i got my 4" 500 mag for cheap at a gun show in atlanta ga. it is hands down the most exciting and fun to shoot handgun i have ever owned. i heard and saw all the "horror" stories but i tell you what, the first time i shot mine i was surprised how well it handled. sure it's a big boom and a handfull but just hold onto it like ant other handgun. i have replaced the "absorbothane" grip with an aftermarket wood grip with the same size and shape as the factory grip. the wood grip is the only grip i have ever shot this gun with. my choice to replace the grip comes from wanting to carry this gun as a personal defense weapon. the rubber grip was always getting caught on my jacket or the seat in the truck or something. with the wood grip it just slides right over everything. btw, my 500 mag is the gun that got me started reloading because of the high cost of commercial cartidges for this gun.

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s&w 500 magnum, "sweeeet"!!!