Smith & Wesson Model 500
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Smith & Wesson Model 500 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Revolver (stainless Steel) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 2003 |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | varies |
| Barrel length |
|
|
|
|
| Cartridge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| Caliber | 12.7 mm (.50 in) |
The Model 500 Revolver is a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson, based on the X-Frame.
The 500 is the "worlds most powerful production revolver" , firing the .500 S&W Magnum.
http://www.ballisticsupply.net/Portals/11097/SlideShow3.gif
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.
Articles, statements, and opinions vary widely on this firearm. 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 un-seasoned 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.
[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 barrel. Weight 56 oz. (3-1/2 lbs)
- 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.
Like most big calibre handguns, the Model 500 is suitable for sport and hunting applications.
There have also been at least a small number of Model 500 "survival guns" produced. These guns, with a 2-3/4 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.
[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."
http://www.vpc.org/graphics/S&W500%20final.pdf
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. Nevertheless, political pressure to ban the .500 Smith & Wesson cartridge, along with the .50 BMG persists.
[edit] See also
