S&W 500 8 3/8" vs. Taurus Raging hunter 6.75"

[Ga.BuckBuster]

Hi guys,
It's been long awhile since I posted on here. Don't hunt anymore, but I still like to shoot my big bore handguns. I have a S&W 500 8 3/8" barrel and was always wanting a model with just a slightly shorter barrel, like the 7.5" that S&W used to make, (you know, the one that looks like a SS 29 on steroids, not the performance model, too much$$)
I handled a Taurus 6.75" 500 Raging Hunter at a gun show in ATL area last weekend. Grip seemed a little big and chunky compared to my S&W 500.
Just wanted to see if anyone owns these two guns and how do they compare according to their pros and cons if you've owned and shot them both.

Thanks!

 

[Chrisj357]

I bought this gun because I fired my friends with the 8 3/8” barrel and didn’t like the balance. This one feels just right. It is a 6.5”

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I have the same 6.5” and it balances much better than the 8” I bought when they first came out.

 

[ruger 22]

I have no experience with the Taurus but have a Smith 500 in both 8 3/8" and 4" lengths. While the long one is heavier there is no real difference when you shoot them. Both kick about the same.

 

[Ga.BuckBuster]

Thanks for the info. I may just keep my S&W 500 8 3/8" unless I find a 6.5" used one to add to my stable.

 

[gdpolk]

I've shot both side by side.

S&W wins for fit/finish and overall quality control in my opinion. The S&W grip fit my hand better but the Taurus grip was a little bit squishier. Recoil from both is hefty to say the least and neither are what I'd call a pleasant plinker gun. Offhand balance on the Taurus is better not under recoil. Under recoil, they both feel about like a small bomb is going off in your hand, lol.

Personally, I'd keep the S&W until you replace it with another S&W with a preferred barrel length

 

[Ga.BuckBuster]

Thanks for the info. from someone who has shot both guns. The S&W 500 is a nicer looking gun. They should bring back the 6.5" model in in the basic config. The Performance model in 7.5" is a little too rich for my blood.