[03cobra456]

well, i am ordering the new smith and wesson 500 next week. i am very excited. it is my first revolver. i have semi auto 9's so this is going to be a big step up. i just has a few questions

has anyone ever shot the gun or have it? if so, what are your thought and opinions on it. i am also looking to order 600gr. ammo for it from... WWW.BALLISTICSUPPLY.NET

anyoner ever heard of them or used their ammo?

any thoughts on this gun would be appreciated

steve

[98C5]

Heres a good video for you to check out:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DFJORUDnLbI

When I get my 500 (hopefully Monday) I will be purchasing the Heavyweight Sample Pak.

[03cobra456]

well as of now i am ordering the 4 inch barrel. i like the look better. i'm not using the gun for hunting or anything so just to mess with at the range.

what barrel length did you order, and how much did you get it for?

also, what ammo is that you talking of?

[98C5]

Actually I will be getting the Taurus 10" Raging Bull. Here is the web page for their "sample paks" Great deal.

http://www.ballisticsupply.net/Default.aspx?tabid=256928

[03cobra456]

will the 4" have more kick back than the 10"

also, how much did u pay for the gun. a gun shop by me sai 950 cash. they did give me a discount though b/c i'm a cop

[98C5]

Yes, the 4" will a LOT more muzzle flip and felt recoil than the 10".

Heres a vid of the S&W 4" shooting a 700 grain bullet. (Note, he does say the "S" word in this vid.)This will show the severe muzzle flip.


http://youtube.com/watch?v=fjmtUFrFBc4



Mine will run $700 out the door.

[03cobra456]

i already seen that video. i laughed my butt off but on ballistic.net it says their 700 grain round shouldnt be used in the 4" barrel. any reason why?

[98C5]

Not sure, but probably because of what happened in that video. WAY too much muzzle flip.

[03cobra456]

well thanks for all your input. send me some pics of your gun when you get it. i hope other people chime in on this thread to let me know how the gun is

[stevereno1]

I have never shot the big 500, but my fears were as great when i purchased a colt anaconda in .44 mag. I was all over the place with it, and decided that it wouldn't shoot, until a fellow at the range told me to relax, and explaind to me how recoil doesn't hurt, and told me to hold my sights on the target and let the shot surprise me as I squeezed the trigger. "BOOM!" bullseye, and have been booming them ever since. Recoil doesn't hurt! It's amusing after awhile to see people who are afraid of something that doesn't hurt. It's surprising, and cool, but it don't hurt

[jad0110]

Recoil doesn't hurt! It's amusing after awhile to see people who are afraid of something that doesn't hurt. It's surprising, and cool, but it don't hurt.

Just goes to show that, unless you have bad arthritis or some other ailment, felt recoil is mostly mind over matter. Not that my mind is always over matter :o .

[W.E.G.]

Recoil of .44 Mag in a Colt Anaconda is probably only half of the recoil of the .500.

All you can hope to do with the .500 is endure it. You won't get "used to" it.

Use this to run the numbers if you want.
http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

[stevereno1]

I am sure that when I am 50+, Recoil will be a painful reminder of now. Speaking of now, I'd like the 7mm. rem. mag with the 150 gr nosler boat-tail soft points!

[stevereno1]

I agree, W.E.G., but the bullet exits the barrel before the recoil is felt. So, if you're gonna shoot the .500, you need to let the shot surprise you, and then worry about recoil. no .500 handgun can rock you any worse that a punch in the arm by your big brother. Shoot that thing, and get it done!

[W.E.G.]

took my own dare

S&W "X" frame in left column
S&W "N" frame in right column

Both with 8 3/8" barrels

looks like my estimate was a bit off

The .500 has nearly THREE times the recoil of the .44 Magnum.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/recoil.jpg

[OAKVILLE SHOOTER]

I have the 4" Smith. I have also shot the 8 3/8" Smith. Recoil is night and day between the two. The 8" has less felt recoil with 400 grn loads than my 2" stainless .357 with full power loads. The 4" is in a world of it's own. Well, Taurus is supposed to be coming out with a 2", but I haven't seen it yet. Any way, with 500 grn CorBon loads, the 4" is STOUT. Yes it is manageable, but it is not pleasant.

