Smith & Wesson Model 500

About the Smith & Wesson Model 500

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is a five-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered for the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, built on Smith & Wesson's massive X-frame which was designed exclusively for this firearm. Introduced in 2003, it is marketed as 'the world's most powerful production revolver,' generating muzzle energies exceeding 3,000 foot-pounds (4,109 joules) with standard factory loads. The X-frame was engineered from the ground up to handle the extreme pressures and recoil forces of the .500 S&W Magnum, featuring a five-shot cylinder, a stainless steel frame and barrel, and a compensated muzzle brake to help manage the enormous recoil. The standard model features an 8-3/8 inch barrel with a Hi-Viz interchangeable fiber optic front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The rubber Hogue grips with finger grooves help absorb recoil. The revolver weighs 72.5 ounces (2055g) unloaded and has an overall length of 15 inches (381mm). The barrel features right-hand twist rifling at 1:18.75 inches (476mm). With a 350-grain (22.68g) bullet, factory loads achieve 1,975 fps (602 m/s) producing over 3,030 ft-lbs (4,109 J) of muzzle energy, roughly twice that of the .50 AE Desert Eagle pistol. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge was developed in partnership between Smith & Wesson and Cor-Bon ammunition, using a unique large rifle primer to withstand the 60,000 PSI maximum chamber pressure.

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 was unveiled at the 2003 SHOT Show and immediately became the most powerful production revolver in the world, dethroning the .454 Casull and .480 Ruger. The development of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge required an entirely new frame size, the X-frame, because no existing revolver platform could withstand the cartridge's enormous 60,000 PSI pressure. The revolver has become iconic in popular culture as the ultimate expression of handgun power, frequently appearing in video games and films as a devastating hand cannon.

Smith & Wesson Model 500 specifications

The Model 500 was developed as a joint venture between Smith & Wesson and Cor-Bon ammunition, with the goal of creating the most powerful production handgun in the world. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge was designed from scratch with no parent case, and requires a large rifle primer rather than a pistol primer due to the extreme 60,000 PSI operating pressure. The X-frame is the largest revolver frame Smith & Wesson has ever produced, significantly larger than the N-frame used for .44 Magnum revolvers. Available barrel lengths include 4, 6.5, 7.5 (Performance Center), 8.375, and 10.5 inches. The compensated barrel is standard on all models except the 4-inch variant, which lacks a muzzle brake. Weight varies dramatically by barrel length: 4-inch approximately 56 oz (1588g), 6.5-inch approximately 60.7 oz (1721g), 8.375-inch approximately 72.5 oz (2055g), 10.5-inch approximately 82 oz (2325g). The loaded weight estimate includes five cartridges at approximately 29g each. Bullet weights available range from 265 to 700 grains, with the Underwood 700-grain hardcast load being among the most extreme factory handgun loads ever produced. The Performance Center 7.5-inch model features a chrome hammer, chrome trigger with trigger stop, and a PC-tuned action. Felt recoil is extreme even with the compensator and heavy frame, making this one of the most challenging handguns to shoot. The Model 500 has found a practical niche as a bear defense sidearm in Alaska and other wilderness areas with dangerous game.