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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 01-19-2012, 09:08 PM
Wild Tom Hickok Wild Tom Hickok is offline
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Default 500 magnum

I have been contemplating getting a S&W 500 mag
Smith and Wesson 500 500SW Mag, 8 3/8, High Viz Sights - Impact Guns
and I have been wondering what other owners might think of this gun. Is it enjoyable to shoot at the range?
thanks
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Old 01-19-2012, 09:12 PM
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Just do it!

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Old 01-19-2012, 09:24 PM
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I was at one of our local (OKC) ranges last Friday. There were three young men shooting a S&W 500 Mag three lanes down from me. All l gotta say is... WOW! What a report! Every time they shot it everybody in 16 lanes jumped. It would take a small donkey to tote the brass alone. I want one...
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Old 01-19-2012, 10:05 PM
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Go for it! With the caveat, you should have some experience with heavy-recoiling revolvers under you belt before you step up to the 500.

I just got one (xmas x frame, present to myself), and I've only managed to get out to the range once with it. I will confess that I did not do my best shooting with it, maybe it was an excess of adrenaline But, I certainly enjoyed shooting it, and look forward to becoming as competent with it as I am with my other guns. There is something about hurling an oz. of lead downrange that is gratifying, at least when you hit your target!
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Old 01-19-2012, 10:26 PM
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Go for it!
I bought the 6.5" barrel the 1st of the year. It's an all purpose piece! Great for hunting anything. Really fun at the range. It makes heads turn when you shoot it. That's how I got interested. A guy at the range was using one next to me and it scared me half to death when he touched it off. He let me shoot a round and I left saying I have to have one. In single action my groups are very tight. Double action not so much. There is a big difference in the 350 grain vs 500 grain ammo. The 350 grain I can shoot all day. I got a box of 500Gr Hornaday JHP last week and was able to get to the range 2 days ago. Man what a beast. You need to hang on with that! Oh and it is a really nice piece. And it's a S&W. I personally liked the 6.5" better because I like the looks of a half lug more than the full of the 8 3/8" and it's a little easier to handle...and..
Go for it!
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Old 01-19-2012, 11:04 PM
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Default come on in, the waters fine


deer hunt with mine here in indiana. I love it

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Old 01-19-2012, 11:26 PM
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I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?
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Old 01-19-2012, 11:34 PM
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i have a 500mag.from the S&W performance center...i also use a scope on it...lots of fun at the range...hunting with it so far i have taken several boars,a mouflon ram,4-horn ram,and merino ram...lots of fun!
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Old 01-20-2012, 12:05 AM
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I had the 8 3/8 and found it to be kinda' big, I was very accurate but just oversized...

I sold it and got the 4" and it is awsome! It cost me 300fps, but that is a small trade-off to have a gun that I can carry and I seem to able to shoot it as well as the 8"...That being said, ANY 500 is better than no 500

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Old 01-20-2012, 12:08 AM
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Do IT! My 8-3/8 shoots WAY nicer and is easier on the hand than my 44mag Ruger. My 4" S&W is slightly more unruly, but still nicer to shoot than the 44.



That price is slightly higher for a NIB than it should be, but you may have to wait a while to find one cheaper.
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Old 01-20-2012, 05:53 PM
Wild Tom Hickok Wild Tom Hickok is offline
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I pick mine up tomorrow. I found a good deal on a new one, locally, and I will be the owner of it tomorrow, GW. I don't have a lot of experience on what to look at when I pick it up, and maybe somebody could give me a couple tips. It's a brand new gun, so I don't expect any major issues. Although my two smiths I own right now both had to be sent in for repairs a week after I brought them home. I'm a little nervous, and can't wait til everything is a-ok.
WTH
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Old 01-20-2012, 06:02 PM
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Some guidelines for checking things out. Not everything applies across the board from Ruger to Colt to S&W, etc, but it is a pretty good guide.

Revolver Checkout Procedure

Also here, updated:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...4NzM2&hl=en_US
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Old 01-20-2012, 07:16 PM
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The 500 is probably the most scrutinized and debated S&W handgun in modern history... Arguably it is probably the best designed and the strongest framed production double action revolver ever created. Like many others on this board I own one and I love it!

It is not, however, a gun and a caliber intended for everyone's use. They can have substantial recoil, an extraordinary noise report, be rather bulky for carry, and be a very expensive gun to shoot if the owner doesn't reload.

No regular production handgun compares to it as an effective hunting tool. No regular production handgun delivers the energy a 500 can provide. No other regular production handgun can provide the one shot confidence in a life threatening situation.

I would suggest to anyone thinking of buying a 500 consider all the above issues and evaluate their tolerance for all these issues before they buy. Actually shooting a friends 500 would confirm your decision.

