First Revolver 500 Magnum

[mikey0013]

How's it going guys ? I just started my 10 day waiting period ( Thanks CA) on a S&W 500 Magnum. I noticed a couple of gouges by the recoil shield is it normal? Thanks Guys . I'm trying to post a closer picture of the gouges but every time I copy and paste the link the picture does not show up

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum

I do not see any gouges in your photograph

However, traditionally gouges are not normal

That is a fun revolver to shoot.

Just realize that the short barrel has problems stabilizing any of the really heavy projectiles.

These are 450, 510, 550, 640, 650 and 725 grains

If you stay at 550 grains and below you will be just fine

 

[DonD]

If this is your first revolver as the title implies, sorry, I'd say it wasn't a good idea.

Jumping right up to the most potent revolver/handgun made might make you a good candidate for quickly selling the gun with a nearly full box of cartridges.

I have two .500 Mag but I've been shooting .44 Mag and bigger for 40 yrs. Good luck. Don

 

[Trooperdan]

Keep your support hand well back from the barrel-cylinder gap! I agree, I don't think anyone should start with this gun as their first revolver.

 

[Brasky]

Very nice 500! The 500 has been on my want list for a while, but the cost of ammo and gun has kept me away

 

[6518John]

Only load one cartridge at a time until you have shot it for awhile too. Very easy to "double" with that revolver due to the recoil--some call "bump-firing." VERY bad results can follow from that.

 

[Brasky]

Only load one cartridge at a time until you have shot it for awhile too. Very easy to "double" with that revolver due to the recoil--some call "bump-firing." VERY bad results can follow from that.

+1. I read a news story where a girl shot herself in the head because of this

 

[6518John]

I know brother. I did not want to mention because it is too horrible to think about.

 

[ErnieDeBord]

I had a NIB 8 3/8 with the extra comp. I never shot it. Sold it. BUT I sure like the 6 1/2 with the ports! The changeable comp just doesn't flip my switch. I bet that 4" could be brutal, to say the least. Regards Ernie

 

[mikey0013]

Thanks guys for all the info. Attached is a closer picture of the area that I'm talking about hopefully the link works (guys I cant get the image to load from my photobucket can you guys please help me out?)

<a href="http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/MIkey0013/media/photo_zpsf91aba22.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff421/MIkey0013/th_photo_zpsf91aba22.png" border="0" alt="Magnum2 photo photo_zpsf91aba22.png" style=""></a>click on the first link to see the gouges

 

[Cyo]

I don't see anything I would consider to be a gouge.

As far as a first revolver, I think there are few worse choices one could make. The recoil, muzzle blast and the real danger of injury from poor hand placement due to the cylinder gap make the .500 a horrid starting revolver. Even with a lot of experience shooting 10mm autos or .45ACP, there's going to be no comparison in the fury unleashed with a .500.

If I wanted to ruin revolver shooting for a rookie the first thing I'd reach for is that .500. Even starting with a .44 is a bit rough but at least you can run specials in it for a starter.

Not trying to rain on your parade. Just want to warn you so you don't get turned off to revolvers because of the experience.

 

[mikey0013]

I appreciate all the info you guys are giving me. it was a impulse purchase I saw the gun and I had to have it. I will be doing a lot of research before I got and shoot it.

 

[Usmc5811]

Are you talking about the 2 small nicks behind the recoil shield and just below the zip-tie? If so I wouldn't worry about it. Now you say this is your first revolver, but do you have any handgun experience? As long as you have the basic fundamentals down and know that when you pull that trigger you better hold on. Just be careful not to develop any bad habits from shooting a hand cannon like that. I have never shot a 500 the closest I could compare would be a 4" 44 mag, but it's ported so really isn't that bad. Not near as bad as some hot reloads out of a snub 357. But hey enjoy it you may come to love it.

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

Well Mikey, like the others have said, that may not be the best choice for a first revolver. But, I looked at the photos you linked, and maybe that'd be a good enough reason to go back to the dealer and see what they've got in a S&W 686, or similar. You don't have to accept a gun with damage, factory or otherwise, but if you walk out the door with it IT'S YOURS.

I'd bet you'd have a gun you'd enjoy more, and keep longer, if you found something chambered in .357magnum / .38 special. Unless you're an experienced big-bore shooter, and can invest in the reloading gear and components to keep that beast fed, you're probably just going to have a conversation piece. Fun, but not nearly as fun as a gun you can shoot well.

Just my .02. If you pick it up, be sure to give us a range report. Photos or video required, of course

 

[rwsmith]

The best you can do now....

Start with the lightest ammo you can find. Target loads with lead bullets if they make such a thing for the .500. Maybe you will like the blast and recoil. It will surely get your attention. I really don't have any use for a gun that big. Costs too much to shoot so I'd have to reload for it. I can control a .38/.357 much better. Also, when I get to the range, I like to shoot a lot of rounds. I can load up a couple of hundred rounds for a session with a smaller caliber. In fact, economy is important to me and I don't even want to consume .44 or 45 cal. ammo. If I felt like I needed it, that would be ok, but I don't.

 

[dg84s]

Before you shoot it, go to a local gun range and rent a .357. Shoot .38 specials, then .38 special+P, then .357. Then rent a .44 magnum and shoot a few rounds. Then load a single .50 round in your revolver and fire it. Then you'll have an idea of what you've brought home. Keep your .50, but buy a serviceable .357 and learn to shoot lighter loads before trying to tame the beast.
Good shootin'

 

[colt_saa]

Thanks guys for all the info. Attached is a closer picture of the area that I'm talking about hopefully the link works (guys I cant get the image to load from my photobucket can you guys please help me out?)

click on the first link to see the gouges

It is fixed

 

[hangnoose]

first revolver, or first handgun?

If it's your first handgun, you have my sympathy. You really need to work your way up to a gun like that, or you will develop a severe case of flinches and may never want to shoot a handgun again. Look for a padded shooting glove and REAL good hearing/eye protection. +1 on ONLY LOADING 1 ROUND at a time until you get used to it.

 

[Bajadoc]

Having a 500 Magnum as your first revolver is like having a Las Vegas show girl as your first girlfriend. Watch out.

 

[mikey0013]

Thanks for info again guys, this is NOT my first handgun. Im going to take all the advise that's been given too me im going to buy some padded gloves and load 1 bullet at a time, this is a really hard to find gun where I live and don't want to give up the chance of owning one, I want to make sure that the gouges aren't a issue.