Plastic Cowboy
Member
So how does the 460 compare to the 500 as far as recoil, noise, and fire??
SMITH AND WESSON 500 - WOW
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EddieCoyle
Member
Plastic Cowboy said:
I've only put a few rounds through a buddy's 460, but my impression was that compared to my 4" 500 it was, in order: slightly softer, louder, and less firey. Please keep in mind though that I have very little experience with the 460, I haven't bought one yet.
Plastic Cowboy
Member
Damn Zipper!!! VERY NICE!!!!
I am hooked- I plan to have one by Christmas!!!!
I am hooked- I plan to have one by Christmas!!!!
EddieCoyle
Member
ZipperZap said:
Nice fireball! What powder is that? H110?
Paul 500
Member
For those that cringe at shooting a Smith & Wesson 500, you are likely shooting it wrong. You might try googling how to fire a big bore weapon for training, but you can forget Weaver, Isoseles, etc. NO-NOs include any light touch on the grip or trigger, letting the report surprise you during the trigger squeeze (that WILL mess up your hands and wrist(s)).
I shoot left-handed, was trained to lock my left wrist with my right palm over it, and lean "into it", anticipate the discharge, and almost "squeeze the black out of the grip" (a usual no-no and a term we used to admonish student carrier pilots torturing a jet's joystick). Once you know WHEN it will dishcarge, you can learn where the very flat trajectory will end up, and can get out well beyond 100 yds ( often set my bull at 200 yd). This is alot different than my experience with 45 ACP, 44 mag, 357 Mag, those toy 9mm's etc etc... But it really works, the baby loads like 275 grain, up past 400 to 500 grains. I shoot 60 rounds per monthly visit to the local 'pits' (using 3 boxes; BTW, Cabellas and others sell 20 round boxes at more like $1.25 to $1.50 a round... not 3 bucks, unless you are shooting the high end loads or like to throw money at retail ammo); then I plink for fun with my .357 with mag (King Cobra 4" barrel) loads for a few more hundred rounds. And while I used to be a fit powerlifter in college, and I was an expert marksman in the military for well over a quarter century, that was way back then - not at age 48, now, all out of shape LOL...
I never ever had stinging or hurt hand/wrist/arm shooting the S&W 500 properly, and can rapid-fire all 5 rounds in 4 seconds and keep on a 3 ft target at 100 yds... Not bragging - just holding it correctly. not gripping it like one of those little revolvers (like my .357 mag) <wink>...
I will say that it may make a difference that my 500 is a beefier 7.5 inch Performance Center - the healthy mass, barrel and compensator do help to make it "heave" more than "rap" like my fun with 44 mag's. The mass makes holding it up a bit hard for small people I have found, but is part of the 'saving of the hands'...
IMO the 50 mag is less viscious on the hands than a 44 mag, primarily owing to these attributes. Again, I encourage you to read up on some links on this. If you do not like the 500 and you fired a short barrel, go try a longer barrel one, even a heavier Performance Center one; make sure one with the compnsator... and readup up on big bore shooting technique...
BTW if you get a quality 532 nm laser on a rail on the S&W 500, you solve even more handling problems, in that you can offset your recoil down your shooting arm (and miss your forehead in the recoil LOL). Just make sure it is well anchored on the rail (three clamps are best), or see it go bye bye while plinking the hotter loads....
Good luck - have no doubt, the Smith & Wesson 500 on the heavier end, is no hand destroyer -- *IF* you hold it right. Clearly less 'snap' even than 44's -
Good Luck,
Paul
I shoot left-handed, was trained to lock my left wrist with my right palm over it, and lean "into it", anticipate the discharge, and almost "squeeze the black out of the grip" (a usual no-no and a term we used to admonish student carrier pilots torturing a jet's joystick). Once you know WHEN it will dishcarge, you can learn where the very flat trajectory will end up, and can get out well beyond 100 yds ( often set my bull at 200 yd). This is alot different than my experience with 45 ACP, 44 mag, 357 Mag, those toy 9mm's etc etc... But it really works, the baby loads like 275 grain, up past 400 to 500 grains. I shoot 60 rounds per monthly visit to the local 'pits' (using 3 boxes; BTW, Cabellas and others sell 20 round boxes at more like $1.25 to $1.50 a round... not 3 bucks, unless you are shooting the high end loads or like to throw money at retail ammo); then I plink for fun with my .357 with mag (King Cobra 4" barrel) loads for a few more hundred rounds. And while I used to be a fit powerlifter in college, and I was an expert marksman in the military for well over a quarter century, that was way back then - not at age 48, now, all out of shape LOL...
I never ever had stinging or hurt hand/wrist/arm shooting the S&W 500 properly, and can rapid-fire all 5 rounds in 4 seconds and keep on a 3 ft target at 100 yds... Not bragging - just holding it correctly. not gripping it like one of those little revolvers (like my .357 mag) <wink>...