After over 35 years of successful hunting with S&W 41 and 44 Mags, I switched to a 6.5" 500 and I'm happy with that decision. I chose the 6.5 because of the compromise sight radius and that barrel lengths comfort of carry in a shoulder holster.

Again, I would strongly suggest to any potential owner they seriously consider their tolerance for all these issues before they make a purchase. If I were buying a new 500 today I would look seriously at the John Ross 500 with its 5" non-compensated barrel. Whatever you choose they are fine, tough firearms and worthy of their earned status in the S&W line-up....

JMHO

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Old 01-20-2012, 07:40 PM
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^^^^^^^^
Well done, Sir!
Excellent summary!
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Old 01-20-2012, 07:41 PM
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Thanks, great info.
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Old 01-20-2012, 08:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Tom Hickok View Post
I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?
Thank you for causing me to shoot hot coffee out of my nose!! LOL!

I had the opportunity to fire a cylinder out of a friends 4" (with compensator) 500 recently.. I positively LOVED it! It really wasn't as nasty to shoot as I anticipated. It seemed just a wee bit more sharp than my 6.5" 629 Classic (.44mag). I'm sure the compensator is to be credited for that..

An X-Frame is on my gotta have list, but I am leaning more toward the 460 in 8-3/8"... Not because I want to fire 454s an 45LC's out of it, but it IS the fastest, flattest, farthest shooting of all production handguns. Before you guys slap me down over that, I realize a 500 can be handloaded to very close to 460 ballistics, I just like the 460... But when it comes time to start seriously shopping, it will come down to what kind of deals I can find.. If I end up finding a killer deal on the 5-hundie I will certainly go for that..

But yeah, congrats and I am jealous!!
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Old 01-20-2012, 08:59 PM
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Man, one of these days I need to get to shoot a 6.5.
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Old 01-20-2012, 09:11 PM
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I realize a 500 can be handloaded to very close to 460 ballistics, I just like the 460)
Close to .460 ballistics?? The .500 has more powder capacity and can certainly outdo the .460 PARTICULARLY if you seat the slugs out to use that case capacity. Not just my opinion but that of John Ross as well. Don
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Old 01-20-2012, 09:24 PM
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Very well then. What little I am aware of in regards to the handloading potential of the 500 is from what I read about here on S&W forum. I'm not a handloader myself, but get my ammo reloaded by an FFL licensed ammo manufacturer and he doesn't do anything beyond established specs with ammo he sells or reloads for customers. I knew they could be close, but did not know they could exceed the 460 ballistics. Thanks for the correction..

Makes me wonder what the 460 is capable with custom loading..
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Old 01-21-2012, 12:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dooman View Post
Very well then. What little I am aware of in regards to the handloading potential of the 500 is from what I read about here on S&W forum. I'm not a handloader myself, but get my ammo reloaded by an FFL licensed ammo manufacturer and he doesn't do anything beyond established specs with ammo he sells or reloads for customers. I knew they could be close, but did not know they could exceed the 460 ballistics. Thanks for the correction..

Makes me wonder what the 460 is capable with custom loading..
My comment wasn't in any way intended to dump on the .460. Being second fiddle to the king of the hill is no insult.

If I wanted to do long range handgun hunting, I'd use a .460 with a bipod and scope. Don
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Old 01-21-2012, 09:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dooman View Post
Very well then. What little I am aware of in regards to the handloading potential of the 500 is from what I read about here on S&W forum. I'm not a handloader myself, but get my ammo reloaded by an FFL licensed ammo manufacturer and he doesn't do anything beyond established specs with ammo he sells or reloads for customers. I knew they could be close, but did not know they could exceed the 460 ballistics. Thanks for the correction..

Makes me wonder what the 460 is capable with custom loading..
The handloaded .460 isn't much different than factory offerings because factory .460 ammo is already loaded to an OAL that almost fills the cylinder. Factory .500 ammo is not, with the exception of some types of ammo produced by small companies like Ballistic Supply.

The .500 has more case capacity and a bigger bore than the .460, and it operates at almost exactly the same pressure. That means it can do things the .460 can't IF YOU WANT IT TO, such as delivering 35%-40% more muzzle energy than the .460.
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Old 01-21-2012, 09:28 AM
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For the OP, it would behoove you to read this thread and view the links therein:

Advice for new and would-be .500 S&W Magnum shooters...

The search engine is your friend...
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Old 01-21-2012, 10:31 AM
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Lots of good info regarding the recoil power and brute force of the .500 that new buyers need to know before buying.
Heres the S&W 6 1/2" .500 and the John Ross S&W Performance Center 5" .500.

