I’m considering buying one of these. Reading the archives I see some PC guns have flaws when new from the factory. I’d appreciate any feedback on buying a “regular” 4” or a 3.5 PC model.
Thanks

Any new revolver can have problems irregardless of if it's a standard production item or Performance Center.

I've had good & bad both ways.

It's best if you closely examine any prospective gun before buying, whether new or used, standard or PC, for flaws.

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Waiting for the break of day

I bought a new 3.5" PC as "no comp" was most important.
It's a 460.
Trigger and cylinder stop broke after two factory Hornady 200gr FTX rounds were fired and Smith replaced those parts.
Have not fired those rounds but some stout loads with no issues.

Will fire them in the near future in an 8"+ comped as well.

Would have bought a new 2.75" but none were availible.

Triggers on both our 460s are great.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

If you've narrowed your search down to those two 500s I'm guessing you have a specific purpose or use in mind for that hand cannon.

Here's one guy's perspective.

I have a 10.5" PC 500 Hunter. I call it the "deaf maker," but I like it.

I thought I wanted a 4" to go with it so I bought one. I did not like the interchangeable muzzle pieces (seemed as though they were made by that famous 1960's toy company), and I really didn't like the noise with the holey suppressor. It was on my table at my next gun show for less than two hours before a guy showed an interest. He owned it.

The 3.5" has never interested me. Every time I see one I think of Arnie saying, "I'll be back." Looks like it was thrown together out of a spare parts bin someone discovered in the year 2029.

Still wanting a short-barreled 500, I went for the ES. Now, that's the ticket. It works and plays well with its tiny grandfather.

Attached Images

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I have both. The 4" is basically a 3.3" with a mildly effective muzzle brake. I personally enjoy firing the PC 3.5" a bit more. You will be surprise how flat they shoot. As loads get heavier than 500gr, for stability they require closer to maximum load velocities due to short barrel and standard 500 twist.

Thanks for the responses. As to why I want one, I have 2 44 magnums and just want try a 500.

That is a very good reason to get one, or two or more. Same reason I did. Just be very meticulous before you actually make the exchange. These guns are notorious for being handled (mishandled) a bunch prior to finding first owner.

Do the standard revolver ops checks, and inspect for signs of bubbasmithing, forcing cone, gap, etc. I fell victim of this with my PC3.5". At home after further inspection I find it had 0.011" gap, hammer slop, buggered up tension screw head, then after removing panel I find all the screws and surfaces were corroded, the yoke screw was eaten up so bad it broke when backed out, furthermore it was 3+ years old (must've been stored in box for a good time. That was my 2nd ever new gun purchase, have learned my lesson. It is at S&W now, but surprisingly, with all of its issues it has, it shoots much better than, and produces equivalent velocities to the 4" which was just 4 wks old at purchase. Furthermore has a 0.0045 gap and even less end play. Also, I'm not certain if it is just my case but the cylinder chambers are more closely matched with the PC. It's as if the PC designs are engineered better, but the staff, perhaps at one point, needed to be caught up to speed.

Nevertheless, I would recommend the 3.5" over the 4" any day depending on your needs (beautiful fire rings that hit a target at over 15 yards). It might be much uglier, and even though the comp on the 4" looks sporty, it is really useless and tedious, and I often forget to swap it out (then I am left with a need of a new front sight).

I would strongly suggest looking into a .460 instead, roughly as powerful as .500 S&W, but faster, and with the utility to chamber .454 Cassul and .45 Long Colt as well, which are both cheaper types of ammunition with less recoil, yet both powerful cartridges in their own right.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I have all 3 short barrel 500s and 460s. 4" 3.5"PC and 2.75" ES in 500 and same in 460 minus the 4". I like to shoot the PC 3.5 " the best. I also like that I have both teh 460 and 500 in 3.5" They are almost twins.
But if I had to get rid of any it would be the 4" 500 1st then the 2.75" ES and keep both 3.5" PCs .
The ES 500 brings a pretty high dollar compared to the other 2. SO I would sell that ahead of the PC. Otherwise its a toss up.
Note : The 500ES 2.75" was only made in 2006-2008. There is no new production on that gun so its only available on used market and they are bringing north of $2500-$3000 depending on if they have the survival kit in tact or just the gun. .

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I went with the 3.5” PC version for the looks… no muzzle brake.

The first one my dealer received looked like it lost a cat fight.

The second one has been spectacular in every respect.

It’s my favorite pistol for feel, action, and smile factor.