floridaguy911

I saw a couple of guns at the show this weekend that I REALLY LIKED. I believe one was a .460 (forgot the name after it) and a 500 smith and wesson, both around $800-$950. (STICKER PRICE, I DID NOT INQUIRE ABOUT THE "GUN-SHOW" PRICING.) I really like the 500, but I didnt want the 14" Barrel. Is a barrel this long a necessity for a weapon with this much power behind it? The 500SW that I looked at had probably.... a 5 or 6" barrel, which I liked 'cause you could just about concealed carry it. On the other hand I was concerned about it, never shooting this caliber first off, and second, about the size of the barrel, wondering what kind of recoil and flip i'd be looking at vs a longer barrel . I realize that a 500 s/w is probably not the best self defense round, as it seems it would CERTAINLY exit whatever it was shot into. I DO NOT plan on carrying it for concealed for any reason. I just like the weapon.

So Here's what Im asking everyone.
1) What do you think about the 500 S&W?
2) What is a reasonable price for said weapon?
3) Do I need a longer barrel than 5-6" to control the pistol better?

+++++ - any experiences any of you have had with a 500 S&W

Your opinions about my concerns, general thoughts about the weapon, ammunition, recoil, muzzle flip or anything pertaining to this thread are appreciated in advance.

S

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rocky

I would consider the recoil hampering follow up shots, gun size and weight as well as potential over penetration issues before carrying such a gun.
While I'm sure the 500 is a great round/gun, it appears to be a biggest caliber /bragging gun more than ultimately useful. (unless yer hunting big game)
If you really want 1 , go for it, just don't expect to be taken seriously if you use it for CCW.

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500Mag

1) Absolutely love shooting it.
2) Reasonable is subjective, but I'd think somewhere around 800 is decent.
3) I have the 8 3/8" barrel and it's not too difficult to control. The 4" barrel looks pretty nasty and I'm sure the control would be much more difficult to handle. I for one would not use it for CCW, (too heavy, too bulky, 5 round cyl, follow up shot issues) But hey if you miss your target the muzzle flash will surely get them.

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Ge-Mini-gun

I’ve got the 500 with 8-3/8 barrel, at the time only barrel length available there was the Hunter Model 10.5”, now they have the 4 inch model and maybe others. I love mine, but not crazy about the barrel length, it has grown on me though. I should have waited to see if a 6.5 or 7 inch would come out, but I got it used with 5 rounds through it for a song. Reasonable price through Gunbroker.com is $700 - $800; I’m very patient so I’d be looking under $700 if I were buying now. Do you need a longer barrel, depends on what your going to do with it, the extra length will help with muzzle rise. Recoil and muzzle blast ARE VERY IMPRESSIVE with full power loads, normal lighter bullets are manageable, and you almost have to reload if you shoot it a lot as ammo is expensive, north of $35 box 20.

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BigE410

I too have one with an 8 3/8 barrel. Easier to control then you'd think. For this type of gun I feel the longer barrel is better. This gun is for hunting large game, or if you have the money to just shoot for fun, not for CCW. Even with a 5 inch barrel its till to big and heavy (mine is like 5lbs loaded!!). And with the 500 you have waaaay to much power. I shot a hole through a 1/4 steel plate last time I was a the range using a 440gr hard cast round (I think I hit the same spot twice but still thats power) I think I paid 750 for mine.

cmidkiff

I don't own one, but I've shot several .500s&w's, and 2 .460's as well. You're not going to fire either without knowing that you've shot a large caliber handgun... kick is substantial, but not punishing with the rubber grips that S&W is putting on them.

I did get to shoot John Ross's carry gun, a 3" 'snubby' .500 with no compensator and bird's head grips... that one was a little much for me.

The .460 is probably a more flexible hunting sidearm. You can shoot 45lc and 454casul for 'plinking' and step up to the full power .460's if you need to. Realistically, you'd almost have to reload for either one of these if you shoot much, and you can load the .500 down to very comfortable levels.

I'll probably pick up a 6" .500 eventually... I'm really starting to favor magnum caliber revolvers over bottom feeders for range use, I just enjoy shooting them.

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Bud White

I've got the 460 5" and the 500 4"

The 4" is pretty tame till you get into the hot loaded 440 and 700 grain bullets

I like them both the 460 is like shooting a 44 mag even with the heavies ..

1 i love shooting the 500
2 i paid 850 for mine new
3 no very controllable with the 4" barrel comps do there job

9mm 45 acp and 500 smith





500 with a 38


500 Full Recoil with 440 grain bullets



700 grain 500
and 270 460 smith



460 smith 5"



From left to right

700 Grain 500 slug,45 colt,454,500 350 grain 440 500 grain , 460 200 grain Hornady

Bud White

Hopefully if all goes well this weekend ill get action shots of the 500 with 700 grain bullets

Dan Burwell

Here are a couple videos of the 500 in action:
275grain
350grain
700grain
This is through the 10.5 in PC model. Recoil is not bad with anything but the 700gr. When you load those to the max you know you touched off something a little different

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artz

Sorry...I'm a party pooper. If I can't do it with a .44 mag, I'll do it with a rifle...