Im thinking about gettin a big bore barel for my handi rifel. Im torn between the 45-70 and the 500 smith. Im just a little nerv

[drewbeman]

Im thinking about gettin a big bore barel for my handi rifel. Im torn between the 45-70 and the 500 smith. Im just a little nervous in investing in the 500, I dont want to get something thats to much to shoot. Can anyone compare it to a 12 ga. with 3 inch or 3.5 inch just for reference?

[jhjimbo]

I have the 45/70 for my NEF and the recoil is like a 12ga 2 3/4 to me. I don't know about the .500. I would say the 45/70 is more versatile than the .500

[drewbeman]

so the 45-70 isint to bad?im kinda wanting to build a close range big game gun out of it. I dont think the range of the 500 would be to much but that power from it would be nice.

[jay]

just google chuck hawks recoil table and you can compare recoil between various loads.

[drewbeman]

After checking that out it dosent look like it should be to much more than a 12 gage with 3inch mags.

[PigHunter]

I'm very pleased with my Handi-Rifle in .45-70. The recoil was significant until I replaced the factory pad with one from Limb Saver. It was like shooting a 12 gauge slug.

[chuckles]

My 45/70 provides plenty of power(and recoil). I wouldn't go looking for any more unless you get a lot of grizzly bears or cape buffalo down your way. Plus 45/70 ammo is expensive enough.
I really like my Optima. It is one of my favorite guns to shoot and I enjoyed hunting with it for the first time this year. Enjoy whatever you get!

[Treestand]

The S&W 500 is a great round to 50Yd+/- very light recoil in a Rifle, Its a 50/Cal"pistol cartridge" just like a 44Mag in a Rifle, The 45/70 will have a greater amount of recoil over the S&W/500 with greater range 100Yd+/-.
Good Luck in your Quest....Safe Hunting

[IND_NRA]

45/70 will make you smile everytime you pull the trigger. Good luck

[DakotaMan]

I'd sure go the 45/70 route. As long as you are spending the money for a barrel, you might as well get a thumper. I agree with IND_NRA... it will make you smile and you will enjoy it; even if it is sitting in the closet.