Recent content by akmtnrunner

Interestingly, I read that a major reason for the X frame's cylinder being so long was to fit the 223/556 round. M69 on the left, a 5 shot .429 for 36,000psi. M500 on the right, a 5 shot .500 for 60,000psi. Simply scale the later down towards the former and it would walk all over a...

I also wish S&W would fill their gap between the moderately strong 44 mag N frame and their monstrous X frame. However, I wish they'd build it simply as strong as the ruger redhawk or super redhawk to shoot 45 colt +p and 480 ruger, or better yet, their old 500 S&W Special. Don't bother with...

Roy and Paul, I hope you're right and I can certainly attest that besides my experience that I've read 99% very positive things about this revolver. I will keep trying to problem solve my loads.

As a 44 special or mild 44 mag platform, I think it would be fantastic. Mine, however, has tough extraction after 300gr XTP's sent from 16.8 gr (book max is 17.1) of 2400. So it's not exactly the best suited for max level 44 mags. So there is a penalty for moving down from the N to the L...

My hand loves the stock grip on my M&P 340, enough that if gripped tightly, recoil isn't bad with a moderate load under 158gr XTP. I was impressed with that bullet's performance in luckygunner's bullet testing.

I'm pretty sure all 500 brass now use rifle primers. I recommend 5744 for tame loads, but like others have said, this gun should be shot with true 500 mag loads. It's not too tough to manage the recoil. The biggest difference in the recoil is the large shove, which as long as you're not on...

Gotta say, if the 69 was done in 41 rather than 44, they would have breathed new life into the 41.

Well, the model 69 makes a great a 44 special revolver and you can disable the IL if it's an issue to you.

While I agree with your main point, you should use accurate numbers if you're going to compare. Even the 308, well out of it's comfort range, easily exceeds 2300 fps. 7 loads available in .308 Winchester with bullet weight equal 200 I have a nice load for my compact 18" barrel Ruger American...

To be fair, the context of Tanklegacy's numbers were towards the below post, which is probably more false than true. In any case, I agree the design and purpose of these two were fairly divergent and if someone favors one over the other for simply 'more power', they probably don't understand...

Good tip by Tanklegacy. I think you'll find the recoil of typical 300-400 gr stuff to be not particularly hard to manage. When I shot my 6.5" 500, I definitely felt it more in my shoulders and had to lean into it a little more, but the impulse or shock of it in my hand was less than a 2.5" 44...

Congrats, I made the 6.5" my first 500 for the same aesthetic reason, besides the practical ones too. I think you'll find it will be as good as you hope.

S&W may not say so directly, but I bet they know that no one will buy this for hunting. I suspect the same people who like the 4" model will consider this also, as a much more packable version for large bear defense. Also, I am sure they know that their discontinued 2 1/2 inch version is...

I 100% agree. I found that my 6.5" handled head and shoulders above the 8 3/8" and was much easier to aim than the 4". Maybe I'm just a sucker for half lugged revolvers. Although when I got the chance to resupply my 500 stock with a John Ross Performance Center 5", I had to go for it...

I'm a coach of many athletes and tendonitis sometimes flares up among them. I have to agree with Arkansawyer. The majority of tendonitis symptoms are caused by a tension imbalance on a joint. Figure out which side is stronger and massage and stretch out that side while strengthening the...