For a little bison hunting, that is. Not only have I wanted to go buffalo hunting since I read about it in my history books, but I’ve also wanted to visit Wyoming for a while now.
Now, I’m not sure if a .500 S&W Magnum from a rifle is enough gun for buffalo, but it seems like it ought to get the job done.
Now to convince the Mrs. that I really do “need” to go to Wyoming…
Compare the ballistics of the .500 S&W from a rifle to those of a Sharps big 50 and you will be reassured.
I am sure the revolver could bring down a buffalo, but do you really want to get that close to an animal know for stampeding at a whim. I would get something with a bit more range and take down. LIke a .444 marlin ,.375 H&H or a .416 Rigby. This way you can be more than 50 yards away. Personally, I like the lever action of the .444 Marlin. Good luck with the hunt, buffalo is real tasty.
I wouldn’t try it with a revolver in that caliber; I’m thinking something along the lines of an Encore or a Handi-Rifle.
Many a buff was taken with the rainbow gun. You know the .45-70. So I think the .50 cal would do the job.
However, I don’t think you will enjoy your buffalo (bison) hunt. The animals are selected by Park Rangers and Wildlife Officers to be thinned from the herd to maintain the optimum population for the range and highest health of the herd. They are then penned. Shooters must win a drawing to be able to shoot them. They are shot while penned and due to the lack of expertise of many of the shooters, some need multiple hits to put them down. Suffering all the time from first wounding.
Nothing about it is sporting or humane or hunting. That’s the government run program, I am not aware of any free range real hunts, but as I haven’t hunted since 1972 I could be out of date. Their may be some game farms that sell such hunts. However, beware, some of these stake out animals for the “hunters”. Some exotic game farms in Texas got in a lot of trouble for just that 10 or 15 years ago.
If you can get a real hunt, go for it. Not trying to rain on your parade, just wanted to you to know what to watch for.