Which 500?

[Echd]

I am debating on adding a 500 to the stable, but I am torn on what model I would like best.

The 10.5 inch version looks a bit overlong for my purposes.

I am leaning on the PC 7.5 inch. It looks good and the price is not much higher than the standard version. Will it fit most of the available holsters? I really like the galco Kodiak and if it would fit that I would probably be very likely to buy this version.

That said, I have shot the 8.38 inch version and found the trigger very good and the balance better than I expected. I also wonder if the extra weight would be preferable over the 360 comp on the PC version?

There also appear to be two 8.38 versions, one with the comp appearing to be inside of the "shroud" of the barrel, and one that looks sort of like a v comp. Thoughts?

The 6.5 version isn't out of the running, but it is only comped and has the half lug barrel. I'm not afraid of recoil but I am not inviting punishment either.

Main purpose for this gun will just be general blasting. It will shoot some full power loads but the vast, vast majority are likely to be very modest lead bullet loads. The 500 looks like a really fun cartridge to reload and I already have a collection of molds for it.

Your opinions?

 

[classichunter]

I was asking the same question as you around the first of the year. I didn't have a opportunity to shoot any. But I held a 4" and a 8 3/8th model. I felt the long barrel was to front heavy to shoot much without some support. The 4" would have been perfect but its really a 3" barrel with the compensator. I looked online at the PC models but they just look funny to me. I saw the 6.5" half lug barrel and it looked like a larger 44 mag. It's like a overgrown M29.
So that's what I bought. A 6.5" with the half lug barrel. Man I love that gun. It's become my new favorite. I've shot some factory ammo in it and it is a handful but its not un-controllabe. In fact its extremely accurate. I reload and have worked up some loads using 50AE bullets. I got some lighter loads and some mid range loads. I'm afraid to push the 50ae bullets to to high of velocity.
Since I've never shot any other 500 so I can't compare them but I love mine. The perfect size, maybe. A 5" John Ross would probably be perfect for shooting and carrying in the field but I couldn't find any for sale. I'd like to shoot a 4" but the muzzle blast and extra report may be more than I would like. Do a search, some of my earlier post have some good advice from more experience 500 shooter.

 

[ruggyh]

As always I suggest you shot as many of them before buying when possible.

For your use there is no best in my opinion, each as it's little subjective differences.

Even the 4" which you did not mention would be up to the task.
Personally I usually take my 7.5 PC or John Ross to the range.

For mr the John Ross has the best feel and shoots the really large (>500 grain) lead better than any of the others.

I currently have all those discussed here except the 10.5 but have shoot every barrel length produced.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

And if you don't hand load you need to start.

 

[Davinman]

big case, lotta powder. id go w/the longest bbl your comfortable shooting. a 4" bbl in that gun seems kinda silly to me, in fact anything under 7" would not make any sense in my eyes. with a 500s&w its as if your shooting a rifle cartridge in a revolver, and a tiny bbl is detrimental to its purpose. when i bought my 454 casull years ago i opted to get the 8 3/8 for just that reason, why not be able to take advantage of as much velocity as you can? the extra bbl length also gives you a better sight radius and some extra weight that will come in handy to tame that 500's recoil.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

big case, lotta powder. id go w/the longest bbl your comfortable shooting. a 4" bbl in that gun seems kinda silly to me, in fact anything under 7" would not make any sense in my eyes. with a 500s&w its as if your shooting a rifle cartridge in a revolver, and a tiny bbl is detrimental to its purpose. when i bought my 454 casull years ago i opted to get the 8 3/8 for just that reason, why not be able to take advantage of as much velocity as you can? the extra bbl length also gives you a better sight radius and some extra weight that will come in handy to tame that 500's recoil.

I agree completely, after paying for that gun and the ammunition (self loaded or not) you are in it for the power. This is not going to be a concealed carry gun. Why cheat yourself of the full ballistic velocity with a shorter barrel? If there is any revolver where you go for the longest barrel - this is it. I understand that much enjoyment can be had with shorter barrels that others will recommend.

 

[500SNW]

I don't want to be a party pooper, but think long and hard about whether or not you'll really shoot your 500 much. I recently sold my own 500 after having it sit around unused for two years. I took it to the range only once in that entire period. I lusted after a 500 for quite a while....watched all the Youtube videos...and finally took the plunge. Later, I realized the X-frame gun was IMHO impractical. It was just too bulky, the ammo/components too expensive - even for a reloader like me - it burned too much powder, and was unpleasant to shoot with its muzzle blast and stinging the palm of the hand recoil. I imagine that many other folks out there had a similar experience to mine - enthusiastically buying one, and then realizing that they are a bit "excessive". Again, not trying to discourage, but please consider all the above before buying. I didn't. I rushed in and bought it - ignoring the advice of a family member - then I learned it wasn't for me.

 

[Named User]

Personally I love my 8.38 with the v comp for range use. The weight balance is great, and with the v comp working with it, the muzzle rise is much tamer. Plus if you're buying it just because it's pretty darn cool to me it has the best overall look. The 10.5 is the way to go for hunting, and if you're crazy enough to want to carry it, the 6.5 would be your way to go. But those are my options.

However I strongly agree with 500SNW think about what you're getting into. The recoil honestly doesn't bother me at all, and I put wood grips on the 8.38. If you don't reload, the cheapest price I've seen on ammo is $1.40 a round. Which adds up quick.

