Any S&W 500 6.5" (non-PC) owners here?

[jrb_pro]

What is your experience with the 6.5" as opposed to the 8 3/8" and 4"? I'm eyeing a 6.5", but I can't find anyone in my city that has one to look at. The 8 3/8" seems too barrel-heavy, and I'm worried about recoil on the 4". I've held both of those. Just trying to get some feedback on the 6.5".

Thanks.

Other notes:
1) My basic frame of reference is my 6.5" 629-6 (44 mag). I love everything about that gun.
2) I'm not going to say I need for bear defense or something ridiculous. It'd be for fun, and MAYBE for hunting. That's it.

 

[TDC]

I have one.... It is a shooter and my new favorite hunting gun for elk and bear after decades of using Mod 57s and 29s. Those two N frames were both 8 3/8".

The 6.5 is the best compromise barrel length as a hunting gun IMHO. It is the optimum length for comfortable shoulder holster carry. The 4" sacrifices with sight radius and slightly with ballistics. For me, the 8 3/8 and longer 500s were just too bulky and heavy for my preference.

As for recoil prepare yourself for a whole new handgun shooting experience. Contrary to popular "lore" they are manageable for the experienced shooter but I'd agree not appropriate for the novice. I personally wouldn't place this gun in the "fun to shoot" category for most people...

Two issues need to be considered prior to purchase.

1. Unless you have very deep pockets this is a handloaders/bullet casters caliber. Factory ammo can range from $3 to $4 per round, and because I believe this gun requires a lot of practice, that can be very expensive.

2. Expect to use high quality hearing protection when shooting any of the barrel lengths. With compensators this is an extremely loud firearm far beyond that of any handgun you may be used to. IMO, it shouldn't be fired in enclosed buildings or even those covered with a metal canape.

 

[jrb_pro]

Thanks for the info! Looking forward to more.

 

[DonD]

No offense to TDC but my experience with the 6.5" Model 500 is different. I've had several 500s and I found that the 6.5" half lug model is much less pleasant recoil wise than my 8 3/8th" barreled original model and 6.5" PC model when using heavy loads. Loads that really smacked my hand in the half lug were quite comfortable with the other two.

Those two models are much more muzzle heavy but I find that it improves my accuracy and reduces muzzle flip.

Sold it. Just have two Model 500s now. I do like the balance of the 4" model but don't need three and being a power junky, prefer the velocity of the longer barreled models. Don

 

[Magnumdood]

I know you specifically excluded P.C. models, but my comment has more to do with barrel length than anything else. I was a Deputy Sheriff in Texas for 16 years. I carried a sidearm/duty weapon on and off duty. I've also hunted since I was old enough to follow my Dad and not be too much of a pain.

One thing I learned is that once the barrel length exceeds 6", the odds of me taking it with me once I got out of my patrol car or my truck dropped dramatically. I don't know what it is about the 6" threshold, but it's there for me.

My P.C. Hunter has a 6.5" barrel and a compensator on the barrel. The revolver is unique looking in that the barrel lug and the top rib taper down to the end of the barrel. The P.C. still makes that model, but the barrel is 7.5". The 6.5" barreled ones were produced only in 2004. I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet; I've got all the reloading supplies inbound from Midway and a few other places.

 

[venax]

What is your experience with the 6.5" as opposed to the 8 3/8" and 4"? I'm eyeing a 6.5", but I can't find anyone in my city that has one to look at. The 8 3/8" seems too barrel-heavy, and I'm worried about recoil on the 4". I've held both of those. Just trying to get some feedback on the 6.5".

The 6.5" is my favorite X-frame. I think of it as the new dirty harry gun if there ever was one. It has noticeably more recoil than the longer models but doesn't hurt any more or less even with the heaviest loads. It just feels right in the hand.

Only thing I dont like is that it doesnt have the replaceable front sights that the longer models have.

 

[jrb_pro]

No offense to TDC but my experience with the 6.5" Model 500 is different. I've had several 500s and I found that the 6.5" half lug model is much less pleasant recoil wise than my 8 3/8th" barreled original model and 6.5" PC model when using heavy loads. Loads that really smacked my hand in the half lug were quite comfortable with the other two.

