What is the Biggest Handgun?
When it comes to handguns, size is often a crucial factor in determining their effectiveness and usability. While most handguns are designed to be compact and portable, there are some exceptions that push the boundaries of what is considered a "handgun." In this article, we’ll explore what is considered the biggest handgun and what makes it so unique.
What is a Handgun?
Before we dive into the biggest handgun, let’s define what a handgun is. A handgun is a type of firearm that is designed to be held and fired with one hand. It typically has a barrel that is shorter than 24 inches (61 cm) and is intended for self-defense, hunting, or target shooting.
The Biggest Handgun: The Maxim Gun
The biggest handgun ever made is the Vickers-Maxim Machine Gun, also known as the Maxim Gun. Designed by Sir Hiram Maxim in the late 19th century, this behemoth of a handgun is over 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and weighs a whopping 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms).
Here are some key features of the Maxim Gun:
- Caliber:.50 caliber (12.7 mm)
- Barrel length: 30 inches (76 cm)
- Muzzle velocity: 1,500 feet per second (457 m/s)
- Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
- Weight: 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms)
The Maxim Gun was designed to be a heavy machine gun, capable of firing rapid bursts of ammunition. It was used extensively during World War I and was particularly effective in trench warfare, where its heavy firepower could be used to devastating effect.
Other Large Handguns
While the Maxim Gun is the largest handgun ever made, there are other large handguns that are worth mentioning. Here are a few examples:
- Desert Eagle: The Desert Eagle is a semi-automatic pistol that is known for its large size and powerful recoil. It has a 12-inch (30 cm) barrel and weighs 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms).
- Colt Python: The Colt Python is a large-frame revolver that is designed for hunting and target shooting. It has a 6-inch (15 cm) barrel and weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms).
- FN Five-seveN: The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol that is designed for military and law enforcement use. It has a 6-inch (15 cm) barrel and weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms).
Table: Comparison of Large Handguns
| Handgun | Barrel Length | Weight | Caliber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxim Gun | 30 inches | 35 pounds | .50 caliber |
| Desert Eagle | 12 inches | 5 pounds | .50 caliber |
| Colt Python | 6 inches | 3.5 pounds | .45 caliber |
| FN Five-seveN | 6 inches | 3.5 pounds | 5.7x28mm |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the biggest handgun ever made is the Vickers-Maxim Machine Gun, which is over 5 feet long and weighs 35 pounds. While it is not a handgun in the classical sense, it is a powerful and effective weapon that was used extensively during World War I. Other large handguns, such as the Desert Eagle, Colt Python, and FN Five-seveN, are also worth mentioning. These handguns are designed for hunting, target shooting, and military use, and are known for their large size and powerful recoil.
