[bloodline]

New here. Sorry for that.

I have a PC 460. Love it. Just got a 4" 500. Have only shot the Winchester factory 400 grain platinum tip. It kicks like a mule. Is that a particularly hot load? Somehow i doubt it...

I have a 340pd. I thought I knew what pain was.

[Big Boomer]

Welcome to the world of idiots. Yes, you do have to wear your dunce cap at the meetings.

I had mine embroidered and added glitter...

Oh, and my hand STILL hurts. I'll wait another few months before I try shooting mine again.

[Redhawk1]

I don't think the 4 inch 500 Mag is bad at all. I took my compensator off and shoot mine with a custom end cap. I have shot 275 to 700 gr. bullets in mine.

I use the same loads in my 4 inch S&W 500 Mag as I use in my BFR 500 Mag and they are hot.

Are you using a shooting glove?

[bloodline]

LOL. I'll try a glove.

Anybody wanna buy a slightly used 500 with the digital camo holster, ammo pouch and OD green hogue?

[Tom C.]

I don't understand what the issue is? I don't shoot my .44 mags with full power ammo very much. I certainly don't shoot my .500s with full power ammo. Full power ammo is a waist. Loading it down will provide plenty of performance, reduce recoil and leave plenty of margin in gun strength. With slightly reduced loads, they really are a lot of fun to shoot and blow up things.

[Big Boomer]

you can't download H110 very much at all...so a light load is still pretty much full house.

[Redhawk1]

Tom C. I bought a 500 mag to shoot full loads, if I wanted to load it down, I would still be shooting my 44 Mag. To say it is a waste, well that is just your opinion. I think having a big 500 mag and shooting wimp loads is a waste.

[Tom C.]

Your orthopedist will bless you.

[crebralfix]

Let's see...20 rounds...~$40...that's two dollars a year in ammo costs....

[Striker]

I love the .500 S & W.......in my H&R Handi Rifle!! :neener:

[Redhawk1]

crebralfix, I reload for the same price as my 45 Colt, 454 Casull and all my other handguns. I have fired over 5000 rounds out of my 500 Mags and over 3000 rounds in my 460 Mag.

Tom C.
Like listed above, I have shot a lot and never had a problem with my wrist or hand. Maybe when I get older, it may effect me, but not now.

[Tom C.]

I'm already old. I can't take a chance. I already have an accumulation of old injuries that hobbles me enough as it is.

[Redhawk1]

Yea, I am getting older myself. Getting ready for my 2nd knee surgery I have torn my meniscus out hunting in January.

[Big Boomer]

Well it seems that after a few PM's I will try out some Hogue grips and try to take some of that bite out of the beast.

I'll see if I can make it past 7 rounds this time...:uhoh:

[Redhawk1]

Big Boomer, also get a set of past shooting gloves, they help a lot.

[The_Shootist]

Couple of weeks ago was yacking with a guy at my range between cease-fires. He was shooting a .40 (I think) and I was running some practice through my G19.

I said that I like the look of the new Ruger Redhawk 4" bbl .44 mag. He nodded and said thats what he SHOULD have bought. Turns out he bought a ..500, put a cylinder through it (at least he made it through a cylinder :evil:) and then later sold it.

Some calibers make me scratch my head about "what were they thinking". In the real world, is the .44 mag at much of a disadavatge over the .500 against a grizzly (or lion or whatever) at close range? Thats about the only realistic real world uses I could see for the .500. I've yet to have to stop a dinosaur from breaking into my pickup, afterall.

Plus you could use the new Redhawk with .44 spl rounds , doubling it as a self-defense option.

[FLORIDA KEVIN]

You know it is funny how different people are more tolerent of recoil than others ! I think some people also develop tactics that allow them to tolerate the recoil better than others ! some folks brace too hard and therefore bare the full force of the recoil where others seem to just let it pass by ! i think a lot of the problems with recaoil are due to poor shooting postures ! Kevin

[Redhawk1]

The Shootist, anyone could use you analogy. And they did, if your are old enough you will remember when the 44 Mag made it way to the real world. People were saying, why do we need such a powerful handgun. (Sound familiar?) ;)Well that is just the way it is. Just because "YOU" think there is not an advantage, does not mean squat. That is just your opinion. But yes there is an advantage, do some ballistic research.

