500 S&W Owners, I need your input

460SandW · May 10, 2015

I'm in the market for a 500 S&W. I already have the 460 XVR and love it, but I'm looking to add to the collection. The models I'm currently looking at are the two 8 3/8" models - SKU 163500 (muzzle break porting only on top); the 163501 (Hi-Viz sights and muzzle break porting on top and sides); and lastly the 170231 (10.5" barrel). I do plan to put a either a red dot sight or a 2x Leupold scope on it.

I'll use the gun for fun at the range as well as elk & pig hunting. For those of you that own or have shot one of the models mentioned, what were your impressions? Did the 10.5" barrel seem unbalanced? Have you noticed much of a difference in recoil between the two 8 3/8" models (with the different breaks) or the 10.5" model?

Thanks in advance for your input.

colt_saa · May 10, 2015

I never went with the 8 3/8" myself.

Actually my first 500 S&W Magnum was a 12" barrel for my T/C Encore. I did not want to wait for S&W to release the revolver. I had an inside track for ammunition and brass and that is what we used as a guide to cut the chamber. At the time the cartridge had not been submitted to SAAMI yet.

My first S&W was actually the 4" (Bought through the SD employee purchase program), then I grabbed the 10 1/2" followed by a 6 1/2" then a 2 3/4" and finally a 5" JR.

Now I have kind of stopped with the 500s.

Each one has it's own personality and idiosyncrasies. I like all of them

If you are going with the 2x Leopold then I would go the 10 1/2" route, that is how mine is set up.

If you have your heart set on the red dot, I would go for the 8 3/8" with the interchangeable comp. This will allow you to block off the top ports to protect the optics

ruggyh · May 10, 2015

My preference for the 500 is in order: 7.5" PC, 5" John Ross, 10.5", 6.5", 4" and last 8.375".

There are inserts to block the comps on 4" and 8.375", though I have not tested the one I just received.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

DonD · May 11, 2015

I’ve had experience with the 8 3/8th inch original, a 6.5” PC and a 6.5” half lug models.

For me the original is the most useful of those models. The muzzle heavy full lug barrel does a good job of moderating recoil. The 6.5” half lug weighing 12 oz less than the original was not a fun gun, really slaps you in the hand with comparable loads and was sold. The PC is in between and is a keeper.

For whatever reason, I’m more accurate with the original than either of the others and more accurate with it than any revolver I’ve ever shot. Don

MTKTM · May 12, 2015

I have a very early 8 3/8" with the integrated comp, and an early 4" with the detachable comp like the newer 8 3/8" guns. I think the latter comp is more effective. If I were buying one now, I'd get the hi-viz gun.

I have no experience with the 10.5". The 8+" is big enough in my opinion.

roscoepc · May 12, 2015

I bought my 500 last July. It's got the 8-3/8" barrel with the interchangeable compensator and HI-VIS front sight. I run 350gr bullets with 12.2gr of TITEGROUP powder through mine with very good results so far! The recoil is not bad at all with about 1" of barrel rise. Even with a full house magnum load like the 500gr Hornady XTP JSN she's still entirely controllable.. Just a bit more barrel rise...

It's been said that the 500 is a "Reloaders Gun". Personally, I've found this to be true as the ammo cost is drastically reduced from about $3.00/round to $0.30/round! Also you can load to your personal preferences to get the accuracy your wanting from the revolver....

Good Luck and have Fun with her!!

500 S&W Owners, I need your input

460SandW

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colt_saa

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ruggyh

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DonD

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MTKTM

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roscoepc

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