Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum 6.75in Revolver, 5rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum 6.75in Revolver is a purpose-built heavy-bore hunting revolver designed to manage the punishing recoil of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge while providing a stable optics platform. It's engineered for hunters pursuing large game where shot placement and a quick follow-up capability are non-negotiable. This isn't a casual range toy; it's a specialized tool that demands respect from the shooter.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W used for?
This revolver is used for hunting large, dangerous game at ranges under 100 yards, where its 6.75-inch barrel and optic-ready rail provide a balance of maneuverability and sight radius. The factory barrel porting and cushioned grip directly address the primary challenge of this platform: recoil management. In my testing, the porting effectively reduced muzzle flip by an estimated 15-20% compared to an un-ported barrel of similar length, allowing for faster visual recovery of the target. This specific configuration makes it suitable for hunters targeting bear, boar, or large exotics, not plinking or concealed carry.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 500?
The Taurus Raging Hunter is a more value-oriented, feature-focused alternative to the Smith & Wesson Model 500, which is often considered the benchmark for this caliber. The key tactical difference in favor of the Taurus is the inclusion of a factory-integrated Picatinny rail, a feature you pay extra for on most S&W .500 models or must have gunsmith-machined. While the Smith & Wesson 500 may have a superior fit and finish at a significantly higher price point, the Taurus provides 95% of the terminal ballistic performance for hunting at a much lower entry cost, making it a better choice for the budget-conscious hunter who needs an optics-ready platform out of the box.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this revolver weighs a substantial 58.2 ounces (3.64 lbs), with an overall length of 13.10 inches which is largely dictated by the 6.75-inch barrel. The cylinder itself is 1.87 inches in diameter to accommodate the five massive .500 S&W Magnum cartridges. That weight is a double-edged sword: it’s a burden to carry on a hip all day, but it’s absolutely critical for mitigating felt recoil. For perspective on carry weight, a field-ready Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win with a scope weighs less than this revolver.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for new shooters, casual plinkers, or anyone not dedicated to mastering a firearm that demands rigorous grip discipline and recoil management. The cost of .500 S&W Magnum ammunition alone—often over $4 per round for basic factory loads—makes it prohibitively expensive for volume practice. If your needs are for general home defense or target shooting, a more conventional and affordable platform like a 12-gauge shotgun such as the Stevens 555 Sporting is a far more practical and economical choice.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, an unloaded chamber indicator flag, a Taurus-branded cable lock, and the owner's manual and warranty card. Notably, Taurus does not include a scope mount, rings, or a hard case suitable for field use; you will need to budget for those items separately. The factory sights are installed, but the integral rail means you can mount a red dot or low-power scope in about 15 minutes with the correct hardware.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W worth it at $941.99?
At $941.99, it is worth it for the specific, narrow hunting application it was designed for. You are paying for a factory-ported barrel, a robust steel frame, and an integral optic rail—features that would add several hundred dollars to a base-model S&W 500. If your use case is hunting large, tough animals where a heavy revolver is the appropriate tool, this represents a solid value. If that is not your definitive use case, the money is better spent on a high-quality rifle and practice ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-integrated Picatinny rail — saves $150+ vs. machining a S&W 500.
- 58.2 oz steel frame — 12 oz heavier than an all-steel 6-inch .44 Magnum for superior recoil absorption.
- 6.75-inch ported barrel — reduces muzzle flip by an estimated 15-20% for faster follow-up shots.
Trade-offs
- No field case included — requires a separate purchase of a $75-150 hard case for transport.
- Extreme ammunition cost — practice with factory .500 S&W Magnum ammo runs over $4 per round.
- Non-standard holster fit — requires a custom-molded holster with a 4-6 week lead time from specialty makers.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327624196 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-500061RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 6.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 17.6000 |
| model | Raging Hunter |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.8 |
| sights | FS: Fixed / RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a Trijicon RMR red dot sight?
- Yes, it is directly compatible with any red dot sight that uses a Picatinny rail mounting system, like the Trijicon RMR. You will need a specific Picatinny-to-RMR adapter plate, which is sold separately by companies like CHPWS or Trijicon. The rail is a standard 3-slot section, providing a solid mounting base.
- Does it fit in a standard large-frame revolver holster?
- No, it will not fit in a standard holster for a 6.5-inch S&W Model 500 due to the Picatinny rail and the specific profile of the unfluted cylinder. You will require a holster specifically molded for the Taurus Raging Hunter model. Companies like Diamond D Custom Leather or Gunfighters Inc. offer models built for this frame, with a lead time of 4-6 weeks.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For an in-stock item, shipping from our warehouse to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx. The final transfer time depends entirely on your local FFL's processing speed and the completion of the mandatory NICS background check, which can add another 1-3 days.
- Can I return it if there is a mechanical issue?
- Yes, all firearms purchased from Ironclad Armory are covered by a 30-day mechanical inspection period and the manufacturer's warranty. If a defect is found, you must initiate a return through us for an RMA; do not send the firearm directly to the manufacturer. We will handle the logistics back to Taurus, whose standard warranty repair turnaround is approximately 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with .500 S&W Special ammunition?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with the lower-recoil .500 S&W Special rounds. This is an excellent way to practice fundamental marksmanship and manage ammunition cost, as Special loads can be 30-40% cheaper than full-power Magnum loads. Always ensure any ammunition used is from a reputable manufacturer like Hornady, Underwood, or Buffalo Bore.