How does the S&W 500 Mag. 8 3/8" compared to 6 1/2" barrel model?

[Ga.BuckBuster]

Hi guys,
I own a S&W 500 8 3/8" barrel revolver, great shooting gun. Really like it. I noticed that S&W makes a 6 1/2" barreled version as well. I may consider getting this model later on in the future as a more portable gun for woods carry.

For those of you that own and/or have shot both models in those barrel lengths, how much does the recoil and bullet speeds vary between the two models?

Thanks for the info.

 

[ruggyh]

Based on my own chronographed loads I'd say the difference in power as you go up in barrel length is about 25%.I tested out of both my barrel lengths where the 4" produced about 1,600 fpe, versus the 6.5" making just over 2,000 fpe.

I Disagree with the 25% - your example is for 3.5" of actual barrel and is only 20%

The actual barrel difference between the 6.5" and 8-3/8" is about 1" and my testing shows about 100 fps dependent on construction and weight and you might even find this variance between the same model gun.

While I have not posted data for the 500 model, I have posted this data for the 460 and you will find them to behave very similar with in this regard. You can see the 460 data here.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/356679-460-s-w-velocity-barrel-length.html

With regards to recoil which is highly subjective. You will see slightly more muzzle rise and more feel a little more in your palm due to it lighter weight.
Some individuals like the balance of the 6.5" better and actually says it does not feel as stiff recoil wise as the 8-3/8" (like my son), Personally I don't perceive much difference in the two, maybe the 6.5" may a have a little less muzzle report/flash.

You should also consider looking at the 7.5" PC (has same effective barrel length as the 8-3/8") which I prefer over the other 2 for balance- of coarse this once again is a subjective choice.

I don't think the 6.5" will be any different to carry in the field than the other two. I often hunt with the 6.5" 460 and don't notice any difference over the 8-3/8' or 7.5" in the field.

We have a couple other 500 S&W guy here - maybe
Don will give us his thoughts.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

In the field with a 6.5"

 

[Chrisj357]

I own a 6.5" model and have also shot the one like yours. Recoil felt the same to me. The longer barrel just didn't balance right for me. I went with the 6.5" for the ease of carry for hunting as well but primarily because it feels better to me on target.

 

[DonD]

city-barrel-length.html[/URL]
You should also consider looking at the 7.5" PC (has same effective barrel length as the 8-3/8") which I prefer over the other 2 for balance- of coarse this once again is a subjective choice.

I don't think the 6.5" will be any different to carry in the field than the other two. I often hunt with the 6.5" 460 and don't notice any difference over the 8-3/8' or 7.5" in the field.

We have a couple other 500 S&W guy here - maybe
Don will give us his thoughts.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

I take it as a compliment that Ruggy encouraged me to comment.

I have the 8 3/8th and a 6.5" PC model 500 Mag and have been shooting and enjoying these guns since 2003.

I did have the 6 or 6.5" half lug model (don't remember which is the right number) and for whatever reason, I found the recoil annoying, a harsh slap in the palm when compared with my other two guns and sold it. The two I have now are "keepers". Of the two I enjoy the longer barreled model more, longer sight radius and muzzle heavy, I shoot better with it than the shorter barreled gun.

Being a power junkie, more power with greater comfort equals more fun at the range.

I understand Illyia's comment about lead possibly fouling the internal porting of the half lug. I didn't keep the gun long enough to make a valid assessment of that but I shot only hard cast lead and saw no issues.

Although I have no intentions to buy one, I do think the short barreled 500s feel great in the hand but I've never shot one.

Good luck. Don

 

[Ga.BuckBuster]

Thanks for the replies, I would only shoot hard cast gas checked bullets in the 6.5 " barrel gun, just like my 8 3/8" one. So it shouldn't be an issue. Plus I run my loads about 10 % below max anyway. Top end loads can really sting at both ends of the gun.

 

[DonD]

Thanks for the replies, I would only shoot hard cast gas checked bullets in the 6.5 " barrel gun, just like my 8 3/8" one. So it shouldn't be an issue. Plus I run my loads about 10 % below max anyway. Top end loads can really sting at both ends of the gun.

10% below max in a 500 Mag is still more than enough for anything that walks. Don

 

[akmtnrunner]

Easy, fellas


There are advantages to each model variation. It depends on one's use of it that determines which is best, and also to the eye of the beholder. After all, we can all admit we don't own these purely out of practicality.

 

[roscoepc]

Did that bison NEED to be killed?

Well,, Eating one while he's alive is considered Bad Form and not too safe anyway so......

 

[colt_saa]

Well, Rugby, I obtained my 25% number from the DIRECT DIFFERENCE in actual chronographed numbers between my 4" and 6.5" model S&W revolvers. EXACT difference if that means anything to you... I mean, the chronograph READ THE NUMBERS and that turned out to be 25%. Sorry if that is not in accordance with YOUR mythology, but it IS in accordance with MY actual, digital, measured, mathematical results.

Granted the difference between the 6.5" an the 8-3/8" is only "speculative" on my part, the difference between MY PERSONALLY OWNED 4" (really 3") and my 6.5" is real and VALID....25% Rugby.

From your reply it looks like you are defending the EXACT same Chronograph experience that Illyia Kuryakin had.

Are these actually two separate chronograph events? Or are both of you the same person?