S&W 500---any owners with opinions?

[Redhawk1]

The 8 3/8 inch S&W 500 mag recoil in my opinion, is not worse or better than my 4 inch 500 with a end cap, "no compensator". I did not notice any read difference, except more flash.

I have shot 275 to 700 gr. bullets in my 4 inch S&W 500 Mag and they were manageable, even the 700 gr. at 1200 fps. Yes there is a lot of recoil with the 700 gr . at 1200 fps, but once you get accustom to the recoil, it is manageable.

The people that bad mouth the 500 Mag are usually the ones that have never shot one.

 

[Big Boomer]

I just bring mine to make the guys at the rifle range with their 300 uber mags jealous hehe

 

[coop4u2c]

Love my full size! Those rounds were quite accurate at 50 with iron sights. The recoil has never been an issue with me but I haven't shot a 4". My favorite loads are the 500gr. soft points from www.BallisticSupply.com.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I have 4 X-frames: A 4" and 8" .500, and a 5" and 8" .460. IMO, the 5" .460 has the best feel and balance.

Like someone else said, you can load these anywhere from pleasant to punishing. I posted a bunch of my favorite loads on my website:

http://www.vintagepistols.com/500_and_460_load_data.html

I have about 5000 rounds through the 500's and half that many through the .460.

 

[Redhawk1]

EddieCoyle, I am glad to see someone else that loves there X-frames as much as I do.

I have around the same round count in my 500 Mags as you do. I am also a fan of the S&W 460 Mag. I had a 10.5 inch PC model a 8 3/8 inch a 5 inch and two of the 7.5 inch PC models. I have sold all but one of the S&W 7.5 PC models. I have a few buddies that now own my S&W 460 Mags.

I have to laugh when I see post of people that say, that someone is going to bury the front sight into there fore head. The only way that will happen is, if someone is an inexperienced shooter, and they would do the same thing with a 454 Casull.

The X-frames are not for the beginner or inexperienced handgun shooters.

 

[tmorg]

I've had mine about two years,put around 100 rounds through it.

 

[BADUNAME37]

tmorg

What scope mount did you use? When I purchased my 500, I hunted (sic) high and low for a mount and could not find one. I ended up changing the rear sight to a Millett Target blade.

I really wanted to scope it, however mine is the 4" and I was wondering if gases would blow up into the front lens, being so close to, or directly over the front muzzle.

 

[tmorg]

Inspector, It is a jack weigand scope mount and rings, X frame
http://www.jackweigand.com/sswhpmnts.html

I am very happy with them,seams to hold up well with the heavy recoil.

 

[Redhawk1]

I have the Weigand scope mount, I had it on my 4 inch S&W 500 Mag, with a red-dot. Worked great.
I just decided I liked the open sights on the 4 inch better. So I have the Weigand scope mount sitting in my gun safe.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Thank you!

I was toying with the idea of that with a Leupold straight 4 power. However, I already have the S&W Gene Desantis holster and already put a Millett back Target sight on it, and after reading Redhawk1's response, I guess I'll just be happy with what I have.

I'm certain I could drop any deer or black bear within 50 yards offhand (unless, of course, it is running) and out to about 100 yards if I have the option to rest my gun on a branch.

So, rather than having $200 worth of holster and Millett Sight stored away plus about $500-$600 for the setup I would want, I think I'll just put that money towards gas and heating oil.

Thanks again!

 

[deanadell]

Biggums,

Glad you liked it.

I bought mine in 2004. I've probably put about 1000 rounds through it. Takes hours to get the stupid grin off my face every time I take it to the range.

Have yet to have an opportunity to take a deer with it though. Maybe this year

 

[BADUNAME37]

deanadell

Where did you sneak in? I don't recall seeing your name in this thread!

 

[Biggums]

Thanks deanadell

Are you Dr. Deanadell? Anyway yes I am having fun with my 500 and plan on packing it for deer this year.

I was amazed to price the difference between the Hornady 500 compared to the Hornady 460 ammo. The red tips run $57.95 for 20 for the 500 and the same round for the 460 is $24.95. Must be a "lets pump the price for the big gun mentallity" from Hornandy as the rounds are close in mass, weight etc.

