I'm considering buying a S&W 500...what do I need to know??

that bone collector model is sweet. I wanted one and didn't have the cash. then when I had the cash the prices went up and I refused. but very nice just the same.

I too, love my John Ross 500. It can be a handful with the full house heavy bullet load though.

Good info here.

I own a Bone Collector and had a bit of trouble with the grouping.
Shot from a bench at 100 yards it grouped 6 inches; maybe a little bigger.
I tried several types of Ammo - same general results.
I had hoped for better groups.
I'm sure it's my fault.

Talk about a eargesplitin loudenboomer. I prefer the 460 for all the reasons you guys already are aware of. I'm not really a sissy, just an old fart who hates more pain.

Another answer to a question that was never asked.

I went down to a local range when the S&W reps were having an event. The 500 had recently come out so I figured what the heck. I fired two shots from the 8 inch gun and 1 from the 4 inch gun. I no longer have the need to ever fire one of them again. I prefer my old TC pistol in .45-70.

I have shot my 10.5" S&W 500 a lot. I am not physically superior to those who cannot stand the recoil...I just load rounds to the power levels I like.

These loads range from very light Trailboss loads for target shooting to full house loads with H110 and LilGun for when I want to remember what fun a big boom can be.

The critical thing for me is that there are lots of loadings in between the extremes that are really good shooting.

A medium power S&W 500 load out of a nearly 5 pound gun will have way more power than most 44 magnums loads with recoil more like a.38 Special ...really a nice combination!

If you do not reload, I would imagine that this caliber is much less appealing, and, for me, would be unaffordable to shoot much.

Good luck!

Bob

I have a 10" BFR in 500 and love to shoot it. I like the BFR because it doesn’t have that absurd brake on the end like the smiths. Recoil is not bad at all and I can usually shoot through more than 50 rounds without any flinching, but it does taking some practice. I try to stay away from shooting it at indoor ranges though (angry people with little pistols). There is a ton of bullet selection if you reload.
http://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66
It’s not at all expensive to shoot if reloading, just get some good bullets and big tube of H110 and have at it.

Pic just becasue...

OP, dont let everyone sway your judgment. The gun is big and loud. You know this. Do you want it? We cant decide that for you.

When i first was looking for my DE .50 everyone was asking why. I love big guns. Simple as that. I shoot it every weekend. I want to get a wheel gun, so i figured i might as well get a .500 wheel gun. Why not.

Let us know what you get. The only great advice so far, is take up reloading or the gun will get expensive, unless you dont plan on shooting much.

Maybe something different like this for a 500sw-http://www.competitor-pistol.com/