Most Powerful Pistol

[Relic shooter]

My original Napoleonic period .69 cal. French smoothbore pistol may not be the largest big bore BP handgun but it served me well at rendezvous shoots when I was younger & bringing down grouse while BP hunting..

 

[cynthialee]

howdah pistols are the way to go ... if you find yourself astride an elephant and you are under attack by a tiger. But you have seconds to dispatch that cat.

Don't know many people with an actual need of such a pistol.

Couldn't get me to pull the trigger on one unless it was a priority in the moment. I know my limits.

I am happy with a simple revolver. But if I ever go big cat hunting on an elephant I suspect a howdah would be in order.

 

[Stantheman86]

I remember an article many years ago in Shotgun News with British big bore percussion revolvers by Tranter and other gun makers. They were popular with British Officers in India in calibers like .58 . I remember the cylinders being enormous. Maybe not outright "powerful" but throwing I presume a .58 solid base bullet with even a 30 grain charge is going to be a stopper.

 

[granth]

Nope. These babies are available from 12mm to 30mm bores. 30mm would be 1.18 inch bore.

View attachment 145047

Perfect for conceal carry!

 

[morehops52]

My Lyman,54 loaded with 80 grains FF is kinda like a really short carbine. Hang on tight....

80 gr in a handgun sounds like a spectator sport to me