Ok folks,

Here's the dilemma, I have a colt bisley, custom cut barrel to 5" and such. It is currently six shot 45 colt. I'm wondering if I should leave it alone, have it converted to five shot or scrap the 45 and have a 500 built. Not recoil shy and have shot the heaviest hitters in rifles and revolvers and target shoot with my .458 win mag. The brain cell that was afraid of recoil died years ago so that's not a factor. I like the 475 also so that's an option, but I kinda like the thought of the 500 plus less pressure so it will help with the longevity of the revolver.

I will use it for shooting fun, deer hunting, black bear here in Maine, grizzly protection in Alaska next year and a bison hunt next October and maybe in a few years if the Ebola crisis fades, a trip to Africa. I know the colt is capable of most everything with 360 grainers in my six shot at 1100 fps but I like the thought of a 525 grain bullet and more whack.

Last question is who to have build it. Gary reeder I know quite well and seems to do nice work but never shot a gun he's built. Linebaugh is quite good as well as Bowen but both have long waits. Also, they are more expensive. Does anyone here have a reeder gun and if so, what do you think of it?

.500 Linebaugh all the way. I am a huge fan of the .45 Colt, but the .500 Linebaugh is hard to beat. I have found there is little 525s at 1,100 fps can't stop decisively. All of the top builders will give you a quality product, but if you want it done correctly and fast, I would contact Jack Huntington at (775) 355-6898. Call him and talk to him. You won't be disappointed and he won't break the bank in the process. Here is something similar to what you seek, but in .500 JRH.

Of course Whitworth would tell you to go with the 500.

Whit, that is a fine looking weapon. I've spoken to jack before in the past but I forgot about him!!! Good point to call him. I'd like mine to look as elegant as the one he made for you. I boot gripped mine though and I have to say, I like the grip angle, for me, as it doesn't rap my knuckle. It mirrors the gunfighter grip by Gary reeder.

What load do you use for the 525 grainers?

500 Linebaugh built by its namesake.

And whit, isn't it hard to get the JRH ammo? I know you can trim the 500 smith down but is there brass out there now?

And wait three years.......

JL is a great guy, who builds great guns, but he is waaaaayyyy backed up.

The grip frame is modified and gives you more clearance between the trigger guard and your middle knuckle. It works really well and the grip itself will be made for your hand. My .500 Max doesn't whack me in the knuckle unless I am on the bench and then it's only an occasional occurrence. I will PM you load data.

Yea he's backed up but if you want a custom made by one of the masters then he will build you one and not someone else that works in the shop.

ebola thus far isn't an issue for ya to go to south africa. that said, if you're gonna have work done i'd go with something unique. that 500 ya got whit is just a beautiful gun. linebaugh makes nice guns, he does, but theyre not in anyway finer than what jack does. top notch, a bit more affordable and you can have one while you're still young enough to walk with it and aren't in a chair. 500 linebaugh ammo can be readily ordered thru grizzly or buffalo bore.

Not sure why you seem combative........

The "shop" consists of two people, and there are only two people that lay their hands upon revolvers, one is Jack and the other is Jason Menefee. Both are imminently qualified to build a no-holds-barred custom, but they will typically build them together.

God bless John Linebaugh and his contributions to what we do, but if money is no option and you can afford to wait, might as well get them both to build you a revolver. That way you have something to shoot and hunt with while the other is being built.

Do you own any Linebaugh guns? Huntingtons? Just curious as to what you are basing your opinion on. I have both and if you think you are shortchanging yourself by going with Huntington, you are sadly mistaken. You really can't go wrong with any of the top builders -- as I stated earlier -- but I don't have the patience to wait years. Life is too dang short. JMHO.

Here's my .475 -- by JL.

Is this a COLT Bisley as stated? If so, I don't think what we are discussing is even an option. If a ruger then that's a different story. I'd go for the 475 personally just because it's one of my favorites.

Well I'll be the advocate for the other way.I would choose the 45colt. If you want to send it off for customization,no one is finer than Jack. A little more room in the grip frame and a 5 shot cylinder and nothing in NA can stand up to it loaded to it's potential.