I am not trying to tell you what to do, but the 500 in 4" is in anothe realm from 9mm. I would strongly suggest starting out with something lighter than 600 grn. At 56 ft/lbs of recoil it will be an eye opener for sure. Then again, it may not be too bad from an 8 3/8" or 10" barrel.

[OAKVILLE SHOOTER]

double post

[GJgo]

I've shot the long barreled .500- it was really sweet. It kicked good but it was manageable. It hit the targets accurately, and HARD.

A scandium .357 snubby with full house rounds hurts WAY worse.

[22-rimfire]

If I were you, I'd start with the lower bullet weights. In case you don't know, less recoil. You are in for a "recoil awakening" when you have only shot 9mm. ;) I'd love to see your first few rounds through that beast.

[Redhawk1]

I have been shooting the S&W 500 Mag for about 5 years now, I have fired well over 5000 rounds through different S&W 500 Mags as well as my BFR in 500 Mag.
I have owned 2 of the 8 5/8 inch barreled 500 Mags and a 4 inch 500 Mag as well as my BFR 500 Mag with a custom 6 inch barrel.

I have shot from 275 gr. Barnes bullets to 700 gr. bullets that I reload myself. I get my bullets from Ranger Rick in Homer Alaska, he makes some fine bullets, he is the one that supplies WWW.BALLISTICSUPPLY.NET
with them big bullets.

Now my results differ from others here, I do not notice any difference in recoil from my 8 5/8 inch barrel to my 4 inch barrel. To me they feel the same, but the 4 inch has more flash at the muzzle. My 4 inch barreled 500 Mag has a custom compensator installed. I had the end cap that S&W made for the 460 Mag and modified it to work in the 500 Mag. So my 4 inch is not comped at all, and I don't find the recoil any worse then when it was comped, just a little more muzzle rise.


I have taken a lot of game with my 500 Mags, deer, hogs and black bear. My accuracy bullet and hunting bullet is a 370 gr. hard cast gas checked bullet from Montana Bullet works.

You are going to enjoy the 4 inch 500 Mag, but just remember one thing, do not shoot the 500 Mag with a death grip. Hold the gun firmly but just know it is going to recoil, don't fight it. I have seen guys hold the grip so tight that they actually pull the trigger twice and shoot the gun 2 times. It was because they were afraid of the gun and had a death grip on it.

[Redhawk1]

Also some good advice as someone else mentioned, start with the lighter 275 gr. bullets or lighter than 400 gr. I think Mag tech makes some lighter bullets as well. Also reloading is the way to go with the 500 Mag.

[GunTech]

I just got the new CDNN flyer and they are listing the X frame 460 and 500 S&W with a 2.75 inch revolver! That's one heck of a snubbie.

[03cobra456]

i really appreciate your opinions and everything else. i'll take all of them into consideration.

i was just on cabellas website, and they have 200 rounds for 270. 350 gr. i am going to buy that , but also i wast to also feel how the 600 grain round would feel.

has anyone used ammo from cabellas. here's the link...http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0031375215702a.shtml

any thoughts on their ammo?

[Redhawk1]

The 2.75 inch have been out for over a year now, it is in the survival kit.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&categoryId=15707&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15703&top_category=15703

03cobra456, I have seen that ammo, but never used it, I have been reloading for over 25 years, so I have been reloading the 500 Mag from the first day I had one. If you just shoot your 500 Mag a little, it is not so bad to just buy loaded ammo, but when you shoot it as much as I do, reloading is the only way to feed it. :) If you want to shoot some of them big ullets, I suggest you order some and have a blast.

[03cobra456]

do you think its fine just for range ammo?

[Redhawk1]

03cobra456, I am sure it will work great for range and hunting ammo.

