Which S&W 500 would you recommend that I buy?

L

Lone Ranger

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I am thinking of buying a S&W 500 with open sights for mostly hog hunting within 100 yards from a stand. I am looking at the standard 500 with 8 3/8 barrel or the Performance Center Model with 7 1/2 barrel. Is the Performance Center Model that much better than the standard and if so, why. Also, which is the best barrel length for my purpose.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
I would opt for the 7.5" for hunting.
Good balance, better rail installation option.

As a second choice I would ues a John Ross 5" if you can find one.

No brake is a plus on these for me.

Nothing wrong with the standard model if that is what you pick.

The X-frames are handloader guns, if you don't you need to start.

And one last note hearing protection required regardless of which one you choose.

Good luck and be safe.
Ruggy

P1030740_zpsa1ea9aa2.jpg
 
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I've seen but not shot the PC 7.5" pistol but I presently own the 8-3/8" interchangeable compensator model and I love it!! ;) The gun is 5lbs loaded but is very comfortable in the Uncle Mike's vertical shoulder holster rig I bought for her and the gun is very accurate after you get the round that the pistol "likes"!! I was running the 350gr JHP Winchester Reduced Recoil round and it was the right one for my needs and I've based my reloading on that cartridge to achieve similar performance..

ruggyh is correct also in that the X-frame guns are a reloaders gun for at least 2 reasons: Cost and tailoring the load to YOUR wants and needs!! But we'll cover that later for ya!!

Welcome to the Site and if ya get one of these Beastie's,, Welcome to the "500 Club"!! ;) :D
 
I have the 7.5"hunter model from the PC...has a nice scope on it...I have taken several hogs...a merino ram,4-horn ram and mouflon ram with it...it's a keeper...yes I reload
 
If you are certain you don't want a scope now or down the road, get the basic, original 8 3/8th in barreled model so you have the longest practical sight radius. I think the 10.5" version is a bit much for hunting.

If a scope is possibly in your future, get one of the longer barreled PC models for the integral scope mounting features.

I've had a 6" half lug and the longer barreled original is noticeably more pleasant to shoot recoil wise. Don
 
I already have a scoped 460XVR for my longer range hunting and I have taken several nice whitetails with it. I think I have decided on the standard 8 3/8 with high visibility front sight, since this will be my shorter range handgun for primarily hog hunting. Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it.
 
The Hi-Viz front sight is the only thing on mine that I really don't care for too much.... It's too tall at least for me with the stock rear sight.... When I get the extra bucks and find a gunsmith to change the rear sight for me, I'll buy a taller rear sight and have it changed. BTW, the ones listed for the N frame revolvers will work on the X-frames according to S&W!
 
I have the original 8 3/8 with the fixed compensator. Love the gun but the muzzle blast wears me out and gives me a headache. Don't know what it'd be like without the compensator but I'd like to try one. I put a green fiber optic sight on mine and love it.
 
Using iron sights long barrels give you a better sight radius. Barrel length is a personal preference so it depends on what you like and how well you can shoot it.

PC guns have integral mounts so optics are quick on/ off if that matters.






Nothing wrong with iron sights and shorter barrels either~

 
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While I have no droughts the 500 will take a hog I opted to use my 629-4 Mountain Gun to kill mine,
Me_and_the_hog_Dec_2008.jpg

Steve
 
I had the .460 X Frame SW but never put a scope on it. It is a hand rifle with or without scope.

If you want without scope then just get an SW 29 of some type and load it or buy ammo for it. If you want extra punch than what the .44 Magnum has then you are specializing in an area I have no comment on.

I will say an old SW 29 from any year could do what you want with iron sights. The scope thing is used for extra performance handguns.

I don't have my X frame .460 anymore but I do have 3 SW model 29s.
 
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