Real world, well just how many Grizzly's have charged you? How many dangerous situations have you been in? Well let me tell you, the first time you are, no matter what you have you will feel under gunned. But when I get in that situation, I will have my 500 Mag, and I know it will do the job. Always carry enough gun is what I say. :D

I don't know how many times I heard that line about a dinosaur, and ever time I just scratch my head and say, why should I let it bother me, that person just has no clue.:rolleyes:

Also, I have seen guys shoot there 44 Mags and sell them, the recoil was just to much for them, heavy and hard recoiling guns are not for everyone, but that does not make them not worthy of owning them. :banghead:

[The_Shootist]

I freely admit I've never been in a dangerous situation. But in SE Texas the critters we would have to defend against are the two legged non-fang/furcoat variety where a .38spl/9mm will do just fine.

Is there a place for the .500? Sure, I'll concede that. But I suspect my self-defence needs mirror 90% (maybe higher) of CCW holders nationwide.

Its a free country, we can buy anything (legal) we choose to, so I'm not knocking anyone that chooses to go the .500 route. I just have a gut feeling that there is a limited market for the .500, made even more so once a prospective/new buyer fires it a few times.

[Redhawk1]

I don't think the intent for the 500 Mag was for CCW. At least I never thought it was. :confused::eek:

As for the limited market, I think you need to call S&W and see just how many 500 Mags have been sold in the past 5 years. You will be surprised. Sure you see the 500 Mags for sale that are still hardly used, but I also see 44 Mags, 357 Mags and a bunch of other guns for sale in the same condition.

I personally know and hunt with 5 guys that use the 500 Mag and the 460 mag as well.

The 500 mag surly has it place in the hunting world. :cool::D

[Poprivit]

I hunted in South Africa in 2006 with a .500. I took a giraffe with three shots. He stood 18', 6" and guessimated weight was over 2,000 lb. Why did I use a .500? 'Cause S&W don't make a .600! It's from the Performance Center - 10.5" bbl with a red dot sight. After dumping 450-500 rounds through it, I just learned to ignore the recoil and shoot. Oh yeah, Hornady 500-gr. ammunition works very well. I hope to hunt non-trophy elephant and Lion in 2010 with the same gun.

[Redhawk1]

Sounds like a blast....

[mc_coy]

Redhawk,
I'm not biased against the hand cannons. I'm just curious as to the degree of accuracy you can achieve with'em.

Could you (and other S&W .500 or .460 users) illustrate the accuracy obtainable with such revolvers given some training and given your wrists won't be overwhelmed?

An estimate will do, I'm interested in deliberate, non-rapid fire, without a rest, 15 to 25 yards.

[Redhawk1]

Here is the type of accuracy I have achieved with my 460 and 500 Mags.
With my S&W 460 Mag with a 7.5 inch barrel, I get 1 1 /2 inch groups at 100 yards off the bench, at 150 yards I can consistently hit a 4 inch clay target off the bench. That is with a 300 gr. Hard cast bullet. My point of impact is only 1 inch drop from 100 to 150 yards.

My 500 Mag with 6 inch barrel and a 370 gr. bullet will give me 2 inch groups at 100 yards off the bench.

When I hunt with these guns I use shooting sticks or a rest, which in my opinion any handgun hunter should do.

Now for my off hand shooting at the Ranges you described 15 to 15 yards. My accuracy is very good, I have a 4 inch S&W 500 mag and I can keep all 5 shots in a 2 inch circle at both distances, one big ragged hole. I had a 5 inch S&W 460 Mag and I had groups as small as 1 to 1.5 inch groups at the 15 to 25 yard range off hand. I have been shooting the S&W 500 Mag for 5 years and the 460 Mag for 3 1/2 years now. I have shot over 5000 rounds out of my 500 Mags and close to 3000 in my 460 Mag.