[Troutman]

Yes.

If your ever to do hunting with it. Stick with one load [whatever you choose]. Because you will have to sight-in again after using those big berthas.

[Troutman]

How you doing Redhawk1?

In fact Redhawk1 has the info on how to make a non-ported comp for it. Good for night shooting. Where the flash is all directed foward.

[Redhawk1]

And it is a blast to shoot... LOL

[22-rimfire]

For regular factory loads, felt recoil in the Smith feels less than the 480 Ruger out of a SRH. Maybe it is just me. I have no problem shooting 500's in weights less than abou 350 gr. After that, they pound you. But in part, that is why you buy these guns, so shoot those big old heavy bullets, relax, and enjoy yourself!

[03cobra456]

thanks for all the info guys i cant wait to order it on monday

[Redhawk1]

Keep us informed....

[03cobra456]

i will i promise. one dealer i just got off the phone with said $980 plus tax.

i'm going to call a few more people tomorrow and see what i can get for it. i know a few of them do give a law enforcement discount so hopefully i can get in touch with them.

does this seem to expensive? can i go out of state to purchase it, and bring it back to new york?

[Redhawk1]

03cobra456, are you dead set on a new one? I know I have seen slightly used ones for $750 to $800.

[TRP1]

You can find nice used ones on gunbroker for good prices, Most fired just a few times, Imagine that :D

[Redhawk1]

The main reason you will find them fired very little is because some people can't handle the recoil or the concussion of the 500 Mag, most of them are the same people that actually have a problem with a 44 Mag as well. The S&W 500 Mag is not for everyone. It has nothing to do with the actual gun itself.
If you can save a hundred dollars or more, a good hardly used one is the way to go.

[jack the toad]

My 4 inch barreled 500 Mag has a custom compensator installed. I had the end cap that S&W made for the 460 Mag and modified it to work in the 500 Mag. So my 4 inch is not comped at all, and I don't find the recoil any worse then when it was comped, just a little more muzzle rise.
I like my 4" 500 but I'd like it better if it were non-comped. a 4" fully rifled barrel would be ideal I think.
I don't understand why S&W makes the non ported comp insert for the 460 but not the 500.
Can you tell me more about the custom comp you have?

[Redhawk1]

jack, I sent you an e-mail..

[03cobra456]

so can anyone advise me on transfering a gun from state to state. if i buy it in pennsylvania, can i still bring it to ny, sorry kinda new at this. i might be able to get it cheaper in PA

[98C5]

Whoever you buy it from must ship it to an FFL in your are in NY. You cannot legally purchase a firearm and transport it back to NY. I'm sure some do between two people (person-to-person), but it is illegal. You can purchase a private firearm from your state, but not from another state without an FFL transfer.

[davepool]

I have owned a .500 with the 8 3/8" barrel for over a year, fired over 600 rounds of every factory load there is and i like it a lot, it is the most accurate big hangun i have ever fired,but i gets really expensive to shoot if you don't reload. If you like it, save all your casings because you will definately want learn how to reload. For begginers i would start with the lighter loads until you get accustomed to the recoil and handling a 5 lb gun , then move up to the big heavy loads ,500 grains and up.Ballist supply provides info on thier website as to felt recoil, from as low as 12 ft.lbs. up to over 50 ft.lbs. but be warned the power of the big gun is addictive, once you get accustomed to the recoil , firing a .45 acp feels like a toy

[EddieCoyle]

I have two .500s (a 4" and an 8-3/8") as well as an 8-3/8" .460 XVR. Here's a picture of me shooting the .500 and .460 at the same time. I was shooting 500gr Hornady bullets over a full charge of H110 in the 500, and 300gr XTPs over a pile of Lil' Gun in the .460:

http://www.vintagepistols.com/images/cannons.jpg


Here's what a 325 grain bullet does to a pumpkin:

http://www.vintagepistols.com/images/pumpkin.jpg

I've put at least 5000 rounds total through the .500s, almost all of which were my handloads. Here's a link (http://www.vintagepistols.com/500_and_460_load_data.html) to some of my loads.

