I own a DE in .50ae, a Taurus M44 with a 8 3/8" barrel, and a Taurus PT845, I think all 3 qualify for the "hand cannon" status. all 3 are a blast
to shoot. (literaly) and I carry all 3 of them as a personal defence gun. (not at the same time) and these are my pros and cons for each:
DE .50AE Pros:
1. the .50ae load is a beast! The thing was designed to defeat vehicles! (and it does)
2. the psychological factor. When you carry a DE 50, you feel like the terminator crossed with robocop. I know it sounds nuts, but when you feel like
that, people will think twice about messing with you, due to the attitude that you put forward.
3. The damn thing is built like a tank! I have put 1000's of rounds thru it and no problems, jams, stovepipes, etc...(and I train and shoot in every
conceivable angle and way to practice for real life)
DE .50AE Cons:
1. The gun weighs a ton! Even more when loaded! (I suggest, a shoulder holster, or suspenders, if you want to keep your pants up.)
2. The .50AE loads are kind of hard to find. I mean, you probabily wont walk into your local gun store and just pick a box off the shelf.
3. The .50AE loads are rather expensive. The cheapest ones that I have found are $21 USD for a box of 20 rounds.
4. Only 7 rounds per mag.
Taurus M44 Pros:
1. The size. This thing looks like Dirty Harry designed it.
2. Magna Ports. Barrel porting that reduces muzzle flip.
3. Its a .44 Magnum! This gun will stop almost anything this side of a freight train! Especially when loaded with 300 grain HP's
Taurus M44 Cons:
1. The .44 Mag load is pretty expensive as well. (about $14 USD for a box of 20, 300 Gr. HP's)
Taurus PT845 Pros:
1. Rather easy to conceal.
2. Very Reliable
3. 12 rounds of .45ACP
Taurus PT845 Cons:
1. .45 ACP is pricey as well ($21 USD for a box of 50 rds.)
2. Limited accessory market
These are my picks for hand cannons, all are good guns and all will give good service. The main thing is to pick a gun that you feel comfortable with
and makes you feel good.
Good luck to you.