I have played with the bigger calibers, and they hit harder, but I wouldn't be afraid to hunt anything that walks in NA with a good 350gr bullet over 22grs of H110/296( load safe in my revolver). Out of a 4/58" bl you get a honest 1200fps and it thumps critters.

I have a revolver built by Gary Reeder chambered in 510 GNR. The 510 is a shorter version of the 500 Linebaugh. It can be loaded up, or down.

That is another caliber that you can't go wrong with! It's a Ruger Bisley, Glenn.

Whit,
Not combative. Just gave my opinion just like yourself and several others. I gave a general statement that a few shops may have other people working on the guns other than the men that put their names on the guns. Just my lowly opinion but I think many people buy these guns because they are not mass produced and you generally wont see one at the range. Also in my opinion I believe every additional person working in the shop; that it moves towards the assembly line production. I know 2 people are not an assembly line.
Answer to your question on how many customs I own and the answer currently is '0' in the revolver category. I have one on order with John and have handled and shot a few revolver from most of the big names. They all make fine guns and anyone would be lucky to own just one. You are very lucky to have the collection that you have, Whit. I'm looking to order a SS Nimrod from Bowen after the first of the year and actually may receive that one before the Linebaugh is ready.
Again I said nothing of Huntington and you need not defend him or his shop.

If you're not going to shoot Cape buffalo or elephant or hippo or Kodiak bears then stick with the 45 Colt. It will do all you need it to do and for a lot less punishment. You can still have it customized like Whitworth's gun and you'll never say, "ok I've had enough of that gun for today"

I would send the gun to Huntington and have him make it into a 500 JRH. Right now Jack is making brass for the 500 JRH from cut down 500 S&W brass. I didn't ask but I assume that Starline are dragging their feet on making new JRH brass.

If ya must have a linebaugh gun then fine get one and wait till the end of time. Theyre fine guns. Jack is a top notch machinist and is top flight as a gunsmith. I wont go into who's "best" but You're not getting less with his guns.

I'd personally prefer a 45 Colt, but that's just me.

I will throw this in to complicate things.

You asked about a .45 or a .500, why not go halfways and consider a .475 Linebaugh...

Any of those fine gunsmiths mentioned can build you one.

In my humble opinion, the .475 will do anything the .500 will do and may even penetrate better (not that you may ever need it.)

Mine has worked great on several big mule deer (of course its way over-kill) and 2 mature bull elk (complete penetration); and should I ever go for a big bear, it will be my primary choice.

Not sayin' the .500 won't (or even the .45 Colt,) just trying to muddy the waters a bit for discussion.

PS: Whit, your photos are excellent of your guns, I know it ain't that easy...

I misread your post, my apologies. I don't have a problem with someone else in the shop performing some task on the revolver. It is still the head guy who has to put his stamp of approval on the final product. Even JL has Dustin do grips for him. I agree that all of the top dogs are great at what they do, and you will be well served by any of them. My "collection" as it stands sounds a lot more grand than it really is and it has taken me a lot of time and money to accrue as well as some creative horse trading. I am sending a Bisley to JL soon for conversion (it's a .429 Magnum that needs to grow up a bit), and I am prepared to wait, but I just don't like waiting so long. But that's just me.

This hobby (more like way of life) is an addiction........I suggest running in the other direction if you have yet to have been bit!

Some really good points guys. I spoke to jack last night and I think I'll be sending him along the donar gun and have him get to work. I didn't realize that linebaugh is three years out or more! His guns are nice but I'll not wait that long. I'd forget I owned it and be out buying another something else.

As to caliber, everyone here brought up some good points and thoughts that made sense I thought when I fell asleep last night that I had decided on the caliber for sure and now as I wake up, I'm not so sure. As to the folks on the 45 colt side, you are right about the colt, it's great. I just feel like I need something a little bit "more". The colt is not lacking in any way.

Remaining question, 500 linebaugh, 500 JRH (I'm leaning that way) or 475. And no, I cannot afford all three at the moment and remain married. And yes, I loooove the wife.

Fun dilemma for sure!

The 475L has more readily available loading components as well as factory ammo. The other two, not so readily available.

That said, I'd like to have a 500JRH. But, I already have a 475L.

If I was to choose between the three, I'd go with the 500 JRH. First reason: it's a friggen 50 cal! Second: since it fires a .500 diameter bullet, you would have a decent bullet selection in both jacketed and cast.

