Question for 500 Smith & Wesson owners...

[Pablo]

Well, I already decided I need a 500 S&W. I even bought some ammunition last week! I just need to decide which model I want and it's not been easy... BTW this is going to be mostly a hunting revolver.
I want to know from .500 owners, your general impressions/opinions about this revolvers.
Which barrel lenght did you guys choose and why?
If you regret buying it or maybe would choose a different barrel lenght?
And finally how much you paid and where did you buy it?

Thanks for your help guys!

[blacklisted]

Wow, what is that beast on the far left? Looks like about 500 or 600 grains

[Pablo]

Wow, what is that beast on the far left? Looks like about 500 or 600 grains

Close... it's actually 700 grains, guaranteed to kill a Tyrannosaurus!!! ( I just need to find one!!! LOL)
Muzzle velocity = 1200 fps
Muzzle energy = 2240 ft. lbs
Recoil = 64 ft. lbs.
Taylor KO Factor = 60

[bu-bye]

I was watching that show "How to Survive" on Discovery and they were talking about bears and what to do if you run into one. If the SHTF and you have to fight, bring a BIIIIIGGGGG stick. My wife said to me "After watching that you should bring a gun with us when we go hiking."

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!

I told her that my 357mag was a little on the weak side for a bear but I could buy some a little bigger like, oh I don't know S&W 500!! She said OK. So when funds are here I want to start looking for a hand cannon. I''d like to hunt with it like Pablo too. Maybe dear, pigs, elephant, blue whale

[ajwells]

I'm looking into buying one myself and have pretty much the same questions. Thanks for asking them for me, now I just gotta sit back and read the responses.

[Pablo]

Why not a 460? I'm not advocating pro or con, just wondering what you consider to be the pros and cons of 500 versus 460.

Well if I should be honest I have 3 reasons
1.The bigger the better!
2.500 ammunition is easier and cheaper to find and I don't reload at this moment). Ballistic Supply (the company from where I got the 500 ammo) said they are not going to produce 460 ammunition.
3.The bigger the better!

What would you consider 460 over 500?

[Pablo]

I was watching that show "How to Survive" on Discovery and they were talking about bears and what to do if you run into one. If the SHTF and you have to fight, bring a BIIIIIGGGGG stick. My wife said to me "After watching that you should bring a gun with us when we go hiking."

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!

I told her that my 357mag was a little on the weak side for a bear but I could buy some a little bigger like, oh I don't know S&W 500!! She said OK. So when funds are here I want to start looking for a hand cannon. I''d like to hunt with it like Pablo too. Maybe dear, pigs, elephant, blue whale

Ahh... I remember that show! it's the one about the 700 lbs Kodiac bear attack, right?
Bu, Taurus is going launch this year their own line of 500 (S&W) revolvers. One that got my attention comes with a 2 1/2 inch barrel! It would be more discreet and easy to carry in your hiking trips that present models with 6" or larger barrel lengths. The downside is it would be extremely uncomfortable to shoot with some heavy loads

[jp.cherokee]

I've got the 4-inch 500 and love it. I do not hunt just like blowing up things and it does it "VERY WELL". I too get my ammo from Ballistic Supplies, good people. I shoot everything from 300 to 700 gr rounds.
Here is my little buddy at the range.

and the look on my friends face afterwards.

Don't worry, no more bullets...
And believe it or not the recoil is not ALL that bad, The 500 has great grips and the compensator works wonders...

[saki302]

Pesonally, I like the 6.5" barreled performance center gun. The balance is right and the trigger is a little better. The 8" guns are a bit muzzle heavy.

I don't know about a 2 1/2" .500- you'd be wasting most of your power. I'd say 4" minimum for that caliber. I'd rather have a scandium .44 in 4" than a 2" .500. You'd be surprised how similar the size will be, and how much lighter (and harder to shoot) the .44 is.

If S&W makes a scandium .500, I'm there!

-Dave

[Pablo]

Pesonally, I like the 6.5" barreled performance center gun. The balance is right and the trigger is a little better. The 8" guns are a bit muzzle heavy.

I don't know about a 2 1/2" .500- you'd be wasting most of your power. I'd say 4" minimum for that caliber. I'd rather have a scandium .44 in 4" than a 2" .500. You'd be surprised how similar the size will be, and how much lighter (and harder to shoot) the .44 is.

If S&W makes a scandium .500, I'm there!

-Dave

Thank you for your response saki, so far I think I'm going to get the Performance Center Version with the 7 1/2 inch barrel. But I still want to hear from some others opinions.

[lunde]

I have the 7.5-inch PC version. Here is a photo of it when it arrived:



Considering the work done to the PC versions, such as an outstanding trigger, it is a bargain. I mounted a scope (a Leupold FX-II 4x28) last weekend, using Warne Maxima rings. It's almost ready to enjoy.

In terms of a hunting load, the new Hornady 300gr Evolution (the third one, from the left, shown in the photo above), would be an outstanding choice.

[lunde]

If you're looking for a great deal on a 7.5-inch PC version, NIB, contact these people: http://www.woodburyoutfitters.com/cg...p51/cp-app.cgi

I paid $995 or $999 (plus shipping) for mine. That place has three for sale on GunBroker right now. Search for "500 7.5" there to find them.

[Pablo]

If you're looking for a great deal on a 7.5-inch PC version, NIB, contact these people: http://www.woodburyoutfitters.com/cg...p51/cp-app.cgi

I paid $995 or $999 (plus shipping) for mine. That place has three for sale on GunBroker right now. Search for "500 7.5" there to find them.

We have a winner! After looking at your pic I decide I want the PC version! Thank you for your help!

[DrjonesUSA]

I have the 7.5-inch PC version. Here is a photo of it when it arrived:



Considering the work done to the PC versions, such as an outstanding trigger, it is a bargain. I mounted a scope (a Leupold FX-II 4x28) last weekend, using Warne Maxima rings. It's almost ready to enjoy.

In terms of a hunting load, the new Hornady 300gr Evolution (the third one, from the left, shown in the photo above), would be an outstanding choice.

Good Lord, that thing is GORGEOUS!!!

Dr. Lunde, I think you just spent $1000.00 for me!!

Question: What is the purpose of an unfluted cylinder?

Also, what sort of finish is that? How does it seem to wear?

[apexpredator]

That PC 7.5 is a work of art!