Both are great shooters and very accurate.
You can shoot all day with either the 325gr & 350gr. Going to 400gr and 440gr isn't too bad either, but the 500gr and up is a bit different story, but still fun to shoot.
If you're used to fireing the .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, .475 Linebaugh and others, then the .500 will be no problem.
Go for it !



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Old 01-21-2012, 11:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Tom Hickok View Post
I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?
LMAO - That's like comparing a 1974 Chevy Vega to a 2012 Porsche !
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Old 01-21-2012, 12:16 PM
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I bought one of the very early 8 3/8" 500s in '02 or 03, right after they came out, and a 4" a couple of years later. I've shot both extensively, handload for them (the only way to go unless you either don't want to shoot much, or are quite wealthy), chronographed them, hunted with them and carried them. Great guns.

If I didn't have these two, I'd be inclined to get the 6 1/2" or the John Ross 5", probably the latter.

I do find that the 4" with the larger interchangeable comp actually recoils less than the 8 3/8" with the integral smaller comp. I imagine one of the newer 8 3/8" guns with the interchangeable comp like the one posted by the OP are even more comfortable to shoot, that style of comp is pretty clearly more effective in reducing recoil IMHO. But the muzzle-blast of the 4" (really a 3" with a 1" comp) is something else with heavy loads. I torched a few off as dusk was coming on one time and was seeing spots for hours afterward.
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Old 01-21-2012, 12:21 PM
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I just bought a 500 last weekend (got a great deal at a gun show). I'm absolutely happy with my purchase, but haven't had the opportunity to shoot it yet. Congrats on your purchase!
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Old 01-21-2012, 01:27 PM
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My 500 was my first ever revolver!! Probably not the best one to start with, but I have no complaints. I've reloaded everything from 300gr up to 700gr bullits for it and flat out love shooting them all!!

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Old 01-21-2012, 01:46 PM
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Just picked it up this morning, and all I have to say is, WOW!!! This is a revolver on "steroids". I have my 686-6" in the photos for comparison, and the size difference is incredible. The case it comes in looks like it belongs to a break-down rifle, LOL. It is even more size contrasting when seeing it for real, in your hand. I used the tips given in this thread to help me out at the GS, and thankfully, there don't appear to be any problems. This gun is simply a "brute". I can't wait to shoot it, as I plan on reloading my own rounds. If any of you have some pet loads, and care to share them, I'd be interested. I load my own 357mags myself and find it rather comfortable when using W296. My 357 really barks when I shoot it, and I'm looking for bigger barks with this gun. Thanks for all the "valuable" info that you folks put into this thread, it really helped me out. I will surely post shooting results when that happens.
Thanks again,
Tom

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Old 01-21-2012, 01:49 PM
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Wow, I didn't know you could still get the one without the interchangeable compensator. Grats on the new toy, have fun and be safe. Oh, and be prepared for others to want to come over and ogle/shoot it when you are at the range!
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Old 01-21-2012, 02:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Tom Hickok View Post
Just picked it up this morning, and all I have to say is, WOW!!! ...
Congratulations!
Yep, they are pretty awesome beasts when you first get one in hand. I think you're gonna like it!
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Old 01-21-2012, 02:03 PM
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Yes, I was aware of that, but I couldn't pass up the deal I got. It was $200 dollars less then the "popular" outlet store near by. I have heard pros and cons to the effectiveness of the other compensator, but would be willing to hear from those who have shot both.
Tom
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Old 01-21-2012, 02:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by freedom 475 View Post
I had the 8 3/8 and found it to be kinda' big, I was very accurate but just oversized...

I sold it and got the 4" and it is awsome! It cost me 300fps, but that is a small trade-off to have a gun that I can carry and I seem to able to shoot it as well as the 8"...That being said, ANY 500 is better than no 500
Well said! The 500 is a great gun once you get to know it. One of the best handgun purchases I have ever made.
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Old 01-21-2012, 02:44 PM
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Quote:
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I torched a few off as dusk was coming on one time and was seeing spots for hours afterward.
ROFL !
You too -------------------
Total darkness and I could barely see my target, then all I remember seeing were my hands and the cylinder & hammer !
Did kinna make me feel like a movie star with all the bright flash bulbs going off afterwards -------------------

"CONGRATS" Tom on you're new .500 !
QUOTE: My 357 really barks when I shoot it, and I'm looking for bigger barks with this gun.

You now own the Big Dog on the block, the rest will be staying on the porch !

The 8 3/8" one is my next in line to get.



