500 Smith & Wesson Magnum Revolver (S&W Model 500) Review

Below is my review of the Smith & Wesson Model 500, which is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum:

Basics

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is a double action/ single action revolver that is chambered for the .500 S&W magnum cartridge, which is the most powerful production revolver cartridge in the world*.  It holds 5 rounds, and is built upon the “X Frame” that was designed for the .500 S&W cartridge.  Available barrel lengths are 4″, 6.5″, 8 3/8″, and 10″, with muzzle compensators available from the factory.  My Model 500 has a 6.5″ barrel with a compensator.

Ammunition

Factory-produced .500 S&W ammunition is available in a variety of bullet weights, ranging from around 150 grains to over 500 grains.  There are  light weight “low recoil” load that lend themselves to more comfortable range practice, and quite hard-cast lead loads backed by heavy significant powder charge. My favorite ammo, the Barnes TSX copper hollow-point bullets loaded by Cor-bon, are available in this caliber.

I bought my Model 500 on a Saturday morning from my local Gander Mountain (which did not have any .500 S&W magnum ammo in stock), and wanted to shoot it that day.  After visiting 3 gun stores and calling another 2, I found what was probably the only gun store within 50 miles of my house that had any .500 S&W magnum ammo on hand.  It was some of the most expensive ammo that I ever bought.  My future ammo purchases for this revolver were all made online, which reduced the price of the ammo, but not to anywhere near the price I’m accustomed to paying for ammo for my .40 S&W pistols.

Build Quality

As I mentioned in my Model 610 Smith & Wesson revolver review, Smith & Wesson knows how to build a high quality revolver.  I am just as happy with this Model 500 as I am with my Model 610.  It has a sold feel and looks beautiful.  Then again, it costs about $1,200, so good build quality should be expected.

Ergonomics

I find the X Frame Model 500 to be comfortable to hold.  I have larger hands and find it to fit perfectly in my hand, and especially appreciate the rubber grip.   Although I carry a pistol for self defense and rarely hold this revolver, I can say it is more comfortable in my hand than any pistol I have yet to hold.  Loading and unloading it easy, and the cylinder release and action are smooth.

Reliability

Between myself, my wife, her brother, and a few employees of my firm who have gone to the range with me, about 50 rounds have been fired through my Model 500 revolver.  That is really too few rounds to draw any meaningful conclusions, but I can say that I have no problems at all.  The revolver is mechanically simple and well built to stand up to the recoil of the .500 S&W cartridge, so I expect it to work reliably.

Accessories

A muzzle compensator is offered from the factory.  I have not fired a .500 S&W magnum without the compensator, but am happy that mine comes with one!

Purpose of this Revolver and Recoil

The Model 500 is marketed as a revolver capable of taking any land game animal on the planet, and I believe it.  But, as someone who has never been hunting, I don’t need this revolver to hunt.  It is also an excellent self-defense gun against a bear attack.  But, as someone who spend virtually no time in the woods, I don’t need it for that purpose either.  Truth be told, I bought it because I just felt like buying a fun gun, and I’m glad to have it.

On the day that I bought my Model 500, my wife and I went to the range.  I fired 16 rounds and found it to be quite accurate for the first dozen shots.  Afterwards, my hand began to get moderately sore and my accuracy was reduced.  My wire fired two rounds, and then quit after making some remarks about the gun for having such recoil, as well as some remarks about me for calling the recoil “manageable.”  To her credit, she put both of the round on the target paper and handling the recoil without excessive muzzle flip. About a week later, she stopped complaining about her hands hurting.

Conclusion

I will never carry the Model 500 for self defense (unless I take up hunting in woods populated by grizzly bears as a hobby). It is not a practical home defense gun either. Instead, for me, the Model 500 is a somewhat unique and fun gun to own. I expect that it will occupy a space in my gun safe for 99.99% of its existence, coming out of the safe a couple times a year for a brief trip to the range. I imagine that many other .500 S&W magnum revolvers will be similarly treated, and that is probably what Smith & Wesson anticipated when they set out to create the “most powerful*” production revolver.

Note: Definitions of words such as “most powerful” and “production” are always up for debate 🙂