I went with 500JRH from Jack, and shoot it 10 to 1 over any of my other guns now, including the Bisley 45 Colt SBHH.

I think it's gonna be the JRH. I want them all but I need to pace myself. And no whit, not a fun dilemma! One would think that it is but nope! I buy every gun as though it was my last purchase ever. And it would be if the Obama administration got their wish.

I'd be leaning that way as well. Or just leave it 45 Colt, my personal favorite.

Ive had or currently have them all. The 500 jrh has by far the best bullet and some ability to make your brass relatively easily. Then again based on what i know now id just get a 500 jrh. The bullet availability is horrible for the 475 and 500 linebaugh since i wont use cast bullets on dangerous game.

Spoke to jack again and the JRH pushes a 440 up to 1400 fps. I'd think that should handle anything that walks. I like the amount of bullets available for it as well. I do think that it makes the most sense. I wish I could try one!

If the bullet does. CEB makes a 400 gr bullet ya can push to 1300 no probs and itll never fail. Barns also makes a 400 gr buster that ya can push to 1400 if ya so need. Outside of those for the biggest butnit gives ya already more choices than the other calibers you were considering and thats not even getting into the hp's, soft points, and barnes expandables offerings

You are right there. I've only ever used lead though, no jacketed stuff really but I think I'll run a bunch of experiments when this one is done with a plethora of different bullets. If I like this revolver as much as i thnk I'm going to, I'm going to have jack make me more. 480 ruger in the ruger 44 special frame with a grip changing it to the bisley configuration. Small, light and packs a punch. Great backpacking weapon.

Yup. For dangerous stuff when backpacking ya may wanna start looking at some tough expandables like barnes and a frames. The video of the mountain lion and our bears illustrate this well.

Where are the videos? Have you posted them?

AGREE 100%. If I was building a custom gun, I'd def go .500 something. It is a 1/2" diameter chunk of lead and copper. EASY CHOICE!!!

Nope. Putting it all together.

The 45 will do anything but the 500L can't be beat for its "fun" factor. If you want to save 3 years there is a really nice Linebaugh built 500L for sale on the Ruger forum. Not mine.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=213625

My pet .45 Blackhawk with a 4 5/8 barrel launches the 360gr Oregon Trails at an honest 1247fps. That is using Brian Pierces data and the cases don't stick in the gun. No problem if you want a custom as most of here seem to. Don't forget John Gallegher. He has built some of the slickest revolvers I have seen.

Man, I want a .500 Something in a SA revolver. I just can't stomach the cost of building one. As much as I lust for it.

I inderstand the feel of a singleaction. That said, the 6.5 smith 500 i have is soooo much more versatile. Its not that big of a revolver and not at all oversized like some of the x frames. Ya want 500 plus grains ya got it, ya want 325 gr barnes at 2000 fps ya got that too and everything in between. Which 500
To have was simple for me and i could have it now. No waits

Will it fit in a reasonable sized holster? I've not seen one in person but always hear people talk of how big the frame is. Power and versitility of that cartridge is unrivaled.

Yes it carries no larger than a super redhawk

Here is a pic of my 6 1/2-inch X-frame next to my 6 1/2-inch Model 29. They are exceedingly bulky in my opinion. The picture doesn't convey the weight difference and it really doesn't look like it's too much bigger. Yeah, this is probably the best compromise in barrel length for the .500 S&W, I will have to agree with Tradmark on this point. I've never warmed up to the X-frame. But, there are obviously folks who like them. Keep in mind the desire for more power (More's Law) led to the creation of the .475 and .500 Maximums (Linebaugh Longs -- and the .500 was the cartridge the .500 Smith was based on). Their popularity was short lived as they didn't seem to kill any better but they do recoil a whole lot more, particularly in a package that weighs a bit more than 3-lbs. IMHO, if you need more than a .500 JRH/Linebaugh/WE, you may be in trouble over your head. Again, JMHO.

[quote=Whitworth] IMHO, if you need more than a .500 JRH/Linebaugh/WE, you may be in trouble over your head. Again, JMHO.

That's about the best statement I've read so far concerning the hand cannon.

Ill post a pic next to a super redhawk. Not a huge diff. For any truly mansized hunter ya wont notice imho.

