S&W 500; 4" or 6.5"?

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Thursday

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Hey guys hoping some of you can help me in the right direction. I've decided that my next S&W is the 500. Don't need it but just because. ;)

Anyways I am stuck over the decision of the 4" or 6.5". This gun would be primarily used as a woods carry which has me leaning towards the 4" but I also would like to get take it to the range occasionally when funds allow (or I take up reloading) and, even though I don't currently do it, perhaps hunt with it. These things have me leaning towards the 6.5".

With regards to it being an occasional range gun I am wondering how much the longer barrel mitigates the recoil on this thing? I've shot a 4" a couple of years ago and remembering thinking that, while fun, it was an absolute handful and would only shot 5-10 rounds at a time. However between then and now I've shot much more heavy magnum revolvers and am much more use to and comfortable with heavy recoil handguns. Does the extra 2.5 inches make much of a difference in that regard?

Whether 4" or 6.5" I'd most likely carry it in a guide chest holster. Is a 6.5" too big for an already enormous gun to carry comfortably?

Thanks guys
 
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I have 4" model and I don't think 2" longer barrel would make any difference. What really makes considerable difference is compensator when you are shooting 350 gr fast moving bullets. I tried removing comp and there is a big difference. So if you use light bullets traveling at 1600ft/sec or higher you should be able to shoot 50 rounds per session without a problem. As far as accuracy 4" is extremely accurate. I'm able to hold same groups as with my 1911 .45acp pretty much one hole at 25ft.
 
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Thanks for your thoughts. The only problem with 50 rounds a session may be more about the cost than the punishment :)
 
The 6.5 actually has more recoil firing the same loads. You will get more of the powder burned, increased velocity with increased recoil. Look at the ballistic supply web site, they had done testing with different barrel lengths. Also you can figure out the free recoil-and recoil velocity. Chrono both guns with same load, same day, time , pressure, temp, weigh both guns and put all info into the formula and you will have your answer. In reality both are very accurate, 6>4 velocity, 6>4 recoil but not enough that you will really notice. I carry my 4 because it is comfortable in a concealed , high ride rig from Black Hills Leather. I use open sights and limit my shots to 50 yds an under, If I scoped my 8 3/8 the only real limitations on range would be my ability ( or lack there of ). The 6.5 in a shoulder holster would work, with a little longer sight radius if using irons. Bottom line do you want to hip carry or shoulder holster?? Only you know the answer. Make sure you use a stiff, polymer reinforced belt ( Aker B-21 ) so that the gun is not flopping around. They last well and keep even the big 50 from rolling over. Be Safe,
 
500 SW - your going to carry it? You know how big that tank is?
For carry i would go with the shorter barrel.. Can i ask -why do you need that big ? If you shoot someone that bullet is going to go past the person and keep going. I shot my dads SW500 into my ford car door before i junked it. It went in the L/S door and out the R/S door - The r/s door had a hole the size of my fist. We put a 3/4 in. plywood next to the r/s door. The bullet when pass that also. I think that bullet is still going. If i lived in bear country, they yes i would carry a 500.
 
Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'm leaning towards the 4" now more than ever.

S&w357 I would carry it as a woods carry. May be overkill but I do live in grizz country. Wasn't planning on using it for 2 legged critters ;)

Thanks guys
 
Thursday: The 350 XTP do make a nice carry load. S&W357--EDC no but you would be surprised how easily a good holster/belt combo and light shirt/jacket will allow you to carry the 4". I carry a Sigma 40F as EDC, yes I have and M&P 40, its nice, shoots well, but my Sigma has been with me since before there were internet forums that could tell me how good/bad it was!! Hard to give up an old friend that I have carried since late 1994? Be Safe,
 
I currently carry my 629 in a Diamond Ds chest guide holster and it carries very well. Sure, the 500 is bigger and heavier but I figured it would be doable in one of those.

Thanks again for your help guys.
 
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