However I just have mine for personal entertainment, and love them. Extremely accurate, and one of the most versatile pistol rounds out there. Not to mention they're pretty darn cool. Just be safe with it, unfortunately there has been at least one fatal accident with them, like all guns it can be dangerous, but the .500 mag is one powerful round.

 

[roscoepc]

I've got the 8-3/8" version with the interchangeable compensator and Love it to Pieces! Also that's the difference between the comp's: one is fixed and one can be changed for either jacketed or lead rounds. With a lower powered load the gun is entirely manageable and good for a couple hundred rounds!

 

[roscoepc]

Almost forgot!! Holster's!!! I bought a vertical shoulder holster from Uncle Mike's for mine based on using one with a M-29 with the 8-3/8" barrel which was very comfortable for a day's hunting!! Here's a Pic:

 

[Echd]

I don't want to be a party pooper, but think long and hard about whether or not you'll really shoot your 500 much. I recently sold my own 500 after having it sit around unused for two years. I took it to the range only once in that entire period. I lusted after a 500 for quite a while....watched all the Youtube videos...and finally took the plunge. Later, I realized the X-frame gun was IMHO impractical. It was just too bulky, the ammo/components too expensive - even for a reloader like me - it burned too much powder, and was unpleasant to shoot with its muzzle blast and stinging the palm of the hand recoil. I imagine that many other folks out there had a similar experience to mine - enthusiastically buying one, and then realizing that they are a bit "excessive". Again, not trying to discourage, but please consider all the above before buying. I didn't. I rushed in and bought it - ignoring the advice of a family member - then I learned it wasn't for me.

It probably won't be something I shoot everyday. But that's alright, I have plenty of guns that barely see the light of day as is and still enjoy finding new ones. If I only kept the stuff I shot all the time, I'd have a couple of S&W revolvers, a couple of rifles, and a G35. And worst come to worst, I don't like it and sell it for a bit less than I paid. Not the most awful thing that could happen and it wouldn't be the first time either.

I do reload and cast so cost per round will not be high.

My primary interest in this is for reloading actually, as I have heard from many sources how well this performs with a variety of loads and bullet types.

I do appreciate the feedback and the thoughts, as well as the opinions on which gun. I will admit the 8 and 3/8 versions look extra sexy, but I am still inclined towards the PC version just because... well, marketing, I suppose? The only PC gun I have ever not been completely satisfied with was a 929, and it was still pretty nice.

 

[Named User]

I honestly wish I had one of the PCs. I've been talking myself out of it for way too long now. The PC 500s also have a trigger over travel stop, that plus the other advantages can make the couple of bucks more pretty worth it.

Since you reload, you will love it, lots of versatility. I'd give the 460 a close look too.

 

[MCorps0311]

Almost forgot!! Holster's!!! I bought a vertical shoulder holster from Uncle Mike's for mine based on using one with a M-29 with the 8-3/8" barrel which was very comfortable for a day's hunting!! Here's a Pic:

Can you hold it after you fire it?

 

[roscoepc]

Can you hold it after you fire it?

Why wouldn't I hold the gun after firing??

 

[BTH]

I have 4 of them

Hi Echd,

I have four of them 4 inch, 6.5 inch, 7.5 inch PC, and the 8 3/8 inch. My favorite is the 4 inch and 7.5 PC, recoil is a little more with 4 inch but manageable. The 8 3/8 inch just seems a little to long and barrel heavy while the 6.5 seems to barrel light. Between the 8 3/8 and the 6.5 I prefer the 8/3/8 over the 6.5.

Hope that helps, oh one other thing not sure what is going on yet but the 4 inch when shooting heavy loads occasional the cylinder locks up and I had to used a raw hide hammer to open it up. No bullets have move out of case and as of yet have not figure out what is causing it. Just mention it in case you change your mind and decide to go with the 4 inch. I have search the web and haven't heard anyone else having this issue thou so maybe it is just my gun and has nothing to do with being 4 inches. Wish I could find one of those 2 inchers at a reasonable price.

Hope this helps,

BTH

 

[Constrictor]

My 8.5" smith is my favorite gun for 2 years now. Almost always goes to the range with me. .38 for my own plated loads, .88 for full bore jackets.

 

[ken158]

I bought the 6 1/2" and am happy with it. Easy to load for and have no intention of ever firing factory ammo. I take it to the deer stand and have knocked down two deer to date. Talk about body slam... Dont let the price get in the way of the barrel length you really want. Fun gun to own and shoot.

 

[DonD]

Well, I've had two 8.375" models, a 6" half lug and a 6.5" PC model 500 Mag

I like the balance of the longer barreled model best, forward weight bias and longer sight radius makes me shoot it far better than the others and in fact, better than any handgun I've ever used.

I didn't like the 6" half lug, very noticeable increase in recoil with similar loads when compared with the 8.375 model.

I now only have the 8.375 and the PC model and they're both keepers.

One poster said it was too expensive to shoot even with reloading. I would disagree. Many post cost numbers based on some buddy giving him a 1000# of lead for casting which most of us don't have. But....you can load a box of 50 potent 500s with hard cast slugs for a bit more than Walmart usually charges for .357 Mag ammo.

If that's too expensive, yes, you need to forget about the 500 mag.

Recoil?? I usually limit myself to 4-5 cylinder fulls of medium heavy ammo per range trip, the rest being "plinking" loads with Trail Boss which are simply just great fun. I've had no issues with overuse injuries and am 68 and have been shooting these beasts since 2003.

Great guns, more accurate than 99.9% of shooters can exploit from other than a Ransom Rest. Don