Smith & Wesson Model 500
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is the most powerful production revolver in the world, chambered in the .500 S&W Magnum — a cartridge that S&W developed specifically around the Model 500’s massive X-frame. Launching 350–500 grain bullets at 1,400–1,900 fps, the Model 500 generates up to 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — comparable to a .30-06 rifle. Available in barrel lengths from 4” to 10.5”, the Model 500 is used for hunting the largest North American and African big game, as a bear defense sidearm in remote wilderness, and by collectors who want the most powerful wheelgun made.
Read our full Smith & Wesson Model 500 Buying Guide ↓
Model 500 Barrel Length Guide: 4”, 6.5”, 8.375”, or 10.5”?
The 10.5” barrel is the hunting configuration — maximum velocity, longest sight radius, and the best accuracy potential for deliberate shots on big game at distance. The 8.375” balances velocity with portability and is the most popular hunting configuration. The 6.5” is the all-around choice: enough barrel for strong .500 S&W performance in a more packable format. The 4” barrel sacrifices velocity significantly but remains an impressive close-range stopper and is the most practical for field carry as a sidearm. All configurations include a muzzle compensator to manage the substantial recoil.
.500 S&W Magnum Ballistics: What the Numbers Mean
A 350-grain load at 1,900 fps produces approximately 2,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — more than a standard .308 Winchester rifle load. A 500-grain hard-cast load at 1,425 fps produces approximately 2,250 ft-lbs with deep penetration suited to dangerous game. For reference, the .44 Magnum — itself considered a powerful revolver cartridge — produces approximately 900–1,200 ft-lbs from a similar barrel length. The .500 S&W is in an entirely different class. Felt recoil is substantial even with the compensator and the X-frame’s mass: 400-grain and heavier loads require a confident grip and proper stance.
Model 500 for Big Game Hunting
The .500 S&W Magnum is a fully adequate cartridge for all North American big game including moose, brown bear, and bison — and it’s used in Africa for plains game and dangerous game including cape buffalo. The key for hunting use is bullet selection: hard-cast flat-point loads for maximum penetration on large and potentially dangerous animals, and controlled-expansion soft-points for deer and elk where expanding bullets are preferred. Buffalo Bore, Cor-Bon, and Federal all produce excellent .500 S&W hunting loads. The 8.375” and 10.5” barrel configurations are the practical hunting choices for their velocity advantage.
Model 500 as Bear Defense: Is It Practical?
For wilderness bear defense, the .500 S&W Magnum is arguably the most capable revolver option available. A 440-grain hard-cast load at 1,625 fps delivers exceptional penetration through thick bone and muscle. The tradeoff versus purpose-built bear defense guns like the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is size and weight — the Model 500 is a large, heavy revolver. For guides and hunters who are already carrying a heavy pack, the additional weight is significant. For those willing to carry the weight, nothing in a revolver package exceeds the Model 500’s terminal capability against large bears.
Model 500 X-Frame: The Engineering Behind the Power
The Model 500 is built on S&W’s X-frame — the largest revolver frame the company produces, developed specifically to handle .500 S&W Magnum pressures. The frame is larger than the N-frame used for the Model 29 .44 Magnum, with a reinforced cylinder, a larger cylinder gap, and an integral muzzle compensator on all standard production models. The compensator redirects propellant gases upward to counteract muzzle rise, making follow-up shots more manageable. The five-shot cylinder keeps the overall diameter reasonable; a six-shot cylinder at .500 S&W case dimensions would require an impractically large frame.
Shop Smith & Wesson Model 500 and Big-Bore Revolvers at Impact Guns
Browse the full Smith & Wesson lineup and all revolvers at Impact Guns. For the next step down in power, see our Model 686 in .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum revolvers. For hunting ammunition, see our rifle ammo page.