50 Caliber Hand Cannon

Published on August 24, 2025
Duration: 18:31

This guide details techniques for safely managing the extreme recoil of a custom .50 Alaskan chambered in a Thompson/Center Encore. It covers the 'Crusher' grip and a specific thumb-over grip for off-hand shooting, emphasizing how these methods, combined with a muzzle brake, help control the powerful .50 Alaskan cartridge. The video also showcases the impressive terminal ballistics of Lehigh Defense's 725-grain controlled fracturing bullet.

Quick Summary

Managing the extreme recoil of a .50 Alaskan handgun, like the custom Thompson/Center Encore, involves specialized techniques such as the 'Crusher' grip and a thumb-over grip for off-hand shooting. These methods, combined with a muzzle brake, help control the powerful cartridge, while Lehigh Defense's 725-grain controlled fracturing bullet demonstrates exceptional terminal ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .50 Alaskan Hand Cannon
  2. 00:18History of T/C Handgun Hunting
  3. 01:03The .50 Alaskan Cartridge & J.D. Jones
  4. 02:23Baseline Shooting: .44 Magnum
  5. 04:13Accuracy Testing: .50 Alaskan
  6. 07:15Lehigh Defense Bullet Design
  7. 09:07Off-hand Shooting Comparison
  8. 11:46Terminal Ballistics: Water and Gel
  9. 16:50Terminal Ballistics: Concrete Blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What techniques are recommended for managing the recoil of a .50 Alaskan handgun?

The video demonstrates the 'Crusher' grip, where the support hand wraps over the top of the grip frame, and a specific thumb-over grip for off-hand shooting. These, along with a muzzle brake, help control the substantial recoil of the .50 Alaskan in a T/C Encore.

What makes the Lehigh Defense .50 Alaskan 725gr bullet unique?

This bullet features pre-cut fracturing petals designed to separate upon impact. This design creates multiple wound channels and maximizes tissue damage, contributing to the impressive terminal ballistics observed in tests.

How does the Thompson/Center Encore platform facilitate large caliber handguns?

The Encore, evolving from the Contender, was designed to handle larger, rifle-sized cartridges. Introduced in 1997, its robust break-action single-shot design allows it to be chambered in powerful calibers like the .50 Alaskan.

Who is J.D. Jones and what is his connection to the .50 Alaskan?

J.D. Jones of SSK Firearms is recognized as a key figure, often called the 'godfather' of hand cannons. He was instrumental in the development and popularization of wildcat cartridges like the .50 Alaskan for handgun use.

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