lavaspit said:
Yes, I realize without a buttstock that s a pistol. Im talking about a handgun in the traditional sense that takes a 556 round. Similar to the FN mentioned above.
Nothing yet...the 357 Magnum is about the largest from a dimenson standpoint that fits in what could be called a "hand"gun.
There are others, but they are revolvers, and usually rare one-offs at that.
magnum Research 45-70 revolver for example.
someone made a prototype 50BMG "handgun" at one time, too.
The 5.56 is a pretty long cartridge for a handgun. You're talking 45mm in case length, compared to the 5.7x28mm...
The 5.56 has an overall length of 57.4mm....
A 357 Magnum round is 40mm overall and exhibits nowhere near the pressures and forces of the 5.56 x45 which is a true rifle round.