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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 03-13-2013, 08:40 PM
Tiny123 Tiny123 is offline
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Default Magnum 500 compensator

I am looking into buying myself a magnum 500. I see that there are two versions of the 8 3/4 barrel. I can get the model with the fixed compensator for 999. The model with interchangeable compensator from diff seller for over 1200. If seller of first model wasn't out of stock of second model it was only listed for 50 dollars more. My question is what are the pros and cons of going with the fixed over the interchangeable.
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Old 03-13-2013, 08:47 PM
DonD DonD is offline
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The fixed allows you to shoot either lead or jacketed slugs and personally, I think it's better looking than the interchageable one but that's a personal preference issue. My two are both fixed comps, one a PC model. Don
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Old 03-13-2013, 09:14 PM
310Pilot 310Pilot is offline
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I've shot a lot of lead bullets through my 8 3/8" (not 8 3/4") with the fixed compensator without developing any problems. I do use the compensator intended for lead bullets on my 4" 500. I will say that, in my opinion, the porting on the removable compensators increases the perceived (and felt) muzzle blast by an inordinate amount. In fact, I'm considering machining a solid sided "compensator" for my 4" gun, as shooting higher speed/light bullet rounds (such as 350 grain/1850 fps +) is not altogether a pleasant task with the 4", due to the muzzle blast from the ports in the factory compensator (it is much nicer with 425 grain and up bullets at relatively sedate speeds, say 1200-1500 fps, not near the muzzle blast). I would go with the fixed compensator gun, especially given the ridiculous price differential between the two which you have available to you.
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Old 03-13-2013, 09:18 PM
Tiny123 Tiny123 is offline
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Sorry for the typo 8 3/4 lol and thanks for the advise men
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Old 03-14-2013, 12:46 AM
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Another option is the John Ross PC version with no compensator.

I find the uncompensated verison more enjoyable.

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Old 03-14-2013, 01:12 PM
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Yea i agree i think the model with the fixed compensator looks better personally. I know they changed it but yet kept both models as you can still see both on there sight. Anyone know the reason for the two different models.
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Old 03-15-2013, 09:47 AM
Tom C Tom C is offline
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I have a 4”. I found a guy who had a bunch of solid comps made up for it and got one. I find it more pleasant to shoot with a totally ineffective comp than put up with the increased noise of a comp.
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Old 03-15-2013, 10:14 AM
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well i dont see anyone chiming in to say its a benefit to actually have the interchangeable compensators so i guess there will be no buyers remorse since i pulled the plug and will have it next week. Any advice or tips from current owners.
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Old 03-16-2013, 09:23 PM
Rocket3 Rocket3 is offline
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Good choice Tiny.

I have the fixed 8-3/8, I also think it looks better and was less money.

I’ve had good luck with the Berrys and some of own cast bullets.

Jay
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Old 02-16-2017, 12:16 PM
ats8110 ats8110 is offline
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Default solid 500 comp.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom C View Post
I have a 4”. I found a guy who had a bunch of solid comps made up for it and got one. I find it more pleasant to shoot with a totally ineffective comp than put up with the increased noise of a comp.
Hello,
Could you please tell me where to get the solid compensator for my 500 S&W.

Thank you,
Aaron S.
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Old 02-16-2017, 01:41 PM
Tom C Tom C is offline
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Originally Posted by ats8110 View Post
Hello,
Could you please tell me where to get the solid compensator for my 500 S&W.

Thank you,
Aaron S.
I wish I could remember, but it has been a few years ago now.
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Old 02-16-2017, 02:34 PM
TANKLEGACY TANKLEGACY is offline
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I have the 8 3/8ths model with the interchangeable, I shoot everything through it, Ive never swapped when shooting lead...
I paid $1,065 brand new in box.
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Old 02-20-2017, 10:28 AM
daceman63 daceman63 is offline
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Hi, I am looking to purchase a 500 magnum. The FFL I am using currently has a 6.5" in stock that model number is 163565 and I can get the 4", 163504. For the 4" it says on the S&W site it comes with a removable compensator and they provide 2...one for lead and one for jacketed. For the 6.5 it doesn't say that but the barrel looks ported. I'm partial to the looks of the 4" but was wondering if any of you had a different recommendation for the 500 magnum? Appreciate any input....

Last edited by daceman63; 02-20-2017 at 11:54 AM.
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Old 02-20-2017, 05:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daceman63 View Post
Hi, I am looking to purchase a 500 magnum. The FFL I am using currently has a 6.5" in stock that model number is 163565 and I can get the 4", 163504. For the 4" it says on the S&W site it comes with a removable compensator and they provide 2...one for lead and one for jacketed. For the 6.5 it doesn't say that but the barrel looks ported. I'm partial to the looks of the 4" but was wondering if any of you had a different recommendation for the 500 magnum? Appreciate any input....
There a 2 different 6.5" models, both are compensated.

Beside the 4" , several other models are currently in production and available.I would suggest byou visit the S&W web site-Revolvers | Smith & Wesson.

There are also several models no longer in production such as the 5"JR (john Ross) which can be found at secondary site such as Gun Brokers.

Every individual has different preference for balance and feel.
I would suggest not only handling them but shooting them if at all before selecting one.

Having shoot all of them and owning most my preference (currently=it has changed over time) is the 6.5" Lew Horton model, then the 7.5" Performance Center followed by the 5" JR. Nothing wrong with the other these just get all my 500 range time right now.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy
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  #15  
Old 02-20-2017, 06:40 PM
daceman63 daceman63 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ruggyh View Post
There a 2 different 6.5" models, both are compensated.

Beside the 4" , several other models are currently in production and available.I would suggest byou visit the S&W web site-Revolvers | Smith & Wesson.

There are also several models no longer in production such as the 5"JR (john Ross) which can be found at secondary site such as Gun Brokers.

Every individual has different preference for balance and feel.
I would suggest not only handling them but shooting them if at all before selecting one.

Having shoot all of them and owning most my preference (currently=it has changed over time) is the 6.5" Lew Horton model, then the 7.5" Performance Center followed by the 5" JR. Nothing wrong with the other these just get all my 500 range time right now.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy
Thank you so much for that assessment. I appreciate the advice and you taking the time for the response.
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