Those two models are much more muzzle heavy but I find that it improves my accuracy and reduces muzzle flip.

Sold it. Just have two Model 500s now. I do like the balance of the 4" model but don't need three and being a power junky, prefer the velocity of the longer barreled models. Don

It was that big of a difference?? That's surprising to me. There's only a 12 oz difference in weight between the 8 3/8" and the 6.5". However, you've owned them and I haven't, so I'll take your word for it.

By "heavy loads", are you talking about something completely nuts like the 600 and 700 grain loads, or do you just mean a merely "stout" load like a Cor-Bon 440 hard cast?

 

[TDC]

No offense to TDC but my experience with the 6.5" Model 500 is different. I've had several 500s and I found that the 6.5" half lug model is much less pleasant recoil wise than my 8 3/8th" barreled original model and 6.5" PC model when using heavy loads. Loads that really smacked my hand in the half lug were quite comfortable with the other two.

Those two models are much more muzzle heavy but I find that it improves my accuracy and reduces muzzle flip.

Sold it. Just have two Model 500s now. I do like the balance of the 4" model but don't need three and being a power junky, prefer the velocity of the longer barreled models. Don

No offense taken, DonD.... You know I respect your opinion and I know you've owned several 500's. Your choices for yourself are well considered and I'm sure they fit your needs. As I mentioned, the 6.5 is a compromise for me, and it's an excellent compromise for how I use it. It's certainly not an "all things for all people gun" but none of the 500s are.

i agree the 4" is more handy and the 8 3/8+ have less recoil -- but not by much. The 4" is even louder and the 8 3/8 much bulkier to use for anything other than "out of the case" target shooting. I've carried 8 3/8" hunting N frames for decades. I love 'um but they just aren't handy enough for my purposes today.

Gotta say I agree with Magnumdood for the reasons he mentions. My duty gun for many years was a 6" Mod 57 and that is my favorite hunting length today. I agree with venax too for the way the 6.5 looks. Just love the half-lugs...

 

[DonD]

It was that big of a difference?? That's surprising to me. There's only a 12 oz difference in weight between the 8 3/8" and the 6.5". However, you've owned them and I haven't, so I'll take your word for it.

By "heavy loads", are you talking about something completely nuts like the 600 and 700 grain loads, or do you just mean a merely "stout" load like a Cor-Bon 440 hard cast?

12 oz isn't inconsequential but more importantly, all 12 of those oz are out front and the difference is really there.

No, I don't use the really heavyweight slugs. I'm talking about fairly moderate loads of 4227 and Lil Gun powder with 370gr hard cast. Both 4227 and Lil Gun powder recommendations start with fairly high velocities. Am sitting in an apartment while our new home is being finished and I don't have access to the reloading data I was using.

I too liked the classic look of the half lug but never looked back at selling it and keeping the other two. Good luck on your decision. Don

 

[Mule88]

What TDC said, Its the best compromise in weight, Barrel length and carry. I had a 8 3/8 and just didnt like the weight of carrying it. I bought the 6 1/2 inch and its perfect IMO as the best overall 500.

 

[jrb_pro]

I'm kind of confused now, but I'll be thinking about it. haha.

I wish some place in Houston rented all three barrel lengths.

 

[jrb_pro]

Anyone have a 7.5" PC? Thoughts?

 

[jrb_pro]

Any 7.5" PC owners care to weigh in?

 

[ohiococonut]

What do you want to know?

I have five of them. All I can tell you is as the barrel length decreases the perceived recoil goes up. Excuse the 460XVR I haven't taken new pics for a while.

 

[TDC]

I'm kind of confused now, but I'll be thinking about it. haha.

I wish some place in Houston rented all three barrel lengths.

That is your best solution...

Good input from all sources in this thread. These opinions all confirm why you need to handle and shoot all the models you can to evaluate a very specialized and "cutting edge" gun like the 500.

If you are weight intolerant that is a consideration. If you are recoil intolerant that must be a consideration. If you are noise intolerant that can be a consideration. How it will be used is, IMHO, a major consideration...

You may find you'd be happiest with your 44 Mag...