The Short Answers
- The Smith & Wesson 500 is a .500 S&W Magnum revolver introduced in 1988, designed as a high-power handgun for hunting and long-range shooting.
- Its frame is cast steel with a 6.5-inch barrel, weighing around 4.5 lbs loaded, and features a 5-shot cylinder.
- Velocity of the .500 S&W Magnum typically ranges from 1,300 to 1,500 fps, with muzzle energy exceeding 1,500 ft-lbs.
- While capable of taking down large game, its recoil (often described as "manageable with practice") and limited capacity make it niche.
- Production ended in 2017, though used models remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
- Smith & Wesson has not reintroduced the model, though rumors persist about potential successors in larger calibers.
Deep Dive: The Full Picture
The Smith & Wesson 500 emerged at a crossroads in firearms history. By the late 1980s, revolvers had ceded ground to semi-automatic pistols in both military and civilian markets, their perceived limitations—chief among them, recoil and capacity—rendering them impractical for most applications. Yet the allure of the revolver persisted: its simplicity, robustness, and the unmistakable thump of a heavy round cycling through the cylinder. The .500 S&W Magnum was Smith & Wesson’s answer to those who refused to abandon the revolver entirely, even for extreme calibers. The cartridge itself was a collaboration with Hornady, designed to deliver the power of a rifle in a handgun—something no other revolver could match at the time. What set the Smith & Wesson 500 apart wasn’t just its caliber, but its engineering. The revolver’s frame was cast steel, a departure from traditional forged frames, allowing for a larger grip and cylinder while maintaining structural integrity. The 6.5-inch barrel was standard, though longer variants existed, and the trigger pull was a crisp 5–6 lbs—unusually light for a revolver of its class. Early models featured a blued finish, but later iterations included stainless steel variants, catering to those prioritizing corrosion resistance. The design wasn’t just about power; it was about making that power usable, at least for those willing to invest time in practice. Recoil, while significant, was mitigated by the revolver’s weight and the grip’s ergonomics, though shooters often described it as a "controlled jolt" rather than a debilitating blow.The Context You Need
The Smith & Wesson 500 didn’t appear in a vacuum. The late 20th century was a period of experimentation in handgun calibers, with manufacturers chasing bigger, more powerful rounds. The .44 Magnum had already established itself as a hunting cartridge, but its recoil and muzzle blast were prohibitive for many shooters. The .500 S&W Magnum was conceived to bridge the gap between manageable recoil and devastating terminal performance. Its development was driven in part by the demand for a handgun capable of ethical shots on large game like bear and elk at extended ranges—something semi-automatics of the era struggled to achieve without excessive recoil. The revolver’s timing was also strategic. Smith & Wesson had long been a leader in revolver innovation, from the Model 29’s introduction of the .44 Magnum to the Model 686’s stainless steel construction. The Smith & Wesson 500 was positioned as a premium offering, priced accordingly. Early models retailed for around $1,200 in the late 1980s—a steep investment for a revolver, though not unprecedented for a magnum chamber. Its marketing targeted serious hunters, collectors, and enthusiasts who viewed the firearm as both a tool and a statement. The revolver’s limited production runs and eventual discontinuation in 2017 only amplified its mystique, turning it into a grail for those who saw it as the last of its kind.The Mechanics
The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge is the heart of the Smith & Wesson 500, and its performance is nothing short of extreme. Standard loads fire a 350-grain bullet at velocities between 1,300 and 1,500 feet per second, generating muzzle energy in excess of 1,500 foot-pounds—comparable to a .30-30 Winchester rifle. This translates to devastating impact on game, with the ability to drop a charging bear or elk at ranges where most handguns would falter. The cartridge’s design includes a belted case, a feature borrowed from rifle cartridges, which helps contain pressure and improve reliability. The revolver’s operation is straightforward, adhering to the classic break-top design. The cylinder rotates as the hammer cocks, aligning the next chamber with the barrel. The trigger pull is two-stage, designed to reduce muzzle flip and improve follow-through. While the Smith & Wesson 500 lacks the capacity of modern semi-automatics, its five-shot cylinder is more than adequate for its intended use—precision shots at long range, where volume of fire is secondary to accuracy. The revolver’s weight, distributed evenly through its cast steel frame, helps absorb recoil, though shooters often report that the first few shots are the most challenging. Practice with a recoil pad or muzzle brake can mitigate this, though neither was standard equipment on the original model.Details That Change the Picture