I will say that it may make a difference that my 500 is a beefier 7.5 inch Performance Center - the healthy mass, barrel and compensator do help to make it "heave" more than "rap" like my fun with 44 mag's. The mass makes holding it up a bit hard for small people I have found, but is part of the 'saving of the hands'...
IMO the 50 mag is less viscious on the hands than a 44 mag, primarily owing to these attributes. Again, I encourage you to read up on some links on this. If you do not like the 500 and you fired a short barrel, go try a longer barrel one, even a heavier Performance Center one; make sure one with the compnsator... and readup up on big bore shooting technique...
BTW if you get a quality 532 nm laser on a rail on the S&W 500, you solve even more handling problems, in that you can offset your recoil down your shooting arm (and miss your forehead in the recoil LOL). Just make sure it is well anchored on the rail (three clamps are best), or see it go bye bye while plinking the hotter loads....
Good luck - have no doubt, the Smith & Wesson 500 on the heavier end, is no hand destroyer -- *IF* you hold it right. Clearly less 'snap' even than 44's -
Good Luck,
Paul
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atlanticfire
Member
I got a 500 BFR about a year ago. And I love it shoot it! At first it was like WOW, but you get over that and learn how to handle it. Its not expensive to shoot. I found 100 once fired shells at an indoor range just last week! I have tons of H110 around for the 357,44 and hot 45lc loads. And it uses large rifle primers. I choose the BFR beacuse I liked the weight and I don't like the porting on the smiths. Here is few pics. The shells are 700gr loads next to a 180gr 357 load. You should buy one....
Paul 500
Member
all I can say is, WOW... 
Paul
Paul
aHFo3
Member
Welcome Paul,
I'd love to own a 500, and the BFR would be my first choice too.
Those are impressive 700 grain loads!
I'd love to own a 500, and the BFR would be my first choice too.
Those are impressive 700 grain loads!
Confederate
Member
This is an OLD thread but I don't think attitudes have changed much when it comes to the S&W 500. Some may claim to have mastered it, but it's still very much a gimmack, and it should never be taken to a range bcause it's 1) too damaging to the backstop and 2) it's abusive to others in other lanes.
The 500 is a solution in search of a problem. What deficiency existed in other calibers that the 500 addresses? It's in a similar category to snub-nosed .44 mags, but worse...and is for people with too much money to burn. The fact that people shoot a decent first shot and many times can't even hit the target the second time is a clear indication that something's wrong. Would anyone really prefer this to a .44 mag in a defensive situation with a bear? You'd have to be at point-blank range for it to be advantageous, and even then it would be moot. A .44 mag 29 can be fired double action in such encounters, but only two rounds, tops, could likely be fired from a S&W 500. (Actually, I'd love to see someone shoot one double action on YouTube.)
I've never seen one, but I'm sure some yo-yo has a 3-inch barrel in a 500 squirreled away in a safe somewhere.
The 500 is a solution in search of a problem. What deficiency existed in other calibers that the 500 addresses? It's in a similar category to snub-nosed .44 mags, but worse...and is for people with too much money to burn. The fact that people shoot a decent first shot and many times can't even hit the target the second time is a clear indication that something's wrong. Would anyone really prefer this to a .44 mag in a defensive situation with a bear? You'd have to be at point-blank range for it to be advantageous, and even then it would be moot. A .44 mag 29 can be fired double action in such encounters, but only two rounds, tops, could likely be fired from a S&W 500. (Actually, I'd love to see someone shoot one double action on YouTube.)
I've never seen one, but I'm sure some yo-yo has a 3-inch barrel in a 500 squirreled away in a safe somewhere.
SharpsDressedMan
member
I'm you huckleberry.......er, I mean yo-yo! PS: I use medium loads.
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atlanticfire
Member
There are people who have mastered it out to a 100 yards (not me yet) and your post make you sound like a gun snob, or just jealous
. Opinions are like. . .well you get the idea and I don’t categorize your post as very high road cutting down others just because you don’t understand or cannot afford. . . . . Oh and I've shot mine at two indoor ranges both of which I've seen guys sighing in rifles as big as 300 wby. So I don't think its a problem.
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Confederate
Member
Ha! I knew it! But if you shoot reduced loads, what's the advantage? Wouldn't you be better off with full loads using a .44 magnum?
I've seen too many people try to shoot full-throttle rounds through 500s, and I've yet to see anyone master it. In a truly depressed economy, I just don't think they'd sell.
