S&W Model 500

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Smith & Wesson Model 500

Type	Revolver
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Produced	2003
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	2.05 kg (4.51 lbs)
Barrel length	4 in (102 mm) (500S) 8 3/4 in (222 mm) 10.5 in (267 mm)

Cartridge	.500 S&W (.500 Magnum)
Caliber	12.7 mm (.50 in)

The Model 500 Revolver is a revolver produced by Smith and Wesson, based on the X-Frame.

The 500 is the most powerful production revolver in the world today, firing the S&W .500 Magnum. The 500 holds 5 rounds. The .500 Smith and Wesson calibre can fire at incredible velocities and deliver an unusually large quantity of kinetic energy - the most high-powered commercial round weighing 440 grains (28.5 g) has a muzzle energy of 2600 foot·pounds force (3.5 kJ). However handloaders have experimented with 500 grain bullets developing 3000+ foot·pounds (4.1 kJ) of muzzle energy.

Warmly greeted by firearm-enthusiasts, it has been back-ordered since its introduction in 2003. Articles, statements, and opinions vary widely on this firearm. It has been described in magazines as the most versatile hunting firearm on the market. As with its wide range of bullets it can hunt smaller game, or in the 440 grain (28.5 g) variant can be used to kill much larger species. Any of the available bullet weights can be relied on to take game at a range in excess of 200 yards (180 m), a feat matched by only a handful of other pistol-type firearms.

While firearms of this size can scare potential shooters with the recoil, the advanced design of the firearm helps in counteracting recoil felt by the shooter. This includes the sheer weight of the firearm, use of rubber grips, the forward balance, and the use of a compensator. (Traded for a full muzzle brake on the performance center model) These additions make the firearm entirely manageable for those accustomed to the shooting of large caliber handguns, but still extreme for an inexperienced shooter.

S&W Model 500 being fired at night

[edit] Variants

It comes as standard, but there is a version as well (called the Model 500S for Short). There are four versions known to exist:

The standard Model 500 with an 8 3/4 in (222 mm) barrel
500S (Short) with 4 in (102 mm) barrel
500H (Hunter) with a longer 10.5 in (26.6 cm) barrel
Performance Center model also has a barrel length of 10.5 in (26.6 cm) and includes improvements to enhance accuracy.

Also available on the X-Frame is the .460 eXtreme Velocity Revolver.

Like most big calibre handguns, the Model 500 is suitable for sport and hunting applications. The recoil and size are too great for personal defense, and there are numerous other more suitable weapons systems for the military.

There have also been at least a small number of Model 500 "survival guns" produced. These guns, with a 2 in (51 mm) barrel and no compensator, are intended to be kept in survival kits carried by bush pilots and pilots operating in Alaska and similarly hostile environments. The purpose of having such a heavy round with a snub-nosed barrel is to give survivors of an airplane crash a weapon capable of taking down an attacking bear or other hostile wildlife at point blank range, while conserving necessarily limited ammunition. The short barrel allows the gun to take up less space and weight in the survival kit.

The weapon's grip is covered by a S&W K-Frame sized Sorbothane® rubber grip, and recoil is reduced by a muzzle brake.

[edit] Controversy

When the Model 500 was introduced, it immediately sparked action by gun control advocates. Senator Chuck Schumer stated that the firearm was finding its way into the hands of gangs and other criminals and that he did not believe that the firearm would be used for hunting as it was "too heavy". The Violence Policy Center also released a report on the Model 500 calling it the "vest-buster." In response to this statement, the National Rifle Association conducted a study that concluded that while the round is powerful, it travels at too low a velocity to actually penetrate a kevlar vest.

Pro-gun supporters pointed out that the firearm was not yet on the market at the time the accusations were made, as well as the fact that it weighed less than most hunting rifles. Additionally, several law enforcement personnel came forward to specify that the inability to conceal a firearm of this size meant it posed very little threat in a street environment. Nevertheless, political pressure to ban the .500 Smith and Wesson cartridge, along with the .50 BMG persists. In the meantime it is a widely recognized symbol, and source of bragging amongst hunters and other firearm enthusiasts. Currently deer, elk, black bear, grizzly bear, kodiak bear, wild boar and African elephant have all been taken with this firearm. No criminal use of the Model 500 has been reported to date.