Fired my S&W .500 Magnum, 4" barrel, yesterday for the first time. I fired 4 different types of ammo:
1. Magtech 325 gr SJSP-FLAT light loading (1378 fps, 1370 ft lbf)
2. Magtech 325 gr SJSP-FLAT standard loading (1801 fps, 2340 ft lbf)
3. Hornady 500 gr FP XTP (1425 fps, 2254 ft lbf)
4. Ballistic Supply 600 gr Hardcast (1250 fps, 2081 ft lbf)
I started with #1, the featherweight Magtechs. Hardly any muzzle flip. Like a peashooter.
The other three rounds all have roughly the same nominal energy. For me, the perceived recoil, muzzle flip, and muzzle blast seemed in proportion to the bullet weight. #4 was probably at the limit that I can manage in that I did find it slightly difficult to keep my support hand clamped on especially when my hands started to get sweaty (temperature was in the 90s at an open air range in Texas).
None of the rounds were painful or even uncomfortable to shoot. I fired 105 rounds, all I had taken with me, but I felt I could have shot it all day.
I came to the conclusion that the reports of unmanageable recoil I had read on the net were greatly exaggerated. With the lighter-weight bullets, I think this is an easy gun to shoot. IMO, .357 magnum fired out of my 13 oz scandium framed snubby is a greater challenge, involving real pain, whereas the big Smith is pain free and actually comfortable.
Even with 600 gr bullets, I think the S&W .500 is downright pleasant to shoot. I could feel the power but it was so comfortable and controllable. I am thrilled with it. It has instantly become my favorite handgun.
1. Magtech 325 gr SJSP-FLAT light loading (1378 fps, 1370 ft lbf)
2. Magtech 325 gr SJSP-FLAT standard loading (1801 fps, 2340 ft lbf)
3. Hornady 500 gr FP XTP (1425 fps, 2254 ft lbf)
4. Ballistic Supply 600 gr Hardcast (1250 fps, 2081 ft lbf)
I started with #1, the featherweight Magtechs. Hardly any muzzle flip. Like a peashooter.
The other three rounds all have roughly the same nominal energy. For me, the perceived recoil, muzzle flip, and muzzle blast seemed in proportion to the bullet weight. #4 was probably at the limit that I can manage in that I did find it slightly difficult to keep my support hand clamped on especially when my hands started to get sweaty (temperature was in the 90s at an open air range in Texas).
None of the rounds were painful or even uncomfortable to shoot. I fired 105 rounds, all I had taken with me, but I felt I could have shot it all day.
I came to the conclusion that the reports of unmanageable recoil I had read on the net were greatly exaggerated. With the lighter-weight bullets, I think this is an easy gun to shoot. IMO, .357 magnum fired out of my 13 oz scandium framed snubby is a greater challenge, involving real pain, whereas the big Smith is pain free and actually comfortable.
Even with 600 gr bullets, I think the S&W .500 is downright pleasant to shoot. I could feel the power but it was so comfortable and controllable. I am thrilled with it. It has instantly become my favorite handgun.