Talk about the .500 S&W

[THEWELSHM]

I had an 8 3/8 500 and of course sold it I will be getting another at Christmas from the wife and son. Now I reload it will be a lot of fun...( not that it wasnt) I plink not hunt but the 500 has a great trigger and is a fantastic weapon for its X frame size... By the way always a conversation starter at the range and the grill..

thewelshm

 

[David Sinko]

I don't own one but I do some casting and loading for a friend who owns three. Having shot his 4" revolver I can say that I have no desire to ever own one. It's just too much cartridge for a handgun. I think the cartridge has much more appeal in a lever action rifle.

Dave Sinko

 

[SJshooter]

Great thread. Anyone wanna compare the longer barreled 500s to the uncompensated snub version? I just picked this up from a forum member, but haven't shot it yet.

 

[chuckster57]

Great thread. Anyone wanna compare the longer barreled 500s to the uncompensated snub version? I just picked this up from a forum member, but haven't shot it yet.

if you were within driving distance, I'd be happy to shoot them side by side.

 

[balin]

No different than all the other guns you see in the pawn shop or used gun shop case; they do stick out because they are different.

I sthat a John Ross .500 mag I see? How do you like it?

 

[brucev]

This is informal, so I thought I'd put it in the lounge instead of the '1980 to present' forum thinking I might reach more people.

Who has owned a .500 S&W?? What do you use it for?? How much do you shoot it? Do you still have it? Is getting ammo a problem?

Briefly, I have not ever owned a .500 S&W. If I did, it would be primarily used for range and hunting. But those tasks are very nicely handled by my other revolvers. In this area, some ammunition is available, but not a broad range of any caliber is on the shelves. Prices for the magnum calibers are very high.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I had one, never shot it. The yolk screw broke off in the frame and was on the floor as I was looking it over before putting it in my range bag. I sent it back to S&W that deemed it unrepairable and then couldn't get a replacement gun to me after 6+ months of waiting. I asked them if they could just issue a refund then, which they did.

I found out the yolk screw is the same hollow screw they use on .357 models. I'll buy another if someone makes a solid yolk screw for it instead of the corner cutting part in there now. I got a bunch of ammo for it doing nothing.

 

[cal50]

I have noticed that nearly every pawn shop I have been in as well as gun store with a used gun case has a used SW500 in the display case. That tells me that these guns are often just visitors that wore out their welcome.

The "wow" factor gets attention when looking at them but the guns are not inexpensive if you shoot factory ammo and it can be punishing to fire.
The local gun shop sells factory ammo for $75 for a box of 20. Twenty rounds is not a lot of shooting and adds up fast. The average guy will buy one and maybe fire a box or two. My one gun I purchased used had a full box minus 3 rounds and three fresh burn rings on the cylinder. Used 500's are generally in like new condition.

Its a high performance gun and not for everyone.

 

[jake m29]

I love the 500. In my opinion the cartridge is one of the most versatile out there. I currently have an 8 3/8, 6.5 and a John Ross. I just sold my 4 inch to fund another project but love and use them all. I use mine for plinking, Self defense when out in the mountains or desert and hunting. I am a reloader so I go through a LOT of rounds. For me it does everything I'll ever need it to do. Now if Smith will bring out that little 3.5 inch PC gun in .500....;-)

 

[scott1970]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, but I worked with a guy who bought one a few years ago. He fractured a bone in his wrist on his first outing with it. He showed up to work on light duty with a brace. I don't have a clue as to what he was shooting other than him bragging about very stout ammo...prior to the fracture.

 

[rwsmith]

Two things are certain.....

Two things are certain. If I got one I'd have to have a really good reason and there's no way I could have one with my reloading.

 

[sw282]

scott--A 500 is definitely not for the limp wristed...My 460 PC showed me that right smart.......

 

[*chris*]

I recently bought a 4" S&W 500 and it is quite lively. Recoil is a lot less than I expected e.g. no way did it even come close to my forehead, but it isn't really fun to shoot.

Full house 44 mags out of my 4" performance center 44 MAG are a load I can shoot all day long. 5 rounds of 350 gn 1900 FPS S&W 500 ammo and I had enough. I could shoot it, but it wasn't enjoyable to me.

I am going to reload some slower titegroup and finally trail boss loads to see if I can make it a gun that I like shooting a bunch of rounds out of.

It is a massive gun that shoots a robust projectile and is quite a range pleaser.

Chris

 

[2011Corvette]

S&W 500

I have a 4" - 500.
Being a Smith wheel gun fanatic I had to have one. It isnt a gun I bring to the range every time I go. It's fun to shoot a few rounds through and watch the reaction of others who have never shot one before.
I dont think you will find many used ones that have had tons of rounds through them.
I wish I could find another one with the 2" barrell.