Does anyone know the difference in the ballistics of the 4" barrel vs. the 500ES 2.75" barrel?

I've shot the 4" and am familiar with it. Anyone have the 500ES? Thoughts?

Thanks

Don't know exact numbers, don't know anyone who has chronographed those specific models. All I can say with confidence is that in most every case, as you shorten the barrel, the velocity loss per inch of lost barrel length increases.

I'd suspect that the loss from 4" to 2.75 in a caliber as potent as the .500 would be significant, on the order of 125-150 fps. Still, a hard cast 440 gr slug at 900fps will shoot clear through anything in N. America according to people like John Linebaugh and who am I to dispute him? Don

There is almost zero difference.

I own both firearms.



Where your thought process is getting confused is in regards to the 4" revolver. S&W does not make a 4" model 500. The revolver is a 3" barrel with a 1" compensator. So we are looking at a very small difference in actual barrel length between the two firearms.

Differences in B/C gap can account for more of a velocity change than 1/4" of barrel length.

and both are a blast to shoot

Thanks for the info. I've shot the 3" a bunch of times. Whats your opinion on the 2.75" compared to the 3" for shoot ability, carry ability while hiking, etc?

If you had to have one, which one would it be? Its a good thing we don't live where you have to make that choice!

Thanks

After posting, I thought about that, bad post on my part. Don

aleutian hunter,
Which one I would get is related to why I wanted it.

I only shoot the lighter weight projectiles in the 500ES (500 grain and under). I bought this mostly for fun. One of our Forum dealers offered it so cheap that I could not resist. Usually it gets shot with 385 grain PLHP projectiles over 40 grains of H110. That charge in a snubby makes a great big belly roar when it is lit off. Plus it is quite accurate.

The 4" or 3" if you prefer, is great for all projectile weights up to the big 725grain wad cutters that I load up. The Comp does tam recoil. Naturally that means it enhances muzzle blast. If this is a range gun, the shooters to your immediate left and right will not be happy with you.

I like living where we do not have to choose. I have several more of the big 500s up to a 12" . . . lots of power on tap there

colt saa,

Thanks for the info. It's going to be a defense gun for me as well as a, for lack of better term, fun gun. Some people collect (insert odd item here), I collect a wide variety of useful/unique guns. The wife doesn't always agree but it's almost impossible to make her understand.

Thanks again for the advice.