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Old 01-21-2012, 03:40 PM
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Nice! I particularly like your side by side pics of the 686 with the 500... And I thought my 629 Classic made my 686 look small! That 5-Hundie really puts it in perspective...
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Old 01-21-2012, 03:46 PM
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There's not a nickel's worth of difference between the two different comps when comparing 8 3/8" guns.
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Old 01-21-2012, 03:55 PM
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Quote:
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deer hunt with mine here in indiana. I love it

vic3620
Whose mount is that and is it SS or aluminum?
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Old 01-21-2012, 10:14 PM
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They still make that version?
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Old 01-21-2012, 10:24 PM
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They still make that version?
Yes, last time I looked. Don
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  #39  
Old 01-22-2012, 10:57 AM
vic3620 vic3620 is offline
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Default scope mount

John, That is a stainless mount from weigand.

Scope Mounts Weaver Style Base Weigand
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  #40  
Old 01-22-2012, 11:19 AM
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John Ross John Ross is offline
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Originally Posted by Wild Tom Hickok View Post
I have a S&W 686 6" 6 shot 357magnum, and I love shooting it. I just wondered if I'll notice the difference between the 357 and the 500?
You might...
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Old 01-22-2012, 11:26 AM
44Steve 44Steve is offline
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You have to have it. Its a lot of fun.
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Old 01-22-2012, 05:49 PM
redcat11 redcat11 is offline
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The .500 mag is an awesome cartridge and fun to shoot, makes people turn and look at the range.
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Old 01-22-2012, 06:59 PM
rck281 rck281 is offline
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I'm not knocking the S&W 500 Mag as it's an excellent gun but I found it just too heavy. I like a handgun I can actually carry and it was just too heavy for me. I bought a Freedom Arms Model 83 in 454 Casull and like it much better. However, as it is a much lighter gun, I think the recoil is even heavier than the 500 and it's not as powerful. I guess you pay your money and takes your choice. I like them both, they're just different.
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Old 01-23-2012, 01:09 PM
Wild Tom Hickok Wild Tom Hickok is offline
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I just got off the phone with Berry's bullets and they told me their 500 S&W 350gr RS plated bullet can be used up to "2000 fps".
This seems awful high for a plated bullet, but that's what they told me. Please reaffirm what they told me with your understanding.
thanks, WTH
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Old 01-23-2012, 04:33 PM
DonD DonD is offline
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Originally Posted by rck281 View Post
I'm not knocking the S&W 500 Mag as it's an excellent gun but I found it just too heavy. I like a handgun I can actually carry and it was just too heavy for me. I bought a Freedom Arms Model 83 in 454 Casull and like it much better. However, as it is a much lighter gun, I think the recoil is even heavier than the 500 and it's not as powerful. I guess you pay your money and takes your choice. I like them both, they're just different.
For a belt holster I would certainly agree with you. I bought a unused, cast off Uncle Mike's chest rig and you hardly know the .500 is in it when you're walking and it doesn't catch on underbrush like a belt holster does. Don
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Old 01-23-2012, 08:13 PM
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I can neither confirm nor deny that Berry's bullets can be used up to 2,000 fps. I posit that they can, but I personally don't consider it advisable. I am not a ballistics guy so I have no science to cite here, but intuitively I would decline to load a plated bullet that hot.
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Old 01-23-2012, 08:51 PM
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Go for it!
I bought the 6.5" barrel the 1st of the year. It's an all purpose piece! Great for hunting anything. Really fun at the range. It makes heads turn when you shoot it. That's how I got interested. A guy at the range was using one next to me and it scared me half to death when he touched it off. He let me shoot a round and I left saying I have to have one. In single action my groups are very tight. Double action not so much. There is a big difference in the 350 grain vs 500 grain ammo. The 350 grain I can shoot all day. I got a box of 500Gr Hornaday JHP last week and was able to get to the range 2 days ago. Man what a beast. You need to hang on with that! Oh and it is a really nice piece. And it's a S&W. I personally liked the 6.5" better because I like the looks of a half lug more than the full of the 8 3/8" and it's a little easier to handle...and..
Go for it!
I like the way the 6.5'' bbl. looks too I need one of those!
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Old 01-25-2012, 07:35 PM
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I like the way the 6.5'' bbl. looks too I need one of those!
I agree. It is the best looking of all the 500 magnums. I bought a thigh holster that I really like. I can walk all over my hunting property, maintain the corn feeder (requires climbing a ladder), even run my chainsaw to clear trees and the gun has never caught on anything and it is a easy draw if I need it.
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Old 01-25-2012, 08:28 PM
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I like the way the 6.5'' bbl. looks too I need one of those!
x2. On my list as well, but there are no $800 deals to be had like with the 4" and 8.25". All the 6.5s I've seen have been a firm $1k. If I found a ES for $600 I'd get it, but anything more I'd pass as well.
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  #50  
Old 01-26-2012, 11:32 AM
VCMike VCMike is offline
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I have both the 4" and 8 3/8" and love them both. If only one goes to the range it is 4", it is just a great gun, go for it!
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