S&W Performance Center Model 500 .500 SW Mag 3.5″ 5-Rd
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About this product
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 500 is a 3.5-inch-barreled, X-Frame stainless steel revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, representing the pinnacle of factory-tuned, portable big-bore power available to the civilian market. This isn't just another large-frame revolver; it's a hand-cannon engineered from the ground up for maximum cartridge capacity within a mechanically reliable platform, then refined by Smith & Wesson's master craftsmen. With a street price hovering around $2,000, it occupies a specific niche where raw ballistic performance meets Precision Center-level fit and finish.
What is the S&W Performance Center Model 500 used for?
The S&W Performance Center Model 500 is designed for two primary roles: close-range, large-game handgun hunting and serious, high-intensity big-bore target and recoil management practice. The 3.5-inch barrel and tuned action make it a surprisingly manageable—though still formidable—field piece for hunters pursuing bear or boar in dense brush. More importantly, its construction and sights make it the ideal platform for shooters dedicated to mastering the mechanics of firing ultra-high-pressure cartridges without the punishing weight and length of longer-barreled versions.
How does the Performance Center Model 500 compare to a standard S&W 500?
The Performance Center Model 500 is mechanically superior to a standard production S&W 500 in trigger smoothness, sight quality, and out-of-the-box readiness for optics. While a base-model 500 delivers the same chambering and frame, the Performance Center version features a hand-tuned action that reduces trigger pull weight by an average of 1.5 to 2 pounds in double-action mode and incorporates an overtravel stop for a cleaner, more precise break. It also comes drilled and tapped from the factory with premium Hi-Viz fiber-optic sights, whereas the standard model typically has a basic serrated ramp front and requires aftermarket work for an optic mount.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this specific 3.5-inch configuration weighs a substantial 72.5 ounces (4.53 pounds), with overall dimensions of 10.25 inches in length and 6.75 inches in height. The cylinder itself has a diameter of 2.15 inches, which is critical for understanding holster compatibility—most generic large-frame holsters will not accommodate this specific unfluted cylinder profile. The weight, concentrated in the 4140 stainless steel frame and cylinder, is a primary factor in managing the .500 S&W Magnum’s recoil, which can exceed 40 ft-lbs of energy at the shooter's hand.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is categorically not for a first-time handgun owner, a shooter seeking a general-purpose sidearm, or anyone with budget constraints on ammunition. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge costs between $3.50 and $5.00 per round for basic factory loads, making practice prohibitively expensive for casual use. Furthermore, its sheer size and power make it unsuitable for home defense in most scenarios due to over-penetration concerns, unlike more manageable options like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for a dedicated defensive rifle.
What's in the box?
Smith & Wesson ships this Performance Center Model 500 with a fitted, zippered gun rug emblazoned with the Performance Center logo, one 5-round stainless steel moon clip for faster reloading (though the cylinder also accepts loose rounds), a cable lock, and the standard operator's manual and warranty card. Notably, it does not include any aftermarket optics, a hard-sided locking case suitable for airline travel, or a bore snake, which are essential accessories you'll need to purchase separately for field use and maintenance.
Is the Performance Center Model 500 worth it at $2026.99?
At a retail price of $2,026.99, the Performance Center Model 500 is worth the investment only for the shooter who specifically requires its combination of maximum portable power, refined factory tuning, and optics-ready capability. You are paying an approximate $400-$500 premium over a standard Model 500 for the hand-fitted action work, superior sights, and the drilled-and-tapped frame. If your use case is purely recreational plinking with milder .500 Special loads or you don't intend to mount an optic, a standard model or a robust shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge may represent a better value.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Performance Center-tuned trigger reduces double-action pull to approximately 10.5 lbs and single-action to 3.5 lbs for superior control.
- Factory-drilled-and-tapped frame with included Hi-Viz fiber optic front sight provides immediate optics-ready capability and fast sight acquisition.
- 72.5 oz (4.53 lb) all-stainless construction significantly dampens felt recoil compared to lighter alloy-framed .500 Magnum revolvers.
- Unfluted 5-round cylinder provides maximum structural integrity and a distinctive, rugged aesthetic.
Trade-offs
- Extreme ammunition cost—factory .500 S&W Magnum rounds average $4.25 each, making sustained practice financially prohibitive for most.
- The 3.5-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 150-200 feet per second in muzzle velocity compared to the 8.375-inch barrel version, reducing long-range ballistic energy.
- Rubber Hogue grip, while effective, lacks the custom contour and premium material (like G10) expected on a $2,000+ revolver, a $75-$150 aftermarket upgrade most owners will pursue.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188870008 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 11623 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 18 |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 10.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 5.285 |
| sights | HiViz Fiber Optic Front/Adj Black Blade Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the frame compatible with standard .500 S&W Magnum moon clips?
- Yes, the unfluted cylinder is cut to accept standard 5-round .500 S&W Magnum moon clips, one of which is included. This allows for faster extraction and reloading compared to loading individual rounds. Aftermarket clips from brands like Ranch Products work without modification.
- Does this model fit in a standard S&W X-Frame holster?
- No, it often does not. The 3.5-inch barrel profile and the full, unfluted cylinder (2.15" diameter) require a holster specifically molded for this configuration. Generic X-Frame or N-Frame holsters will not accommodate the cylinder's width. Brands like Diamond D Custom Leather make dedicated models starting at $140.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days. Transit time via UPS or FedEx Ground to most continental US FFLs is 3-7 business days. You must provide your chosen FFL's license to us before shipment is released.
- Can I mount a red dot optic directly to the frame?
- Yes. The frame is drilled and tapped from the factory with a 1913 Picatinny rail interface pattern. You can directly attach any optic mount or base designed for this footprint, such as those from Weigand or EGW, without needing a gunsmith to modify the firearm.
- Does the .500 S&W Magnum ammunition work in all .50 caliber firearms?
- Absolutely not. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge is proprietary and only safe to fire in firearms specifically chambered for it, like this S&W X-Frame. It is not interchangeable with .50 AE, .50 Beowulf, .500 Linebaugh, or any .50 BMG-based cartridge. Using incorrect ammunition is extremely dangerous.