Id ad that if ya feel
Ya need more than a 44 mag or 45
Colt youre in trouble. You may want more but
If ya need more youre screwed cuz it
Means ya cant shoot

[/b]AMEN![b]
then if i was to hunt buff or bigger I would want a rifle no matter how big a handgun i had. jmho not that ive hunted ether. call me chicken if ya want to.

trademark,
Your last comment pushed me to go with the .45LC and load to its true potential. I've pondered the .454 for quite a while, largely due to a guy named Nate Romanowski, but I don't do what he does.

I "pulled the trigger" on a Bisley this morning. Now just have to pay the man and get it here.

Not to put a monkey wrench into this mix but, I chose the JRC .500 because it's big enough to down load to anything else?

And available now!
There was a time when I waited over four years for Richard Heinie to build me a IPSC gun but, I'm 66 now and don't know how much waiting I can stand anymore?
My $.02, Steve

Nice gun. I like the john ross version. I think youll like the 45 colt and most of my 454 loads are hot 45 colt
Loads. I use the 454 for the extra range, that and the fact i like the freedom arms guns they come in. I reload alot but i also shoot alot
Of factory loads. In fact i just seperated out the brass weve shot
Over the last year. 500 smith 500 rounds, about 200 500 jrh rounds. Just over 800 460 smith rounds, 300 45 colt rounds, 400 44 mag rounds and just over 2k 454 rounds. This was just the factory rounds and not our reloads. I think im gonna need a fa 97 in 45 colt. This thread has inspired me.

Mansized hunter?? Hahahaha! Very good! If someone really wants to earn their man-card, I present to you this gem:



Enough horsepower to make even the .500 S&W look like a weak sister, and completely useless -- save for maybe bragging rights! My point is that there really isn't anything a .500 S&W will do that the slightly smaller .500 Linebaugh/JRH/WE will do (it'll get some more velocity, but I don't think it'll kill any better). Plus, single-actions are just much cooler guns (how's that for scientific?).

Whitworth, is that your 50 Alaskan?

Yeah it is. I am actually considering sending it down the road. To effectively use it, it needs to be loaded down. If you load it down, might as well carry something smaller. Don't get me wrong, it's a somewhat "fun" revolver, but it's just WAY too much of a good thing for only weighing 4-lbs.

I bet that sucker kicks like a mule on steroids when you fire off a full power load.

How exactly is the X-frame .500 more "versatile" than a Linebaugh or JRH? Unless you're shooting beyond 125yds all you're really doing is burning up a lot of powder for no good reason. Personally, I prefer something that fits into a belt holster and doesn't weigh 4lbs. A 4lb sixgun that uses way more powder and pressure than necessary doesn't seem very versatile to me.

Tradmark, why the aversion towards cast bullets? Why do you need a .50 caliber bullet to expand?

As for gunsmiths, the reason Reeder's guns cost less is because you get less. He doesn't linebore, he doesn't open the frame window, he doesn't block the action and he never returns original parts. He also polishes his guns like he's mad at them. I've handled several of his guns and tastes regarding "engraving" aside, they are a fair value. However, they do not compare to the works of Bowen, Huntington, Harton, Clements, Stroh, Linebaugh, etc.. The fact that they might have other guys in the shop is irrelevant. They ALL farm out certain chores like bluing, plating, case coloring, reboring, grips and Bowen even buys his cylinder blanks from a 3rd party. Linebaugh may be the originator of the .475 and .500 cartridges that bear his name but he's far from the only game in town and his guns are fairly utilitarian. Options are also limited with Linebaugh. Bowen is typically considered the best but I can find no reason not to lump Huntington in with him. Which is why he is going to build me a .500JRH and not one of those other guys. He also does his own grip work and rust bluing, both of which are fantastic.

And don't forget about John Gallagher. In fact, I believe he makes octagon barrels for Bowen and Clements. The ones with machined in sight base and ERH lug.

X-Frames... I have a good friend who is also my Pastor and Sheep Hunting Partner. He has a 460 X-Frame, 5ish inch barrel. He's got a nice shoulder/chest rig for it and every time I've been with him hiking, fishing or berry picking in bear country with our wives, his wife has to beg him to pack it. He gets tired of that thing hanging off him. It usually ends up IN his backpack or in a gear bag on the raft. And he's not a wimpy guy.

