I went through a similar process a couple of years ago, and almost got a 50th year S&W for 50 Bday .....but held out for a 50 BMG. Looking back on it....50BMG was a good call. I ended up with an Armalite AR50 , and over the past year, have had a blast with it, sharing it with friends and family and fellow shooters at the range. Everyone loves to shoot it, and have some pics with it and a band of linked ammo over their shoulder. Being able to drop an engine block at 1500 yds. ain't a bad thing these days as well...