Now don't get me wrong....I LOVE MY 500 6.5 INCH BARREL. But I was just wondering why the 2", 4", 8" heck all the others for that matter have a full lug and the 6.5 inch has a half lug. Anyone out there know the answer to this question? The reason I got the 6.5" was it carries the best I think....well others will disagree but everyone has their own choice, but for me just about any 6-6.5 inch is a good fit and good carry.

I was even thinking about getting a 8" and have it cut down to a 6" I think it would look awesome maybe help a little on recoil. I would only do it for the back woods carrying, like I said the 6" works real gooooood.

The multi-part barrels on the .500s make shortening them more problematic. If you want a shorter barrel with a half lug and no comp, take a look at the John Ross Performance Center Special. It has a 5" half-lug, no comp barrel, and weighs about 57 oz., the same as the standard 4" with comp that is really a 3".

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Tom

As Tom C said, cutting an 8 3/8th down isn't a simple hacksaw job because of the shrouded barrel and muzzle nut. Probably better off sending it to S&W if that's what you want and IF they'll do it.

Doubt cutting if down to 6" would reduce recoil, more likely to increase perceived if not actual recoil. My experience with the 6.5" half lug is that it was significantly less pleasant to shoot with heavy loads than my 8 3/8" Model 500. Part of that was due to its lighter weight but part I think due to more muzzle rise. Don