WTK: Shorten 500 barrel???

[jack the toad]

I have a 4" 500 that I really like and think that the 4" is about ideal for holster carry, etc., I just don't care for the comp.
Can anyone provide pros/cons of cutting a barrel to 4" (includes re-installing front sight) and recommend someone to do it?
Thanks

 

[adweisbe]

I am not sure if .500 barrels can be cut down because there is some engineering in the barrel design to make it stronger (2-piece).

 

[mtb1bkr]

Look in the smithing section about a method of taking the solid muzzle brake used in the 460XVR pistol and machining the insides out to work in the 500. The user who has done this and provided the FAQ is Smitty500Magnum I think. This will get rid of the compensator and fill it in with a solid piece.

Bill

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

The factory could change your barrel to something more your choosing. These new guns have special tools to remove barrels and S&W won't give them out. S&W is your only choice. This special wrench engages the rifling in the barrel and there is a end cap that tightens it all up.

You could remove that comp when you shoot it, it will be much better to shoot, more like a 44 mag report wise.

mtb1bkr is referring to the modified break which I turned a 460 into a 500 and this is an awesome modification. Some tell me S&W doesn't sell the 460 breaks any longer. You could call them and confirm this. It still could be made on a lathe, but there will be a lot more labor to create it.

I chose the easy route and just modified one.

 

[jack the toad]

Thanks all for the replies.
I've read the comp conversion post by 500 magnum nut. Nice job.
S&W told me the 460 comp is no longer available. I asked why and also why didn't they offer it for the 500. The guy I spoke with couldn't answer. I didn't really expect him to, not his fault though.
I may call them back and ask the PC if a non-comped 4" is available.
Thanks again.

 

[Tom C]

Thanks all for the replies.
I've read the comp conversion post by 500 magnum nut. Nice job.
S&W told me the 460 comp is no longer available. I asked why and also why didn't they offer it for the 500. The guy I spoke with couldn't answer. I didn't really expect him to, not his fault though.
I may call them back and ask the PC if a non-comped 4" is available.
Thanks again.

I don't know about a non-comp 4" but they made a non-comp 5" for John Ross. They may still have a few barrels available.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I don't know about a non-comp 4" but they made a non-comp 5" for John Ross. They may still have a few barrels available.

+1 yes I forgot about that one. Here is a link to the gun.
John Ross Website Store

1395.00