Smith & Wesson Model 500

by
posted on August 6, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sw-model500.jpg

Billed as the most powerful production revolver in the world today, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 defines pure power.

With it's massive X-Frame and .500 S&W Mag. cartridges, the Model 500 is a hunting handgun that's more than capable of taking on any game animal you'll find. Renowned for its power and mightily respected for its considerable recoil, the Model 500 is very much deserving of its turn as Gun of the Week.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
Frame:
Stainless Steel
Cylinder:
Stainless Steel
Grips:
Synthetic
Barrel Length:
6.5” (can vary)
Overall Length:
12.875” (can vary)
Weight:
60.7 ozs., Unloaded
Capacity:
5 Rounds
MSRP: $1,249 (prices may vary)

Latest

Cartridge Nomenclature
Cartridge Nomenclature

Deciphering (Mostly Nonsensical) Cartridge Nomenclature

If you’re perplexed by the naming practices used by our wildcatting forefathers and cartridge makers but are still curious about what they mean, read on.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 19, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor

The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.

Revisiting A World War II Marine’s Story

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his speech to 800 assembled generals, admirals and senior enlisted at Quantico, Va., on Sept. 30, 2025, quoted Eugene Sledge from his timeless classic With The Old Breed published in 1981.

Review: Leupold Rendezvous Soft Cases

Looking for something better than a cheap nylon bag, but don’t need it armored for air travel? Leupold has you covered.

Preview: Hiperfire Hipertrain

Hiperfire’s Hipertrain is a cast aluminum housing into which the AR-style trigger system, safety selectors and pistol grip of the user’s choice (none of which are included) can be installed to create a trigger demonstrator/dry-fire trainer

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.