Need S&W Model 500 advice

[cloudswimmer]

Hey guys,

I've decided to get the 8.38" version of the S&W Model 500, but I'm at a toss up as whether to get the fixed compensator model or the interchangeable compensator model. I already have 2 .500's, a BFR with 10" barrel and a S&W 500 with a 4" barrel. This 8.38" one will be for hunting and I will probably be shooting primarily hard cast out of it at the ranges and where legal. Does anyone have experience shooting both 8.38" versions? Is there really a felt difference in the two different comp styles with this longer barrel length? The price difference is not that much between the two which is making it harder to decide. Thanks for any input.

C

 

[rcmodel]

If you intend to shoot lead bullets, you for sure need to get the interchangeable compensator model.
You probably know they come with two compensators.

One is for lead, and the other is for jacketed.
The porting on the lead one is different and reduces lead fouling.

Also, you need to be able to take it off to properly clean the leading out of it eventually.

rc

 

[gotboostvr]

All other things being equal, I'd get the interchangeable version.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The 8 3/8" bbl is a wise choice.

Great hog gun.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd get the interchangeable one for the reason rcmodel stated.

Actually I'd get the 6.5" version, but that wasn't a choice.

 

[AABEN]

Have you looked at the 460 it will shoot 45 LC 454 and the 460 it will shoot flatter and is accurate out to 150 yards if you will get some range time with it. Good luck on what ever you do

 

[cloudswimmer]

Actually that's what I had always heard and believed regarding 460 vs 500 ballistics till I studied John Ross's ballistic testing data for the 460 vs 500, and would concur with that, but only with factory loads, when reloading all bets are off and the 500 is just as versatile if not more so than the 460 from the studying I've done. Plus since I have two Freedom Arms and a Super RedHawk in .454 Casull, and eight .45LC, the 460 VXR is off the Radar for now (though down the road I'll probably get one to add to my new but growing Smith collection) If they were legal here I'd definitely be looking the used markets for a 5" John Ross PC Model 500, but they are not on our roster, so it would have to be a face to face transaction. Any of you guys live in Orange County and wanna sell your John Ross 500

 

[ClemY]

I have 4", 5" and 6 1/2" .500s. I like the 5" the best. I dislike the 8" and wouldn't get one for myself. I like the interchangeable muzzle brake on the 4". I got a solid comp and replaced the comp. I prefer the revo to roll rather than push straight back. I even sleeved the 6 1/2" to kill the comp on it. The 5" is a John Ross Special and doesn't have a comp, which I prefer.

 

[cloudswimmer]

You got a solid comp for your 4"? Where'd you find that? Me wants one

 

[Shaq]

I previously owned both the S&W 500 and the S&W 460. The 500 came with only a fixed comp & I shot both lead and jacketed in it. The 460 came with two removable comps - one for lead & one for jacketed. The removable comps on the 460 would get loose after a few rounds. On one occasion, I forgot to tighten it & I found it 50 yds. downrange.

I've heard the BFR is much more durable than the S&W, so I'm thinking of getting one. I had to send the S&W in for warranty repair twice in the two years I owned it for timing problems. It seems the MIM parts like the hand don't last long if you fire the gun extensively.

 

[ClemY]

You got a solid comp for your 4"? Where'd you find that? Me wants one

Unfortunately it has been long enough that I don't remember. He was in Montana if I recall correctly. You might be able to locate him using the Smith and Wesson Forum.

 

[cloudswimmer]

If you intend to shoot lead bullets, you for sure need to get the interchangeable compensator model.
You probably know they come with two compensators.

One is for lead, and the other is for jacketed.
The porting on the lead one is different and reduces lead fouling.

Also, you need to be able to take it off to properly clean the leading out of it eventually.

rc

Why would you need to take the comp off to clean out the lead completely? Also on my current 4" version the comp made for lead has eight vents where as the 8.38" fixed version only has three, so wouldn't it actually be less time consuming cleaning up the laters vents?
Thanks for the replys guys.

 

[gbran]

I don't have one but shoot a friends 8 3/8" bbl 500 quite a lot. I guess I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what brake was on it, but I will tell you it seems to me to be harder recoiling that my .454 SRH, which is far lighter. The 500 is huge and heavy enough to soak up a lot of recoil. YMMV.