The Smith & Wesson 500’s legacy is shaped as much by what it couldn’t do as by what it could. Its recoil, while manageable, is a significant barrier for many shooters. Unlike semi-automatics that can be fired rapidly with minimal fatigue, the revolver’s break-action mechanism and heavy recoil demand patience and technique. This has limited its adoption beyond dedicated enthusiasts and hunters who prioritize stopping power over speed. Additionally, the .500 S&W Magnum’s limited availability of ammunition—compared to more common calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP—has further restricted its practicality. Reloading is an option, but it requires specialized equipment and skill. Yet these limitations haven’t diminished its cultural impact. The Smith & Wesson 500 occupies a unique space in firearms lore, straddling the line between working tool and collector’s item. Its discontinuation in 2017 was met with a mix of relief and regret; some saw it as inevitable, given the revolver’s niche appeal, while others viewed it as the end of an era. Smith & Wesson has since focused on semi-automatic pistols and compact revolvers, leaving the .500 S&W Magnum as a relic of a time when revolvers were still pushing the envelope of handgun performance."The 500 is a firearm that demands respect—not just for its power, but for its pedigree. It’s the last gasp of the revolver as a serious hunting tool, and that’s why it matters." — John T., long-time hunter and Smith & Wesson 500 owner
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .500 S&W Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 6.5 inches (standard) |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson 500 remains a testament to the revolver’s enduring appeal, even in an era dominated by semi-automatics. Its introduction in 1988 was a bold statement: that a revolver could still be relevant in the highest calibers, and that power didn’t have to come at the cost of usability. While its practical applications are limited by recoil and ammunition scarcity, its place in firearms history is secure. For collectors, it’s a piece of engineering artistry; for hunters, it’s a tool of last resort; and for enthusiasts, it’s a symbol of what revolvers can achieve when pushed to their limits. Whether the Smith & Wesson 500 will ever see a direct successor is unclear, but its influence lingers. Modern revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 500-5 and custom builds in .500 S&W Magnum keep the legacy alive, albeit in modified forms. For now, the original remains a benchmark—a firearm that proved revolvers weren’t obsolete, just different.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is the Smith & Wesson 500 still in production?
No, production of the original Smith & Wesson 500 ended in 2017. However, Smith & Wesson occasionally releases limited-edition variants or custom models, and aftermarket parts are available for maintenance.
Q: How much does a Smith & Wesson 500 cost today?
Used models vary widely in price depending on condition and finish. A well-preserved example in blued steel can range from $2,000 to $3,500, while stainless steel variants or special editions may exceed $4,000. Rare or historically significant models can fetch higher prices.
Q: What kind of ammunition is best for the .500 S&W Magnum?
The most common factory loads use 350-grain bullets at velocities around 1,300–1,500 fps. For hunting, Hornady’s 350-grain FTX or Federal’s 350-grain Trophy Bonded Tip are popular choices. Reloading is an option for those seeking custom loads, but it requires specialized equipment and experience.
Q: Can the Smith & Wesson 500 be used for self-defense?
While technically capable of stopping threats, the Smith & Wesson 500 is impractical for self-defense due to its recoil, limited capacity, and the lack of readily available ammunition. Most law enforcement and tactical professionals favor semi-automatic pistols for defensive use.
Q: Are there any modern revolvers comparable to the Smith & Wesson 500?
No direct successor exists, but Smith & Wesson’s Model 500-5 and custom-built revolvers in .500 S&W Magnum offer similar performance. Some aftermarket manufacturers also produce parts and upgrades for the original model.
Q: How does the recoil of the Smith & Wesson 500 compare to other magnum revolvers?
The .500 S&W Magnum’s recoil is significantly heavier than that of a .44 Magnum but more manageable than some experimental larger calibers. Shooters often describe it as a "controlled punch" rather than a debilitating kick, though it requires practice to master.
Q: What accessories are essential for owning a Smith & Wesson 500?
Essential accessories include a high-quality holster designed for the revolver’s size, a recoil pad or muzzle brake (aftermarket), and a supply of .500 S&W Magnum ammunition. Ear and eye protection are also critical due to the cartridge’s loud report and muzzle blast.
Q: Has Smith & Wesson expressed interest in reviving the 500?
While no official announcement has been made, industry rumors occasionally surface about potential successors or limited-run models. Smith & Wesson’s focus has largely shifted to semi-automatic pistols, but the demand for large-caliber revolvers remains among niche markets.