Dr.Mall Ninja
Member
id like to try one, just once
SharpsDressedMan
member
Confederate, my reduced loads are quite manageable, give me at least 1 1/2 times the energy of the .44 mag from a 6" barrel (and this from my 2 3/4 barrel), and cut a bigger hole going in. Loading my own, the cost advantage ove factory loads is about 1/2 with the 385gr JHP's I use, or far less with the cast bullets I cast. Used and loaded this way, I think it makes the .44 Mag obsolete.
Magnumite
Member
Why shouldn't one shoot full bore loads with the 500 at a range? Maybe the basement would be a better place?
The energy and momentum values are less than many large bore rifles so that blows the too powerful for the range theory. As far as the report goes it is noisey, ever sit next to someone shooting a 12" 223 T/C Contender?
For shooting technique on those big guns, I never lock any joint, nor do I instruct anyone to use that method. The gun will recoil and you can't stop it. Locking joints is the best way to feel recoil. Best way to shoot those is with a very healthy two hand grip, and a firm, shooting platform. The tight grip will reduce movement of the firearm in the hand, ensuring consistant hits and reducing battering and abrasion to the hand. Unlocked joints will allow recoil to move the gun, absorbing recoil. You'll know you have it right when the gun settles down from recoil pointed at the target. Rapid DA fire with full 44 Magnum has bore this out time and again.
I know this works with bigger guns because I have shot full bore 475 Linbaugh. The recoil was hard and snappy, but not unmanageable. What I noticed most was the movement of the gun in the hand and effects of grip pressure on grips. Hits on a 4" target at 50 meters wasn't an issue once I figured the gun out.
The Bisley Linbaugh conversion I shot was a friend's revolver. He has shot the 500 S&W and said the recoil was very similar. Not many I trust more with shooting info than he.
For general shooting fun, if I decided one should join the group in the safe, I'd definitely down load. Nothing wrong with that.
The energy and momentum values are less than many large bore rifles so that blows the too powerful for the range theory. As far as the report goes it is noisey, ever sit next to someone shooting a 12" 223 T/C Contender?
For shooting technique on those big guns, I never lock any joint, nor do I instruct anyone to use that method. The gun will recoil and you can't stop it. Locking joints is the best way to feel recoil. Best way to shoot those is with a very healthy two hand grip, and a firm, shooting platform. The tight grip will reduce movement of the firearm in the hand, ensuring consistant hits and reducing battering and abrasion to the hand. Unlocked joints will allow recoil to move the gun, absorbing recoil. You'll know you have it right when the gun settles down from recoil pointed at the target. Rapid DA fire with full 44 Magnum has bore this out time and again.
I know this works with bigger guns because I have shot full bore 475 Linbaugh. The recoil was hard and snappy, but not unmanageable. What I noticed most was the movement of the gun in the hand and effects of grip pressure on grips. Hits on a 4" target at 50 meters wasn't an issue once I figured the gun out.
The Bisley Linbaugh conversion I shot was a friend's revolver. He has shot the 500 S&W and said the recoil was very similar. Not many I trust more with shooting info than he.
For general shooting fun, if I decided one should join the group in the safe, I'd definitely down load. Nothing wrong with that.
atlanticfire
Member
I love my BFR in 500. Will I ever hunt with it, most likely not as my 44 dose what I need it to do. So is it a fun gun, yes. I have shot it at indoor ranges and it not as bad as the guy firing the 300wm rifle in the next station. Is the post above from an arrogant newcomer, you bet. People buy and shoot guns just for the fun of it all the time its called America don't know what you gun rules are New Zealander, but hey I guess everyone is entitled to there opinion even if some of its not very high road at all. I usually say welcome to new members but I think I’m going to pass on you.
Opps...One last interjection.
Confederate - ( please do not take this to heart )
"The 500 is a solution in search of a problem. What deficiency existed in other calibers that the 500 addresses? "
<It drops charging Grizzlies quicker than a .44MAG hands down. Why? The high velocity and kinetic energy the round carries, is akin to being hit by a train.>
"It's in a similar category to snub-nosed .44 mags, but worse...and is for people with too much money to burn."
<Yes and No. 44 Cal snubbies are not as common as .357 Mags which are by choice the most preferred snub nosed wheelies due to the small round yet high velocity impact that they impose. As for those with too muchmoney to burn....hey, this is America after all.>
"The fact that people shoot a decent first shot and many times can't even hit the target the second time is a clear indication that something's wrong. Would anyone really prefer this to a .44 mag in a defensive situation with a bear? You'd have to be at point-blank range for it to be advantageous, and even then it would be moot."
