the T-Rex Pistol requires rounds to be loaded one at a time – a slower and more laborious process.
Practical Uses: Hunting or Bragging Rights?

Both firearms are impractical for everyday use but excel in their niche. The 500 Magnum is often touted as the ultimate backup gun for hunting dangerous game like bears, especially in regions like Alaska. Its sheer stopping power can drop even the largest predators with a single well-placed shot.
The T-Rex Pistol, while equally powerful, feels more like a novelty or extreme hunting option. The .45-70 cartridge is historically proven against large game, but firing it from a handgun introduces a challenge that few would choose in real-life scenarios.
The Fascination of Hand Cannons

There’s something undeniably captivating about these monstrous handguns. They combine engineering brilliance with absurd levels of power, creating firearms that exist as both tools and spectacles. Shooting the 500 Magnum or T-Rex Pistol isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about the experience. The recoil, the sound, and the fireball erupting from the barrel make every shot unforgettable.
What’s especially fascinating is how these guns push the limits of what a handgun can achieve. A rifle cartridge in a revolver? A 700-grain bullet in a short-barreled revolver? These are feats that shouldn’t work, yet somehow they do – leaving shooters grinning, sore, and addicted to the thrill.
Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing a winner between the 500 Magnum and the T-Rex Pistol is tough. If pure pain and recoil are your benchmarks, the 500 Magnum takes the crown. Its straight-back recoil and palm-pounding impact make it a nightmare to shoot for extended sessions. If we’re talking power and spectacle, the T-Rex Pistol delivers a unique experience with its dramatic muzzle flip and rifle-caliber insanity.
In terms of design and usability, the 500 Magnum feels more refined and practical (relatively speaking). The T-Rex Pistol, while awesome in its own right, feels like more of a showpiece.
The Thrill of the Challenge

For me, both handguns have their charm. The 500 Magnum is a legend, and shooting it feels like holding history in your hands. The T-Rex Pistol, on the other hand, is a daring, audacious piece of engineering that takes things to the extreme. Each gun offers a unique challenge, making them irresistible for anyone who craves recoil and firepower.
The Wrist-Breaker Verdict

In the end, the Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum edges out the T-Rex Pistol in this showdown. Its brutal recoil, unmatched power, and sleek design make it the ultimate hand cannon. The T-Rex Pistol, while impressive, feels more like a wild experiment – an incredible one, but not quite as refined as the 500 Magnum.
For shooters brave enough to take on these titans, both offer an experience unlike any other in the handgun world. Just don’t forget to ice your wrists afterward.

Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.