The Freedoms Arms gun in 4 3/4 inch barrel looks very nice. I have absolutely no need for a gun like this but when did need have anything to do with it! Does anyone have any experience with this gun and this cartridge? For a person who can handle a 44 mag handgun does it pose a challenge to fire the gun with normal loads? Thanks. JimmyP

Sorta....

I have a very similar cartrigde, the .500 JRH, in a Magnum Research 5-shot revolver. It may be in production right now; mine was a prototype.

The .500 JRH was designed for conversions on Freedom Arms revolvers, by gunsmith Jack Huntington. However, FA decided to go with their own cartridge. The JRH is basically a shortened .500 S&W case, with a smaller diameter rim.

With the .500 JRH you can run 400 grain bullets (and a bit heavier) up to 1400fps or so, depending on barrel length. I'm pretty sure that the .500 WE would be pretty close to that.

Cost..... If Magnum Research has gotten tooled up for the .500 JRH, it should be quite a bit less expensive than a brand new Freedom Arms. For better or for worse, the MR gun is basically a transfer-bar 5-shot Ruger action. The FA is more of the colt-style lockwork (don't carry cartridge under the hammer).

As far as recoil goes.... it wasn't too bad. I've got some of the 'light' .500 JRH factory loads (440gr. bullets rated at 950fps) and they were REAL close to my 300gr. / 1200fps handloads in one of my .45 Ruger Bisleys.

As far as effectiveness.... see the (long) thread in General Discussion, "882 ft-lbs...."

Let's just say that the bison is delicious!

Hope that helps.... yes, FA guns are very nice indeed.