As for recoil, I don't find the 460 or 500 Mags as a wrist breaker, but others just don't like recoil or handle recoil well. I cannot say what you consider as a problem with overwhelming your wrist, everyone is different.

Hope this answered your question.

[mc_coy]

I'm seriously impressed, redhawk.

You've managed to tame those beasts and achieve a remarkable accuracy, which I did not believe to be possible.

By 'overwhelmed' wrists I meant wrist joints which do not tolerate the impulsive stress of recoil, with consequent inflammation, soreness and stuff. For example I'm out of training and reached middle age, I find my right ('strong') wrist does not stand much recoil, maybe out of previous, unnoticed micro-injuries.
That's why I shoot either hand.
As you say, everyone is different, maybe you're built like a gorilla or just have strong joints or you've been able to figure out how to manage a large recoil.

I kind of like those big beauties (.460 and .500), but I wouldn't like to have to stop shooting because of sore hands.

If I'll have a chance I'll have a stab at it though. Just the .460, in my country the 500 has been outlawed...

[EddieCoyle]

I agree with virtually everything Redhawk has said, although I can't say I shoot as well as he does.

I bought my 4th X-Frame last week - I now have 4" and 8-3/8" .500s, and 5" and 8-3/8" .460s. My best group was a 1" pentagon at 100 yards, form a rest, with a 4X scope on my 8-3/8" .460. With moderate to heavy loads in any of the x-frames, I can hit clay pigeons on the berm at 40 yards at will.

I will say that so far, I have absolutely no practical need for any of these revolvers, other than the fact that I love to shoot them and love to load for them.

To me, the recoil is a big part of the challenge/fun of shooting them. It's one thing to stand there and hit a target with lightly loaded .38 wadcutters. However, to do the same thing with a round that "hits back" makes it all the more challenging and rewarding.

I've never ever had a sore wrist from recoil. With these revolvers, technique is everything. I sort of "push" with my strong hand and "pull" with my weak hand. I take a high grip and try to keep my wrists as stiff and straight as possible, then let my elbows and shoulders bend to absorb the recoil. My son shoots the same way and he was able to accurately shoot full power .500 rounds as an average-sized 12-year old.

In my opinion, the 5" .460 has the best balance of all of my X-Frames. It also happens to be the one I shoot the best. The .460 is a tremendously versatile round too. Using only three powders (Trailboss, Titegroup, and Lil' Gun) I can load bullets from 160 to 400 grains, at velocities from under 1000 fps to well over 2000 fps.

Rather than scrub the chambers clean, I've stopped shooting the three shorter cartridges that can be used in the .460. If I want a lighter load, I'll use Trailboss or Titegroup.

[The_Shootist]

Maybe I stand corrected and there is a lace for the .500 for CHL duty

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=338507

:D

[Redhawk1]

mc_coy,
I have to second what EddieCoyle posted about the 5 inch S&W 460 Mag. It is a well balanced handgun and in my opinion is not as brutal in recoil as the 500 Mag is. I find the 460 Mag has more flash and less recoil than the 500 Mag. But you stated in your country, the 500 has been outlawed, so that 460 would have to be your choice.

Where are you located at? Also past shooting gloves help your palm as well as support your wrists. I also use weight lifting gloves with the wrist supports, when I shoot them heavy 575 gr. bullets in my 500 Mag.

[Big Boomer]

My problem is also the palms of the hands and not the wrists at all. Does the past shooting gloves really help? Could you give me a percentage of pain reduction or impact if possible?

Also anyone know where to find a good set?