No matter what any guy says, they are bigger/heavier than a lot of other guns that will poke a hole clean through a grizzly or whatever else you want to shoot. If a guy is gonna pack a pistol all day for several days there are better options. At some point that X-Frame is gonna get left behind.

Back to the original poster. Keep your 45 Colt and get a 500L built! I've currently got a 500L build with Gallagher, own a 45Colt and a 454 Redhawks and am already thinking about how I'm gonna swing my next custom. Maybe a Linebaugh built 5 shot 45 Colt with one of his brass Bisley grip frames.

Yes, Gallagher is also excellent, as are a few others I failed to mention.

Brass Bisley grip frame might be tough to come by.

aversion to cast, bc i've seen too many failures. if the small 5 hundreds of inch matter then why wouldn't 5 tenths of an inch. i've just had much much better luck and more impressive results with an expanding bullet but when DG is in the mix, premium non cast are the way to go imho and also in our ph's in africa's book. also the guide i just used in colorado. he doesn't like them either. getting off topic though, but ya asked. if ya want a solid use a monometal or jacketed like a buster.

whit - i may take ya up on the 50 alaskan.

Being the original poster here I'm pretty impressed with the thoughts going on. Whit, I might be interested in buying your cannon just for the kicks. Pun intended,

I'm thinking that I might have my bisley turned into a 5 shot and then I was thinking about buying a bfr in500 jRH and have the grip turned into a bisley. What sense does this all make? I dunno... Sounds good to me anyway. Any thoughts on the bfr?

Thoughts on BFR: Damn good product that is very strong and though is it big, it is packable. Every BFR that I have had experience with has been very accurate and MRI's customer service is excellent.

Great gun. I think nice grips and the grip slimming that jack huntington does is perfect and possibly a trigger job if its not
Up to snuff. Ive had it both ways with the bfr's. Overall very very great accurate guns

Oh, whit, i mentioned the man sized hunter comment only bc my 105
Lb daughter carried her 629 sw 44 mag with red dot for miles in the mountains. I figured most guys could handle a few
More ounces

I know what you meant, just thought it funny.

the bottom is the monster sized handgun my daughter carries and shoots all the time. i figured a nice size comparison is in order here. the middle gun is a srh 454 7.5" gun. no doubt a single action is just a smaller more compact package but i really don't think the x frame version on the top is just that much bigger, never felt it be so when carrying either but ya know, opinions vary.

Should I stand on my head to view that picture??

I've never found my X-frame overly cumbersome. To be fair though, it's the only handgun I've ever carried hunting, and before then I was used to hauling around rifles and shotguns that weighed twice as much and were many times longer than the 460.

Dang. The pic keeps rotating. Thats awesome!!

My 500 Linebaugh by Hamilton Bowen is built on a Redhawk frame with custom micarta grips. My .45 Colts come in Ruger Blackhawk SS Bisley 5.5 inch, Clement converted blue Redhawk 5.5 inch with minimum chamber dimensions and a plain stainless steel Redhawk 5.5 inch. My lightweight models include two S&W N frames: 6 inch Model 25 and 4 inch mountain gun 625. I say build a 500 Linebaugh on any frame you like by any of the gunsmiths listed here. A lighter frame gun requires some restrictions in loads. A Blackhawk or Redhawk in a big bore caliber has reasonable end weight and very little load restrictions, due to cylinder length with a lengthened frame window and an oversize five shot cylinder. A Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger, chopped to 5.5 inches will pretty well do all that's needed and cost a lot less than a custom revolver, in a nice middle of the road big bore package. The 7.5 inch might be short enough to leave as is. There will be lots of sneers I'm sure but the Taurus Raging Bull 480 Ruger 6.5 inch is not really that bad as it is. Weight is a bit heavy at 3.5 lbs but still packable in a shoulder holster. Around 3 lbs seems to be enough weight in a belt gun in my opinion.

Phone pics can throw a wrench in things if the phone orientation is held flat and not decidedly vert or horizontal

Jack Huntington has worked on 4 of my guns and I couldn't be any happier with the work the price or the turn around time, pretty hard to beat I think

I think it's English walnut. Thank you!