[jasonkdailey]

Is it true that I heard in the near distant future that S&W is supposed to be coming out with a .50 caliber handgun? If so, than this will be a great gun for hunting and self defense. In Tennessee, we can use handguns during black powder and shotgun season, but only if the barrel is 4 inches or longer. Can you imagine the power this thing would have? It would be at the target before you even heard the report from the gun itself. Is this so? If so, I may have to invest in one.

 

[Papadoodles]

Check it out at the S&W web site: http://www.smith-wesson.com/Products/Fi ... output.cfm
SKU: 170231

Type: Revolver
Model: 500
Caliber: 500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length: 10-1/2"
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Action: Single , Double
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: N/A
Trigger: N/A 10-1/2"
Grip: Hogue Dual Density Monogrip Firing System: N/A
Front Sight: Orange Dovetail Ramp Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Frame: X-Frame Finish: Glass Bead
Over all length: 18" Weight: 82.0 ounces
Material: Stainless Steel

 

[CartridgeGuy]

There are a few handguns chambered for the massive .500 caliber - not all are the same.

Smith & Wesson has come out recently with the venerable .500 S&W Magnum, but there are others too. IMI developed the .50 Action Express for their Desert Eagle back in 1988. The rim is rebated so that the basic bolt of the .44 S&W Magnum version could be used without any significant modifications (just like the .41 AE has the same rim diameter as the 9mm PaArabellum). And then there is the absolute top dog of shooter punishment: the .500 Linebaugh - well that WAS the case until the 500 S&W Mag arrived. This cartridge was designed by John Linebaugh for use in modified Ruger revolvers, that can currently be purchased from Bowen arms.

Here is how they stack up:

.50 AE - 325gr JHP -- 1400fps/1414ftlbs
.500 Linebaugh - 500gr SP -- 1200fps/1599ftlbs
.500 S&W Magnum - 440gr HC -- 1625fps/2580ftlbs (from Cor-Bon)

All of them are pretty fairly suited for bear country!

 

[john305]

The X frame S&W 500 has been out for a few months now. IMO it is a way overkill for anything in the states. Maybe hunting Buffalo or a Kodiak or an Elephant. Tops would be a .454 casull for hunting. As for self defense well if it were between that and a Jenings anything I would probably take the Jenings. First, right now they have a 10.5" and 8.75" barrel gun that is a very barrel heavy weapon not something you want when you are startled awake at night. The total length for the 10.5" is 18" that is almost as long as a tactical shotgun barrel. Then we get to the weight 82 oz, a 5lbs 2oz handgun just a little on the heavy side but would be good for a 20ga semi. Ammo since only Cor-bon makes it is about $25+ for 12 rounds. More than Remington Hevi-shot. I could see the 12 rounds if the gun held 6 but since it only holds 5, kinda goofy. The recoil is big but not as bad as you would imagine, the compensated barrel works well. Also if you miss with the first round it will take longer to set up the second round due to the recoil but also due to the HUGE muzzle flash you will blind an intruder. It's cool if you just want the baddest revolver in the world or are collecting all the S&W frames.

 

[pigeonhunter]

I got to shoot one at an annual sports fair that we have in So Cal.They are awsome.

 

[shotgunworld]

What's a pistol? :?

Jay Gentry

 

[cordite]

A guy that I work with has one on order.
I told him I would give him a five dollar bill to let me touch one of those big ol' shells off..... Imagine the handloading possibilities... :!: He said OK

 

[kildux]

I've never shot a .500 but I have shot a 475 Linebaugh. It was the hardest kicking pistol I have ever shot.

 

[SamL]

I told him I would give him a five dollar bill to let me touch one of those big ol' shells off.....

And that'll just about cover the cost of the ammo... (I think I read somewhere that it really was over $2/round, since it's brand new and they aren't selling it by the truckload yet.)

-- Sam