Those with the Model 500 4"

[cloudswimmer]

Well I thought I had made up my mind to get the 8.3/8" fixed comp 500, but have been watching some vids and looking at pics of the 4", and am kinda warming up to the idea a bit. It was that vid of Jerry Miculek double action speed shooting it that really caught my attention So how is it shooting lighter factory loads like the 300gr HSM? Would the muzzle flash with that compensator be tolerable for more than a cylinder full of rounds? How is it wearing it in a leather belt holster for 5 or 6 hours? Decisions Decisions Thanks again

 

[BUFF]

I have one. I have no holster for mine, yet, but have carried guns of similar weight daily before. It depends on your belt, your hips and a lot of individual factors no one else can predict.

Helen Keller would know if it went off.

 

[tenntucker]

Shooting the 300 gr is not a problem. When you get to the 500 gr and above is when you sit up and take notice.

 

[gnystrom]

Unless it is for hunting, I prefer the 4" but why the 500 over the more versatile 460? (this is a question not a statement)

 

[tenntucker]

Unless it is for hunting, I prefer the 4" but why the 500 over the more versatile 460? (this is a question not a statement)

I got mine because of a rumor years ago about banning all 50 cal. firearms.

 

[Kid44]

Unless it is for hunting, I prefer the 4" but why the 500 over the more versatile 460? (this is a question not a statement)

The ? was a dead giveaway.

 

[colt_saa]

The 4" model 500 was my second 500 Magnum firearm. I have been shooting it for 12 years now. My first was a 12" then the 4" closely followed by a 2 3/4" that was followed by a 6 1/2" and finally a 5" John Ross

Sorry, I have never fired factory ammunition so I can not comment

Muzzle flash is a function of powder choice. However even with 40+ grains of the big flash H110 I have zero issues.

Comfort in carrying is mostly an issue of a good belt and holster choice. If you do not already own a high quality leather gun belt, go buy one.

And the 460 is in no way more versatile than the 500. The 500 can be loaded with lead and jacketed projectiles ranging from 275 grains to 725 grains. Power can be anywhere from mild to wild.

These are the little 300 grain JHPs

The short guy on the left is a 450 grain semi pointed while the tall boy on the right is a 725 grain wadcutter. Remember the projectiles in this photo are 1/2" across, that gives you an idea of how long these are

A cylinder full (5) of the big wadcutters puts more than half a pound of lead down range

FYI, the 4" does not stabilized the giant projectiles out past 60 or 70 yards.

 

[tenntucker]

My limit with stability is the cast performance, gas check 440. When I get to the 500 grs, with so much bullet in the rifling, it torques my hand. Those 700's have to be bear to hold onto.

BTW, I'm switching to L'il Gun once I use up the H110. Easier to meter.

 

[ruggyh]

Muzzle flash and blast is greater with this model over the fixed comp version and yes these are also influenced by powder choice but won't be eliminated by it.

You will find the 300 to 350 grain bullets to be enjoyable out of this gun.

If that is a concern with muzzle flash I would suggest the 5" John Ross version.
It is also a better choice if you plan to shoot the heavy long bullets as pictured above.

Find the gun and shoot before you buy - best way to figure out whats best for you.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[cloudswimmer]

Unless it is for hunting, I prefer the 4" but why the 500 over the more versatile 460? (this is a question not a statement)

Why the 500 you ask, well because I already have one in the form of a 10" barrel Magnum Research BFR, and I have a set of dies for it. I also already have 2 .454 Casull (Freedom Arms and Ruger), and I have half a dozen .45 long colt, so the versatility of the .460 really doesn't interest me. Also being in the people's republic of Kalifornia it's just a matter of time before they pull the .500 off the roster (.500 ammo is already illegal in Los Angeles) so it's time to stock up on 500's while I still can. Only reason I asked about factory rounds for the 4" is because I got a whole bucket load of it as Christmas gift (I asked for bullets for reloading but ended up with the whole rounds lol) I have been learning western style engraving and thought the better looking (to me) 8.38" original fixed comp version 500 would be a great platform to decorate, but now I'm thinking I might engrave my BFR instead, and get the 4" smith 500 and a nice custom leather holster. My only reservation on the 4" has been the porting. If I could I'd get a PC Ross version, but they are nowhere to be found first and second and most important not on our stupid DOJ roster ARGH (ps nice pics guys, you just had to tease me with that Ross there Ruggy dawg on it lol

 

[ruggyh]

If you get up to Bay Area give me a call and we will go shooting.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

 

[cloudswimmer]

If you get up to Bay Area give me a call and we will go shooting.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Dang I thought I had a lot of revolvers Ruggy lol Actually I am in the Bay Area quite a bit as most of my family is in Sonoma County these days. On the way home to So.Cal. I usually stop by my brothers in Auburn and spend a few days up in the old hydraulic gold pits and swing my metal detector, this is where I usually target shoot in the late afternoon hours, and where the 4" 500 would come in handy. Where abouts in the Bay Area do you shoot Ruggy?

Chris