<Incorrect. A 44MAG equates to - 240-grain bullet at 1,350 fps for 971 ft-lbs of energy. This travels slowly, and is only good at very close range. There is not enough foot pounds, to simply make a Bear STOP...he or she, can and often does, keep going forward. Not a good look......seriously. Yes, one may have time to put more rounds into Mr Bear, but once he hits arm reach....well....good luck. Hit Mr Grizz with a 50CAL, the shock can blow chunKs of the Bear, and the energy / Impact to the animal is instant. They no longer want to play. >
"A .44 mag 29 can be fired double action in such encounters, but only two rounds, tops, could likely be fired from a S&W 500. Actually, I'd love to see someone shoot one double action on YouTube."
<Double action is heavy, as one would expect, but the revolver is carried hammer back, and ready to rock n roll. Fire one, then DA the rest. Any Bear, will hesitate when hit with this round. They stand, or stop on all 4's, because something just hit them with the equivalant of a sledgehammer. Bears DO NOT.....like this round. Once the range increases, the bullet makes more of a mess by the way >
****Footnote*** A 50CAL round, irrespective of being Rifle or pistol ( Barret etc..) will rip limbs of flesh clovered targets ******
"I've never seen one, but I'm sure some yo-yo has a 3-inch barrel in a 500 squirreled away in a safe somewhere. "
<All so called 4inch .500's are a 3 inch barrel with an inch of muzzle brake ( plus porting ). >
Just an additional Blog. Later.
Confederate - ( please do not take this to heart )
"The 500 is a solution in search of a problem. What deficiency existed in other calibers that the 500 addresses? "
<It drops charging Grizzlies quicker than a .44MAG hands down. Why? The high velocity and kinetic energy the round carries, is akin to being hit by a train.>
"It's in a similar category to snub-nosed .44 mags, but worse...and is for people with too much money to burn."
<Yes and No. 44 Cal snubbies are not as common as .357 Mags which are by choice the most preferred snub nosed wheelies due to the small round yet high velocity impact that they impose. As for those with too muchmoney to burn....hey, this is America after all.>
"The fact that people shoot a decent first shot and many times can't even hit the target the second time is a clear indication that something's wrong. Would anyone really prefer this to a .44 mag in a defensive situation with a bear? You'd have to be at point-blank range for it to be advantageous, and even then it would be moot."
<Incorrect. A 44MAG equates to - 240-grain bullet at 1,350 fps for 971 ft-lbs of energy. This travels slowly, and is only good at very close range. There is not enough foot pounds, to simply make a Bear STOP...he or she, can and often does, keep going forward. Not a good look......seriously. Yes, one may have time to put more rounds into Mr Bear, but once he hits arm reach....well....good luck. Hit Mr Grizz with a 50CAL, the shock can blow chunKs of the Bear, and the energy / Impact to the animal is instant. They no longer want to play. >
"A .44 mag 29 can be fired double action in such encounters, but only two rounds, tops, could likely be fired from a S&W 500. Actually, I'd love to see someone shoot one double action on YouTube."
<Double action is heavy, as one would expect, but the revolver is carried hammer back, and ready to rock n roll. Fire one, then DA the rest. Any Bear, will hesitate when hit with this round. They stand, or stop on all 4's, because something just hit them with the equivalant of a sledgehammer. Bears DO NOT.....like this round. Once the range increases, the bullet makes more of a mess by the way >
****Footnote*** A 50CAL round, irrespective of being Rifle or pistol ( Barret etc..) will rip limbs of flesh clovered targets ******
"I've never seen one, but I'm sure some yo-yo has a 3-inch barrel in a 500 squirreled away in a safe somewhere. "
<All so called 4inch .500's are a 3 inch barrel with an inch of muzzle brake ( plus porting ). >
Just an additional Blog. Later.
If buying the gun for fun makes people an idiot then I guess Chevy should stop selling the vette and Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Konigg, the list can go on should just fold up shop and retire.
idiot.
Oh, and if you NEED a 500 to stop a bear then what did people do all these years before the 500 was "invented"?
idiot.
Oh, and if you NEED a 500 to stop a bear then what did people do all these years before the 500 was "invented"?
SharpsDressedMan
member
I have a 2 3/4" S&W 500. Had the 8 3/8", and it was a boat anchor. The 4" was fine, but still a little heavy, and the compensator came loose once, so it scared me. I went to the shorter barrel because, as was mentioned, the 4" is the same rifled barrel, except it has the integral comp, so no ballistic advantage. The short one totes very well, and is mighty fine for bear country. I also like to load it to "combat" specs, and keep it in the vehicle. It will stomp a human adversary right now, and probably shoot through a car if need be, with reduced loads. Can't ask for more than that.
fireside44
member
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Try shooting warmer 385 grain loads through a handi rifle. There's your hammer. Ice pack for your cheek optional.
SharpsDressedMan
member
My medium load for my snubbie is the Remington 385 Cor-Lokt travelling @ 1140fps. Not upper end, but not theoretical ballistics from a 8 3/8", either. My chronographed velocity is from the short barrel.
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