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S&W Model 500 .50 Magnum

6K views 37 replies 26 participants last post by  maineultraclassic 
#1 ·
was at the gun show this past weekend and they had a Smith an Wesson Model 500 .50 cal magnum....came home and started to research the gun....the one at the show had a over 8" barrel but I see they also make a 4" barrel....as I started researching I found the prices to be between $900.00 and $1500.00, I think I am going to start saving up for that gun......just would like to have it ...maybe a birthday present to myself :D

Smith & Wesson Model 500 ? The World's Most Powerful Production Revolver - Keepshooting®
 
#30 ·
I think the X frame guns are niche products and sales are comparatively small. They're big, heavy, expensive to buy and expensive to shoot. Many if not most are bought for the novelty factor. Even in the smallest barrel lengths offered (3") they're still big and heavy and would be hard to holster on the waist. The longer barrel lengths yield better performance in velocity so probably why there are more lengths 8 3/8" and beyond than 6" and below.

Of course S&W could make a true 4" or 5" or any other length barrel in the 500 but for whatever reason (something to do with sales?) they don't. Or don't right now.

The standard barrel length in the X frame (460 and 500) seems to be 8 3/8" and my reloading manuals performance data is based on that length. My 460 is 8 3/8" and I carry it in a Galco Kodiak chest rig when I've used it hunting. Like the OP I bought mine used for far below the cost of a new one and it was mint, LNIB still in the wrapper with tools, accessories, papers, etc. This is not uncommon - a lot of these guns (especially the 500) get bought for the novelty factor, are shot a few times, the novelty fades and the owner decides to unload it.
 
#31 ·
I technically own the original Model 500 that used to belong to my older brother, but he had to leave it here in the US when he moved permanently to Mexico, because Mexican gun laws prohibit a handgun that large of a caliber. Even though I own it, I don't keep it in my house. Not because I'm afraid of it or anything like that, but rather I just prefer leaving it with people who actually appreciate it more than I would. See, I don't believe in owning guns just for the sake of owning it. Not counting my dream gun which is a gold .50AE Desert Eagle which I have yet to get yet. ;)

Anyways, I have shot both the full length and the snubby versions. My hands, wrists, and arms are very well conditioned to handle large bore handguns. My shoulder on the other hand HATES hard kicking long guns. So yeah, I recommend giving one a try. Don't be intimidated by the size of the cartridge. There are much crazier looking cartridges out there. I've seen a revolver in .50-90 on YouTube and wouldn't be surprised in the least if there's a .50-140 version out there somewhere!
 
#34 ·
Affirmative, I have seen the same results.

First light, told you it was a painful gun to shoot full bore factory loads. I am surprised she fired a whole cylinder. I fired in one session 4 cylinders or 20 rds, i never have the urge to fire one again.

The first time my wife shot my 50 barrett, afterwards I asked if she wanted to shoot it again, she said one more and I am good. Might I add she got me to take it out that day because she wanted to shoot it.
 
#35 ·
I guess I'm about to find out how nasty these things are. I just put a 460XVR on layaway. While I'm mildly interested in deer hunting with it in all honesty I bought it for the novelty factor and because it was a bargain (<$900 BNIB). If it was normal price I doubt I would have bought it. I already shoot/reload 454C so I'm not expecting the recoil to be way beyond what I'm used to. We'll see.....
 
#36 ·
The 460XVR is not punishing at all. The heavy X frame size really soaks up recoil. Mine is the standard 8 3/8" barrel and until you get over 300 grain bullets I don't think it's noticeably more recoil than my 44 Magnum revolvers. The factory load Hornady developed for the 460 was focused on speed and is a 200 grain flex tip - you'll find you can shoot those all day long. 300 grain XTP are fine as well but start becoming noticeable. I shot a box of 310 grain Cor Bon stuff that was pretty stout but still no bruises, no need for a glove. I think there's more punishment potential in the 500 especially as bullets get in the 400 to 500 grain range. If you're used to shooting 454 Casull in something like an Alaskan I predict you'll find shooting the 460XVR more pleasant.
 
#37 ·
Cool. Thanks for the info. I kinda figured that was the case. A ported 6.5lb pistol is going to absorb a lot of felt recoil. Looking forward to it.
 
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