As many have probably seen in a previous post, I had a slight issue with John and getting this revolver and I by lack of oversight failed to provide a conclusion for previous events. I did finally get my revolver and furthermore I would like to emphasis there was no ugliness involved from John nor myself. In my case I simply did not ask about major life events that were going on at the time and for John he was just very difficult to get in contact with for a few weeks. As I told John I was willing to split the blame, I am 28 and am learning everyday this year (2020) life is not always clear cut black and white and more importantly its only by the grace of God anything goes right the first time. Since receiving my revolver I have had phone and text conversations with John concerning loading the 500 and various other points and I consider his willingness to share his experiences a blessing to those who wish to pursue similar interest.
Now onto the review of said AMAZING revolver!
I once read a 1957 Gun digest article by Col. Charles Askins reviewing the then newly introduced 44 magnum cartridge , in the article the author who was famous for purposeful acts of provocation provided the following statement.
"This Magnum is a man's gun. It ain't for boys. Word reaches me that some joes, probably with lace on their panties, are putting on gloves to shoot it. I hear that after a few shots your hand feels like you had been swinging at some fast balls with a cracked bat. How soft can we get? I shot the big 44 all one afternoon and found the recoil nothing more than stimulating. The kick kind of reminds me of the existing situation down in Dixie where a certain clientele now buy their white lightnin' over the liquor counter in preference to the smoother and legitimate bourbon. Asked why, they explain it's for the kick. Me, I'm the same way about this big 44 blasting Magnum."
This quote entered my mind as I ejected the first cylinder of brass onto the table at my local range. For as soon as I touched the first round of 500 magnum ammunition off I knew there was no turning back for me, I was hooked. This model of 500 features unique attributes which sadly Smith and Wesson has not seemed to adopt permanently into their X frame product line. For instance upon handling the sluggish factory 8 ish inch full length barrel shrouded revolver at my local rural king I found the weight and balance to be disgustingly awkward and no doubt that would affect the performance I could personally obtain using the revolver. So it was with great hesitancy I ordered the 5 inch from John not knowing what to expect nor anyone who had ever handled the revolver before. Upon receiving the revolver at my FFL I inspected and just could not get over how the revolver felt in my hands. Upon inspection all the unnecessary weight on the factory model was now gone, there was now a traditional styled barrel shroud which could be comparable to any N frame style revolver as well as the fact barrel lacked the poorly designed compensator which everyone speaks so highly of, and best of all located at the end of this barrel is a high visibility orange sight which has not seemed to affect sight picture in any light condition.
I have shot this revolver utilizing iron sights from the closet distance of 25 yards to the furthest being 200 yards and have done so with great success. Below is what would have been an fantastic 5 shot group had I not anticipated the last shot, with that said it was my second cylinder ever shooting the mighty 500.
At 100 yards a 350 grain speer deep core bullet propelled by 42 grains of H110 proceded to twist a 6 inch AR500 gong (I don't think it was AR500 lol)
Over all I know this review is probably 10ish years late but I was too poor in college to buy this and no one would get it for me as a Christmas present. I would have loved this fine shooting iron ten years ago as much as I do today and simply can't imagine how many rounds it would have consumed in that same time frame. I paid $1950 for this specimen and do not regret the purchase and look forward to the many years of service it will provide both on the range and in the field pursuing large game.
Now onto the review of said AMAZING revolver!
I once read a 1957 Gun digest article by Col. Charles Askins reviewing the then newly introduced 44 magnum cartridge , in the article the author who was famous for purposeful acts of provocation provided the following statement.
"This Magnum is a man's gun. It ain't for boys. Word reaches me that some joes, probably with lace on their panties, are putting on gloves to shoot it. I hear that after a few shots your hand feels like you had been swinging at some fast balls with a cracked bat. How soft can we get? I shot the big 44 all one afternoon and found the recoil nothing more than stimulating. The kick kind of reminds me of the existing situation down in Dixie where a certain clientele now buy their white lightnin' over the liquor counter in preference to the smoother and legitimate bourbon. Asked why, they explain it's for the kick. Me, I'm the same way about this big 44 blasting Magnum."
This quote entered my mind as I ejected the first cylinder of brass onto the table at my local range. For as soon as I touched the first round of 500 magnum ammunition off I knew there was no turning back for me, I was hooked. This model of 500 features unique attributes which sadly Smith and Wesson has not seemed to adopt permanently into their X frame product line. For instance upon handling the sluggish factory 8 ish inch full length barrel shrouded revolver at my local rural king I found the weight and balance to be disgustingly awkward and no doubt that would affect the performance I could personally obtain using the revolver. So it was with great hesitancy I ordered the 5 inch from John not knowing what to expect nor anyone who had ever handled the revolver before. Upon receiving the revolver at my FFL I inspected and just could not get over how the revolver felt in my hands. Upon inspection all the unnecessary weight on the factory model was now gone, there was now a traditional styled barrel shroud which could be comparable to any N frame style revolver as well as the fact barrel lacked the poorly designed compensator which everyone speaks so highly of, and best of all located at the end of this barrel is a high visibility orange sight which has not seemed to affect sight picture in any light condition.
I have shot this revolver utilizing iron sights from the closet distance of 25 yards to the furthest being 200 yards and have done so with great success. Below is what would have been an fantastic 5 shot group had I not anticipated the last shot, with that said it was my second cylinder ever shooting the mighty 500.
At 100 yards a 350 grain speer deep core bullet propelled by 42 grains of H110 proceded to twist a 6 inch AR500 gong (I don't think it was AR500 lol)
Over all I know this review is probably 10ish years late but I was too poor in college to buy this and no one would get it for me as a Christmas present. I would have loved this fine shooting iron ten years ago as much as I do today and simply can't imagine how many rounds it would have consumed in that same time frame. I paid $1950 for this specimen and do not regret the purchase and look forward to the many years of service it will provide both on the range and in the field pursuing large game.