The recoil is more than manageable, and I've actually gotten used to it. You know it's going to come, you know it's not going to kill you, so you just concentrate on a smooth trigger break and then let your elbow bend to absorb the recoil. The pumpkin picture above shows the extent of the muzzle flip with a lighter bullet.

If you don't reload already, you should look into it.

[Pigspitter]

I remember going to Bass Pro when it opened and seeing a guy buy a 4" .500. Two days later I was back and saw the guy returining the gun with a nice cast on his wrist.

[Redhawk1]

Pigspitter, for some reason I can't see that happening. I have been shooting the 500 Mag for over 5 years and NEVER has my wrist even hurt. When I go to the range, I shot 50 to 100 rounds of hot loaded 500 mag in my 4 inch, 6 inch and 8 3/8 inch. I just find it a little hard to believe..That's just my opinion...

[davepool]

maybe he was "limpwristing" it :)

[davepool]

thanks for the link eddie, i'm getting my reloading equipment this christmas, the .500 is at the top of my list for reloading but will also be reloading for the .460,.454casull,and ruger .480 your link will provide valuable info from an experienced 500 shooter

[EddieCoyle]

Pigspitter, for some reason I can't see that happening. I have been shooting the 500 Mag for over 5 years and NEVER has my wrist even hurt. When I go to the range, I shot 50 to 100 rounds of hot loaded 500 mag in my 4 inch, 6 inch and 8 3/8 inch. I just find it a little hard to believe..That's just my opinion...

I'm with Redhawk1 on this. My son started shooting my .500s when he was 11 and never hurt himself. Even one-handed, the recoil is not forceful enough to cause a sprain. Maybe the guy fell in his yard or something.

[Pigspitter]

I don't know how he did it, but he did.

[Troutman]

<<Two days later I was back and saw the guy returining the gun with a nice cast on his wrist.>>


Like an old Rod Stewart song (where part of the song is sung); "Oh! No! Not again"

Here (below) is a post.... that was posted some time ago.

<<The mysticism of this handgun, sometimes can be outlandish….i.e. breaking wrists, loss of hearing after firing a couple of rounds, recoil is to the point that you need an NFL helmet, arms the size of Arnold Schwarzenegger to shoot this handgun, things like excessive shooting of this handgun can lead to premature ejaculations, ileitis and/or colitis.
The other side of it, it’s more powerful than LAWS rocket (the M72, not the paintball one), can wipe out a half-track, at ¼ mile. Whether taken seriously or “tongue in cheek” humor.
The answer to this, which is, “by all means, do not use this handgun if you “think” these things will happen to you.... >> clipped

[98C5]

Like an old Rod Stewart song (where part of the song is sung); "Oh! No! Not again"

'Infatuation' (http://youtube.com/watch?v=e7gDPxdLMCc)


;)

[davepool]

So true Troutman! I go to an outdoor range here quite often and am amazed at the number people that are afraid of this gun, they all seem to have heard of "a guy" who got hurt firing this handgun. When i offer to let them try it 9 out of 10 refuse, # 10 usually says "wow thats not as bad as i've heard, how much are they? where can i get one, can i shoot it again?" to which i reply, " sure you buy the ammo"

[mikeone]

Hey guys !

Im glad I caught this post. I just ordered the 2.75/in model for a great price

(no not the freakin bear attack kit garbage). With the intention of rebarreling

it at school. Im a gunsmithing student and im taking a custom revolver class

in a semester, I cant wait to see my teachers face when I show him this

monstrosity.

By the way EddieCoyle thankyou for the link. I did not know Tightgroup

was not position sensitive. Ive already loaded 50 rnds with 370gc and 440gc

bullets and Trailboss.( and I dont even have the gun yet haa) I was loading

some 350 sierras with a tightgroup load and was like yea f&c*ing right the

load density is like 25%. But with your intel ill throw those little bastards

together.

thanks;
Mike