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

Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1
Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.