I starting gain an interest in a good used 460 on Gun Broker. The wifes worried about me!

 

[tinygnat219]

Good stuff here folks. As someone who is thinking about getting back into the Big Bore series, I have decided that I want the following:

.44 Magnum Revolver, preferably a Ruger Redhawk, or S&W Mountain Gun.
.S&W .460 Revolver, as this seems incredibly versatile with the ability to shoot 3 cartridges out of it.

Not sure yet about the .500 Magnum. That might be a tad too much handgun. Of course, if there's talk about banning it. I will pick one up tomorrow.

 

[Redhawk1]

If you own a 460 or 500 Mag, reloading is the only way to go.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

I bought my 500 PC before I started reloading. The 500 was one of the reasons I started reloading.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Hey Redhawk1.
How many big boomers do you have? As a fellow collector of handcannons, I'd love to see your collection.

 

[Evyl Robot]

S&W 500---any owners with opinions?

The better question might be "any owners WITHOUT opinions?"

I've never heard anyone say, "Yeah. I got a .500. Issalright, I suppose..."

--Michael

 

[Biggums]

Life is short!

Life is short. I think every handgun lover should do themselve a favor and own one if at all possible!

 

[BADUNAME37]

I agree, however, I know some people who couldn't shoot one without somehow hurting themselves.

 

[Molasses]

I've never heard anyone say, "Yeah. I got a .500. Issalright, I suppose..."

Yeah, I got a .500 (and a couple of .45-70s, a .460, .50 AE, .45 Win Mag and assorted stuff for launching lesser calibers cluttering up the place). Issalright I suppose.

 

[Redhawk1]

Hey Redhawk1.
How many big boomers do you have? As a fellow collector of handcannons, I'd love to see your collection.

Action_Can_Do,
Here is my list of big bore handguns.

4 inch S&W 500 Mag
6 inch custom BFR 500 Mag
10 inch BFR 45-70
7.5 in PC model S&W 460 Mag
Custom 6 inch Gary Reeder 510 GNR, (a short 500 Linebaugh)(Ruger Blackhawk frame)
Custom 2.5 inch Super Redhawk 454 Casull
Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 inch 45 Colt
Ruger Super Redhawk 480 Ruger
Custom 10 inch Encore 475 Linebaugh, by Gary Reeder
Custom Encore 10 inch Gary Reeder 510 GNR
Custom Encore 10 inch Gary Reeder 410 GNR (454 Casull necked down to 41 Cal)
Encore 15 inch 308 Win
LAR Grizzly 45 Win Mag

I have owned a few other S&W 500 Mags and S&W 460 Mag, but sold them to my buddies. As well as a bunch of other handguns that I have sold.

I am having built a custom 6 inch 475 Linebaugh from Gary Reeder (Ruger Super Blackhawk frame)and he is currently working on a 375 H&H pistol barrel for me also.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Redhawk1
That's an impressive list. All you need is a Wildey. My own list is smaller but growing. I'm hoping to add a desert eagle to the family soon.

Ruger Super Redhawk 44 mag
Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag
Ruger Blackhawk 45 colt
Taurus Raging Bull 454 casull
BFR 475 linebaugh
Smith and Wesson Model 29 44 mag
Smith and Wesson Model 629 44 mag
Smith and Wesson Model 500 PC

 

[Biggums]

Just bought a S&W 460 on GB

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=111913954

Got a good deal on this baby last night. I hope its in good shape. The reason I want one is the ammo is 1/2 the price of my 500. I will reload anyway so no big deal but that was a good excuse to the wifey.

Can anyone tell me about the 460? Never fired one but been shooting the 500 lately.

 

[Redhawk1]

I have been shooting the 460 Mag for a while know, I have a few great loads that I use in mine. 240 XTP's 260 Nosler Partitions and 300 gr. hard cast.
My most used load is the 300 gr. hard cast, and it is a tack driver. I can hit a 4 inch clay target consistently at 150 yards with my S&W 460 Mag with the 300 gr. hard cast bullets.

I don't like using them 200 gr, bullets in my S&W 460 Mag, I am also working with a 370 gr. load.

The S&W 460 is a great round also.

Action_Can_Do , nice collection.