Smith & Wesson Model 500
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 2003
Also known as: X-Frame 500, S&W500, The Hand Cannon
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2055 g (72.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2200 g (77.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Barrel Length | 213 mm (8.39") |
| Height | 162 mm (6.38") |
| Width | 49 mm (1.93") |
| Sight Radius | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 602 m/s (1975 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4109 J (3031 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 75 m (82 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
Calibers
- .500 S&W Magnum · primary — also known as .500 S&W, 500 Mag, 12.7x41mmSR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block Safety, Cylinder Latch
- Features: X Frame, Compensated Barrel, Hi Viz Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Sight, Rubber Grips, Five Shot Cylinder, Gain Twist Rifling, Recoil Taming Compensator
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 (4") — Compact
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 (6.5") — Standard
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 (10.5") — Long Barrel
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center (7.5") — Performance
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 Bone Collector — Special Edition
- Smith & Wesson Model 500ES (Emergency Survival) — Compact
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Hunters (Dangerous Game)
- Bear Country Wilderness Users · as Bear Defense Sidearm
- Civilian Sport Shooters & Collectors
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Field Personnel) · as Authorized Bear Protection Sidearm
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Continuous production since 2003; relatively low volume compared to other S&W revolvers due to niche market
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
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.
Background
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.