Yesterday I was at a local gunshop and saw the Smith and Wesson Performance 500. Wow.

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=294735&sw_activeTab=3 (http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=294735&sw_activeTab=3)

SKU: 170231

Type: Revolver
Model: 500
Caliber: 500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length: 10-1/2"
Capacity: 5 Rounds
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: N/A
Grip: Hogue Dual Density Monogrip
Trigger: N/A Frame: X-Frame
Front Sight: Orange Dovetail Ramp Finish: Glassbead
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline Overall length: 18"
Firing System: N/A Weight: 82 ounces

This thing was a tank. Comes with a sling and you would need it to carry. Really fun to look at but not sure I would want to take it for a walk.
When I held it I thought that some type of shooting sling to hold it steady would be great. Anyone tried one yet?

I own one. The “light” load Cor-Bon factory 275 grain chronographs 180-200 fps faster than is printed on the box label. The 350 gr. Hornady loads are a bit slower than the 1900 fps indicted on the box, but perhaps that is an optimistic specification. Those are the only 2 loads I have tried to date. I have not had a chance to work up any handloads yet, nor have I had much chance to really check out the accuracy potential of the gun. The “kick” with either the Cor-Bon or Hornady load is surprisingly mild. Markedly less than my 8” heavy shroud Dan Wesson .41 Magnum, though with a bit more concussion. Balance is surprisingly good, given the gun’s appearance. Fantastic trigger out-of-the-box. I wouldn’t even think of touching it.

I was at first a bit disappointed in the amount of cylinder gap, but I hear from S&W Engineering that the tolerance is 0.004”-0.010”. Mine is in the middle, but surprisingly I have not seen any “spitting” or signatures on my sandbag rests. There is also a bit of wobble in the cylinder, but again my Dan Wesson has more and it is regardless very accurate. Finish and fit are otherwise excellent. No tool marks. Have had no “unlatching” problems, either with gloves or barehanded.

I did drop an adult doe on the spot at 71 paces last fall with the Hornady load. I will let you know if I get a chance to really test out the gun. If you can handle the $$$ over the standard model, I would recommend it.

Yesterday I was at a local gunshop and saw the Smith and Wesson Performance 500. Wow.

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=294735&sw_activeTab=3 (http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=294735&sw_activeTab=3)

SKU: 170231

Type: Revolver
Model: 500
Caliber: 500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length: 10-1/2"
Capacity: 5 Rounds
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: N/A
Grip: Hogue Dual Density Monogrip
Trigger: N/A Frame: X-Frame
Front Sight: Orange Dovetail Ramp Finish: Glassbead
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline Overall length: 18"
Firing System: N/A Weight: 82 ounces

This thing was a tank. Comes with a sling and you would need it to carry. Really fun to look at but not sure I would want to take it for a walk.
When I held it I thought that some type of shooting sling to hold it steady would be great. Anyone tried one yet?

I had the S&W500. I was not dissatisfied with it but, I kept my BFR in 500MAG. I think the BFR is a better made gun than the S&W500 in my opinion. I know I will get slammed for that remark. But like I said it is my opinion. I personally did not see the use for the double action in a hunting situation. I would have used it in single action mode. The balance of the BFR is a lot better. The S&W500 is just to barrel heavy. I shot both guns, side by side and just think the BFR had more control and faster recovery for a second shot. The accuracy of both guns were very good, no real winner there, they are equal. I think the BFR will hold up better in the long haul. But if you are considering a S&W500 don't over look the BFR. Thanks for reading :)

No slams from me. I also examined the BFR in .500 S&W and was equally impressed. Choice is a good thing. When I picked up the S&W Mag Hunter it just fit and aligned effortlessly for me. Perhaps because over the years I have fired double-action frames so much more than single-action. I used to shoot Metalic Silhouettes years ago with a DW .41 and .445 and the feel is familiar, though both the BFR and S&W are of much better quality than my old DW's. (I do like the integral weaver base on the Mag Hunter.) If I would have had to choose between the standard 500 and the BFR I would have been more torn.

Shoot safe and often.


I had the S&W500. I was not dissatisfied with it but, I kept my BFR in 500MAG. I think the BFR is a better made gun than the S&W500 in my opinion. I know I will get slammed for that remark. But like I said it is my opinion. I personally did not see the use for the double action in a hunting situation. I would have used it in single action mode. The balance of the BFR is a lot better. The S&W500 is just to barrel heavy. I shot both guns, side by side and just think the BFR had more control and faster recovery for a second shot. The accuracy of both guns were very good, no real winner there, they are equal. I think the BFR will hold up better in the long haul. But if you are considering a S&W500 don't over look the BFR. Thanks for reading :)

I did buy the S&W 500 PC hunter . I really like it. It is very sweet to shoot . My favorite load is 33.2 gr H110 with 575 gr gc . I just can not find a holster for it .

RR

I should of put this picture with it .A 44, 240 gr and a 500 , 575 gr gccartridge

RR

Quoted from above...
"There is also a bit of wobble in the cylinder, "

When do you experience this? Is it when the trigger and hammer is forward? When the hammer is cocked? When the you pull the trigger and hold it all the back? Do this, make sure the gun is safe point it in a safe direction pull the trigger AND HOLD it in the fully pressed position (as in dry fire it you can assist the hammer strike so it comes to rest softly if you like) , With the trigger completely compressed, check the cylinder movement. You should have no movement in this position.

cheers

Yes, even in the "fire" position (i.e., trigger full back and held; hammer down) there is a slight bit of wobble. It does not lock up perfectly tight and give you that "one solid peice of metal" feeling that I get from, say, one of my old Pythons in the same position. (Understanding that those are different designs.) It is not much, just not perfectly "solid".

I checked mine and there is a very slight movement fore and aft (along the barrel line), none side to side. I had sent mine to S&W just after I received it because the rachet (cylinder advance teeth) looked a little worn. The gun checked-out perfectly (on the tighter/better side of the tolerences). Also had a long discussion with Herb Belin and further confirmed this. Point is, I guess a little (very little) bit of movement is nothing to worry about. By the way my gap was only .004

Mike

I've got the regular 500. I think the Hunter looks ugly, but that's just my opinion. I considered the BFR, but decided against it because of the cylinder length seemed way too long for the cartridge length--too far for bullet to go before hitting the rifling. I'm curious how accurately the BFR shoots, especially wiht cast bullets??

I've got the regular 500. I think the Hunter looks ugly, but that's just my opinion. I considered the BFR, but decided against it because of the cylinder length seemed way too long for the cartridge length--too far for bullet to go before hitting the rifling. I'm curious how accurately the BFR shoots, especially wiht cast bullets??


My BFR at 25 yards I can "almost" one hole a 5 shot group. One big hole. I am not talking all 5 rounds in the same hole, but I can shoot the bull out of the target with the 440 gr. cast bullets. I also owned a S&W500 and it did not shoot any better than my BFR. Both guns were accurate. I chose the BFR because of personal preference. I sold my S&W500 with no regrets. :D

Redhawk1, I too find the BFR appealing. I still prefer the Smith (it looks more solid and slightly better put together) but I have, unfortunately, never fired the BFR.

How many rounds have you put through your BFR? How is it holding up (gas cutting, other wear/erosion)? How does the recoil compare with the Smith? What do you like more about it?

Thanks!

Mike