Smith & Wesson Model 500 .500 S&W Magnum 5-Round Revolver

About this product

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 .500 S&W Magnum is a large-frame, five-shot revolver purpose-built for controlling the heaviest commercially available handgun cartridge, .500 S&W Magnum. This X-Frame revolver provides a mechanical anchor for a cartridge that can generate over 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, demanding a firearm engineered from the ground up for durability, safety, and precise shot placement under recoil. Its forged stainless steel construction and specialized features are the direct result of that extreme ballistic requirement.

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 used for?

The primary intended use of this revolver is for hunting large, dangerous game at close-to-mid range, where its .500 S&W Magnum cartridge delivers terminal ballistics that rival many rifle cartridges. It is a specialized field gun for bear, boar, or large African plains game, where a backup firearm with stopping power is a critical safety tool. It is less suited for recreational target shooting due to its substantial ammunition cost, typically $5-8 per round, and punishing recoil, though it excels as a woods-carry gun in proven hunter hands.

How does the Smith & Wesson Model 500 compare to the Taurus Raging Hunter?

The S&W Model 500 is mechanically superior and more durable for sustained heavy use than the Taurus Raging Hunter chambered in .500 S&W. The Smith & Wesson's X-Frame is a forged, one-piece receiver with integral recoil-lug cuts and a more robust lock-up system, whereas the Taurus uses a two-piece frame design that is more prone to timing issues under repeated full-power loads. The Smith & Wesson is better for a professional guide or serious hunter who will rely on it under punishing conditions; the Taurus is a more cost-effective option for occasional use.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 4.5 pounds (71.9 ounces), making it nearly twice the weight of a standard .44 Magnum revolver, a necessary mass to manage recoil. Its overall length is 15 inches, with a 10.5-inch barrel common on this model, creating a long sight radius critical for precision with such a powerful cartridge. The cylinder diameter measures 2.25 inches, a physical limitation that dictates the five-round capacity, as each .500-caliber cartridge is simply too large in diameter to allow a sixth chamber.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a firearm for a new shooter, a casual plinker, or someone seeking a home-defense sidearm. The recoil impulse is violent enough to cause physical discomfort and develop a flinch in inexperienced shooters, negating any accuracy benefit. It also demands a significant investment in ammunition for proficiency, with a 50-round box of factory loads costing more than many budget the bolt-action rifles. Its size and weight also make it impractical for concealed carry, relegating it to a specialized field or hunting role.

What's in the box?

The factory package includes the revolver, one synthetic rubber Hogue Monogrip, two sets of interchangeable front sight blades (one red ramp, one plain black), the necessary sight-change tool, a gun lock complying with federal safety requirements, and the standard plastic hard case. You will not find a cleaning kit or any form of optic mount in the box; the drilled and tapped frame is ready for a scope base, but the base itself is a separate purchase from Smith & Wesson or a third party like EGW.

Is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 worth it at $1560.99?

At $1,560.99, this revolver is worth its price for the specific, high-stakes task of heavy-caliber field use, where reliability and mechanical integrity are non-negotiable. You are paying for the R&D behind the proprietary X-Frame, the forging and machining of a massive stainless steel receiver, and a lockwork proven to handle sustained pressures exceeding 60,000 PSI. If your needs are for lighter hunting or general use, a far more affordable option like a the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers greater versatility and lower operating costs for a fraction of the price.