Opinions on the Smith and Wesson 500 magnum

I'd like to querry members of this board on their opinions on the S&W 500, specifically the trimmed 6 1/2 barreled version. Sort of looks like an oversided Model 29.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/s...playErrorView_Y

I know it is big and I have handled them at gunshops but I would really like some first hand accounts of this gun. I figure I could get the straight story. Thanks.

thats the one i have, it handles quite nicely but it doesn't kill anything better than my "smaller" guns so it doesn't get much use. helluva caliber but dead is dead.

Trademark, what's the recoil like compared to your other calibers?

I had the same one. Even loaded heavily, I have a few revolvers that kick harder by virtue of their lighter weight -- much lighter weight, I might add.

I had the snubby:



It was a "handful." After using it and shooting it for several months, I sold it.

Good concept; but I felt I didn't "need" it.

I had the longer barreled one and the 460. I sold both because they weighed as much as an encore with alot less versatility and at revolver ranges I'd rather be shooting a gun that will fit in a hip or crossdraw belt holster. In other words they defeated the reason I got into hunting with revolvers. If I'm shooting long range then I break out the Encore.

I had the .500(8 3/8) and .460 PC(10 1/2)and highly preferred the .460, until I got a T/C Encore .460 w/15" SSK barrel. Everything else then went up for sale.

I've never owned the 500, but have shot it multiple times. I looked at it long and hard when I bought my first 460. I took the 460 cause of the versatility (shoots 45lc, 454, and 460). Also, my hunting area offers 200+ yard shots on elk occasionaly, and I didn't want to be wishing I had the ability to take that shot. So I went with the 460.

MOST of the time, my critters are within 50 - 100 yards, but I just KNOW that the first time I leave that 460 Hunter home, Goliath will step out at 175 yards and I'll just have to watch him walk.

Recoil wasn't as intimidating in the 500 as some would have you think. I shot some full house loads, and although you wouldn't want to shoot them all day, they can be shot accurately.

I had the 4" and loved shooting it-nice mini-explosion in ur hands. I was shooting 535gr cast bullets. But like others said it was more of a toy than anything i actually hunted with..had to sell to pay taxes few yrs back. I love the round though-have an encorte barrel and its a blast to shoot

I have never fired one but I did get to feel the 8 3/8 inch model and it was suprisingly nimble in the hands it felt good

I have the 8 3/8" version. It is wonderfully accurate and depending on the load the recoil ranges from controllable almost pleasant to horrendous. For my everyday hunting load I use 350 gr XTP bullets loaded to 1500-1600 fps. With that load I have taken a number of deer and hogs, all with one shot. Having said that, it really is a specialty round that is at its best on the largest of game at less than 75 yards.

I enjoy mine and it's always fun when I take it out and everyone around me wants to know all about it, some even want to shoot it, not many, but some.

I love mine but, it is a JRC 5"er.

Steve

i have 3 500's love'em...accurate and powerful. If you have trouble with .44 recoil dont waste your time with a 500...if your like big guns with lots of recoil, join the club.