[Redhawk1]

Big Boomer, check Midway USA. Also you can go to Golds Gym and pick up a good set of weight lifting gloves, they have a heavy padded palm, I have a pair that works great also.

http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe/search?search_keywords=Past+Shooting+gloves&category_selector=all_products&Click+to+Begin+Search.x=10&Click+to+Begin+Search.y=5

[EddieCoyle]

My problem is also the palms of the hands and not the wrists at all

This is exactly what a shooting glove fixes. I got some with a padded palm and cut off fingers. Like these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=568113&t=11082005

I bought these after I had to cut a session short when my palm split open (the blood was making the grip too slippery to hold). These gloves allow me to shoot until I run out of ammo.

I tried weightlifting gloves but found that the padding in them made it difficult to grip the gun high the way I like to. There was too much padding in the wrong places.

[mc_coy]

Hey redhawk,
I live in Italy, where import and marketing of weapons is regulated by a state agency abiding by strange rules.

For example, the S&W 460XRV is only available in the PC version with a 12" barrel, specifically thought for hunting.
http://www.armietiro.it/edisport/armi/galleryarmi.nsf/HFoto/16201FotoGrande/$File/1.jpg

Funny thing is that, hunting with handguns is forbidden in Italy!!

the most authoritative Italian weapons magazine recently published an article on a test on the 460. On picture included is particularly interesting, confirming your statement about the flash:
http://www.armietiro.it/edisport/armi/galleryarmi.nsf/HFoto/16208FotoGrande/$File/8.jpg

Great idea to use gloves and straps. The interface (skin) must be protected.

Right now I'm seriously starting to shoot revolvers. I'm practically a beginner, starting with the wimpy .38 specials, which is also a necessity since I'm shooting about 200 rounds per time (once a week) and my wrists need a progressive workout. My intention is to buy a second gun in 44 mag and eventually a 3rd one, the .460.
Middle age tought me to cultivate the virtue of patience.

Bigboomer watch out, I'm not a physician but experience warns if something is inflammed (nerves, tendons, muscles), you gotta take it easy, very easy. If the inflammation gets chronical, your'e finished.

What I did, since apparently I've a bad wrist (I'm right handed) is to shoot 50% right handed, 50% left-handed. To my surprise, I found I shoot better with my 'weak' hand.
I'd suggest you to shoot with your 'other' hand while the injured palm heals adequately. You may find it awkward at the beginning, it's not as writing though and the brain is pretty quick to adapt.

[Big Boomer]

I'd suggest you to shoot with your 'other' hand while the injured palm heals adequately. You may find it awkward at the beginning, it's not as writing though and the brain is pretty quick to adapt.

That's partly the problem! They are BOTH injured, the right one more than the left but still quite badly. After two months of healing they are almost fully healed now but I have not shot anything since.

It seems I have a myriad of things to try. I hope to shoot mine more often and I'll do all the changes I can find so it doesn't just turn into a safe queen.

[Ryu]

Try the Doulbe Tap 500 Grain. It's a party in a can.

[mc_coy]

That's partly the problem! They are BOTH injured, the right one more than the left but still quite badly. After two months of healing they are almost fully healed now but I have not shot anything since.

It seems I have a myriad of things to try. I hope to shoot mine more often and I'll do all the changes I can find so it doesn't just turn into a safe queen.

In such case, as always, common sense should be king.

I know I'm saying obvious things, but after full healing you should start back progressively, shooting only a few rounds and wearing the protecting gloves indicated by RH and EC. You might even experiment wearing both the shooting and the bodybuilding gloves. just shoot a little, then wait a few days if the situation settles.

If nothwistanding all precautions your hands keep being sensitive, then there'll be no other choice than the sad one of selling your hand cannon, or keeping it as a collection piece and step down in power. Use of hands is just too precious in real life ...

[Redhawk1]

Big Boomer, I would say quit shooting until your hands heal. When and if you start shooting that big bore again and have problem, I would say the same thing as mc coy, you may have to go to a less of a recoiling gun.

[Big Boomer]

you may have to go to a less of a recoiling gun

But I don't wannnnaaaaaaa! http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/justinesmith_2007/Tantrum-3.gif