SMITH & WESSON 500
Posted May 19, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 500 magnum revolver is one of the most powerful revolvers on the market today. Since its release in 2003, the big bore wheel gun has become immensely popular with handgunners of all backgrounds. Weighing in at a whopping 155 ounces, it is one of the heaviest revolvers in current production. There are many advantages to owning a Smith & Wesson 500; however, there are drawbacks too. To better understand both the pros and cons of this big game hunting gun, I’ll delve into the details and features of this weapon and discuss how it might fit into a shooter’s collection.
Overall Build Quality
The Smith & Wesson 500 is built with quality in mind, and this is evident in its heft and construction. With all stainless steel construction, the gun feels rugged and solid in your hands. The revolver barrel is 8 3/8” and the overall gun is 16 5/8” long. This length adds to the weapon’s balance and makes taking aim quite easy. The barrel features an integral lock groove mooring which should help to moderate the rapid recoil the gun produces when fired.
The finish of the gun is consistent with the stainless steel construction. Smith & Wesson uses a bead-blasted matte finish which gives the weapon a fitted look and feel. However, due to its strength, the finish is susceptible to scratches and dings if not handled with care.
The Smith & Wesson 500 is available in three barrel lengths with a 4”, 6 1/2” or 8 3/8” barrel. The 4” barrel option is designed for easier transportation and portability while still allowing users to shoot accurately at close ranges. The 6 1/2” barrel is the most popular option for hunters and long range shooting, and the 8 3/8” barrel is ideal for pistol hunters looking to get maximum performance from the gun.
Grips and Sights
The grips of the Smith & Wesson 500 are designed to fit comfortably in an average size hand. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the factory rubber grips help to absorb and dissipate the recoil of the gun. However, many shooters upgrade to a set of wooden or polymer grips for maximum control and comfort. Smith & Wesson also offer a set of Pachmayr Grips which offer superior recoil reduction and help to cushion the gun’s recoil.
The sights of the Smith & Wesson 500 are adjustable and are equipped with a tritium front sight and a white outline rear sight. The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage only. The sight picture of the gun is quite good and the sights allow shooters to make accurate and precise shots.
Recoil
The Smith & Wesson 500 produces some of the heaviest recoil of any gun on the market. With a muzzle velocity of over 1,500 feet per second, the gun generates significant forces when fired. The rubber grips and integral locking groove mooring help to reduce the recoil of the gun, however some shooters still find the recoil to be too intense. Consequently, many shooters opt for heavier clothing or ammunition to help absorb the kick produced when firing the gun.
Shooting Performance
The Smith & Wesson 500 is designed for large game hunting. It is capable of taking down even the largest animals with ease, including elk, moose, and bear. The gun is also quite accurate for its size and can easily hit targets within a 50 yard radius when shooting with an open sight.
The gun is especially accurate when using a scope. The adjustable sights allow the shooter to make accurate and precise shots at greater distances. With strong recoil mitigating capabilities and good accuracy, the Smith & Wesson 500 is an ideal gun for hunting big game.
Additional Features
The Smith & Wesson 500 revolver is compatible with Smith & Wesson’s accessories and aftermarket parts. These accessories, such as scope mounts, speed loaders, flashlight mounts, and slings, allow the user to customize the weapon to his or her specific needs. This makes the gun incredibly versatile and allows the user to tailor the gun to the task at hand.
Also, the gun is equipped with a transfer bar safety mechanism which prevents accidental discharges if the gun is mishandled. This provides an extra level of safety for all shooters and prevents the gun from discharging if it is dropped or mishandled in some way.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson 500 magnum revolver is a powerful and formidable handgun that is perfect for big game hunters and target shooters alike. Despite its hefty weight, the gun’s ergonomic grips and integrated mooring grooves help to reduce recoil and improve accuracy. Additionally, the gun can be customized and tailored to the users' individual needs with the help of aftermarket accessories and parts. The gun’s lock bar safety mechanism adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring the gun won’t fire accidentally if mishandled.
For those looking for an incredibly powerful and accurate revolver for hunting or target shooting, the Smith & Wesson 500 is an excellent choice. Despite the heavy recoil, the Smith & Wesson 500 is sure to be a dependable companion for all your shooting needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-One of the most powerful production handguns available, capable of taking down large game like grizzly bears.
-Robust and extremely durable design.
-Balanced weight distribution for improved accuracy.
-Variations in grip design for better usability.
-High ammo capacity.
Cons:
-Heavy to carry and handle, especially for smaller users.
-Very pricey relative to other handguns.
-Only limited upgrading options available.
-Firing the weapon can produce significant recoil.
-The trigger pull is criticized as being overly heavy.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a powerful, reliable handgun for protection or hunting should consider the Smith & Wesson 500. Those who don’t have any experience with firearms or who are looking for a handgun for target shooting should look for something more suited to their needs.
Comparisons
| Manufacturer | Product | Capacity | Weight | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson | 500 | 5 rounds | 4.5 lbs | 8.5" |
| Ruger | Super Redhawk | 7 rounds | 57.8 oz | 10.5" |
| Taurus | TRACKER 627SS | 7 rounds | 53.3 oz | 6.5" |
| Tavor X95 Bullpup Rifle | Tactical | 30 rounds | 8.4 lbs | 16.5" |
| Remington 1911 R1 | Enhanced Double Stack | 8+1 rounds | 38 oz | 5" |
Features / Specs
• Type: Handgun
• Model: Smith & Wesson 500
• Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
• Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
• Operation: Double action/Single action
• Weight: 4.5 lbs (unloaded)
• Barrel Length: 4.0, 6.5, and 8.38 inches
• Overall Length: 12.94-15 inches
• Sight Radius: 12.6-14.25 inches
• Sights: Adjustable steel
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel
• Grips: Synthetic Rubber or Hogue Wood
Popular Accessories
?
- Holsters: There are many different kinds of holsters available for the Smith & Wesson 500, ranging from ankle holsters, belt holsters, holster bags, and more.
- Sights: The 500 comes with adjustable rear sights, but many people opt for aftermarket, high-visibility sights such as fiber optics.
- Grips: The grips that come with the 500 are usually rubber, but many people replace them with wood or other materials.
- Recoil Pads: Recoil pads are a popular accessory for Smith & Wesson 500, which help tame the gun's punishing kick.
- Scope Mounts: Scope mounts are a great way to mount optics and scopes to the Smith & Wesson 500, allowing users to more accurately hit long-range targets.
Accuracy
The Smith and Wesson 500 is a highly accurate handgun. With practice, the user can achieve a high level of accuracy, allowing for very precise shooting up to 200 yards. The pistol's recessed muzzle crown and adjustable sights allow for easy aiming and a good tight group of shots at long distances. Additionally, the 500 is designed with an ergonomic grip, extended steel frame, and ported barrel, which contributes to its user-friendly accuracy. As a result, the accuracy of the Smith & Wesson 500 has made it one of the most preferred handguns for hunters, competitive sport shooters, law enforcement, and civilian self-defense purposes.
