When it comes to sheer power in a handgun, no production revolver matches the Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum. Introduced in the early 2000s, it was designed to push the limits of handgun performance and fill a very specific niche – those who need, or just really want, the biggest and most powerful revolver commercially available. This isn’t your grandpa’s .357 or even a Dirty Harry .44 Magnum. The 500 Magnum takes things to a whole new level.
With a massive frame, a five-shot cylinder, and a barrel just over 8 inches long – complete with a compensator – this revolver was purpose-built for hunting and backcountry defense. It isn’t a novelty item. It’s a serious tool with enough power to down elk, moose, and even big bears with a single well-placed shot.
Cartridge Comparison: From 9mm to Cannon
To understand the 500 Magnum’s raw might, it helps to look at its lineage. The 9mm Luger, a standard self-defense round, pales in comparison. Even the once-mighty .357 and .44 Magnum cartridges look modest next to the 500. The cartridge itself is essentially a cannon shell scaled for a revolver – some loadings can even push bullets as heavy as 700 grains. More commonly, shooters will use 325-, 400-, or 500-grain projectiles, with some loads generating energy north of 2,800 foot-pounds at the muzzle.
For reference, a typical 44 Magnum pushing a 240-grain bullet at around 1,300 feet per second only delivers about 900 foot-pounds. The 500 can triple that output.
Designed for Big Game – and Big Recoil
The Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum is often favored by handgun hunters chasing serious game. It’s capable of cleanly taking animals at distances beyond 100 yards, and its flat trajectory and terminal performance make it especially well-suited for bear and elk. That said, the recoil is no joke. Even with the factory compensator, this revolver hits back – hard.
Recoil energy with a 325-grain bullet is around 33 foot-pounds, already more than most rifle cartridges. Jump up to a 440-grain hardcast bear load, and you’re looking at over 52 foot-pounds of recoil. That’s brutal in a handgun. A 500-grain bullet pushed at full speed? Expect about 57 foot-pounds. Not many people can shoot this revolver multiple times without flinching, especially offhand.
Shooting Experience: Not for the Faint of Heart
Firing the 500 is a unique experience. With its weight of 4.4 pounds, it’s certainly hefty, but that weight is necessary to soak up some of the punishment. Even then, it’s not unusual to see bruised palms, sore fingers, and complaints about the grip biting into the shooter’s hand after a few cylinders.
To make things manageable, many shooters start with lighter practice loads, such as 325-grain full metal jackets, before moving up to the heavy stuff. And even then, most seasoned shooters recommend loading just one round at a time, especially when starting out. The recoil is significant enough that it can trigger involuntary double-taps if your finger recoils back onto the trigger – a safety issue for the unprepared.
Accuracy: A Surprising Learning Curve
With so much power, you’d expect excellent accuracy, and in many ways, the 500 Magnum delivers. But only in the hands of a capable shooter. With open sights and a short sight radius, hitting targets beyond 50 yards becomes difficult – especially for those with aging eyes or without shooting optics. Add in the gun’s recoil, and the slightest flinch can throw a shot way off target.
Consistent accuracy is achievable, particularly from a bench, but your ammunition choice matters. Practice-grade ammo can have wild velocity spreads, which translates to erratic shot placement. In contrast, full-power hunting loads – especially those loaded with 440- or 500-grain bullets – tend to be more consistent and easier to zero at range, even if they punish your hands more.
Ballistics: Power That Stays with You
This revolver’s energy isn’t just impressive at the muzzle. With a 325-grain bullet at 1,800 feet per second, you’re getting over 2,300 foot-pounds of energy. By 100 yards, that drops to around 1,300. If you step up to a 440-grain load at 1,440 feet per second, you’re still holding on to more than 1,000 foot-pounds out to 175 yards, and just under that at 200.
That means you can reasonably take deer, bear, or elk-sized game out to 150 or even 200 yards – something unheard of for most handguns. A 500-grain bullet, while slower, retains momentum and energy even better, making it ideal for dangerous game or thick-skinned animals where penetration matters most.
Practical Concerns: Can You Really Use It?
Let’s be honest – most people won’t carry this revolver as a daily sidearm. At over 4 pounds, it’s too heavy for general carry, and the recoil is too punishing for high-volume shooting. However, for backcountry protection or dedicated handgun hunting, it’s hard to beat.
Still, there are limitations. Scoping the revolver is tough. Many aren’t even drilled and tapped from the factory. Recoil is so intense that even mounted optics can get damaged. That’s why many stick with iron sights or look into red dots that can take a beating. Just know that you’ll need to invest in quality gear and spend time learning the platform before heading into the field.
Cost and Availability
Ammo availability for the 500 Magnum is sparse in small-town gun shops. You’ll likely need to order it online, and it’s not cheap. Expect to pay significantly more per round than you would for .44 Magnum or .45 Colt. Still, if you’re serious about hunting or testing your limits, it’s a worthwhile investment. Just be ready to absorb the cost – both financially and physically.
If you’re into reloading, the 500 Smith & Wesson offers some flexibility. You can tailor lighter loads for practice or go full-bore with heavy hardcast for hunting. Just be aware of the pressures and use a solid revolver with properly heat-treated components.
A Real-World Review: Fun, Formidable, and Flawed
After spending time behind the 500, it’s clear this revolver lives up to the hype. It’s an attention-getter, a bear-stopper, and a serious hunting tool. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re recoil-sensitive, this isn’t your gun. If you’re accuracy-obsessed, be prepared to work for it. And if you’re hoping to shoot tight groups at 100 yards with iron sights, better check your ego at the door.
This is a revolver that demands respect. It can be punishing, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re punching paper or dropping game, the 500 Magnum is the revolver that defines maximum handgun performance.
The King of Power
In the realm of commercial handguns, the 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum stands alone. There may be obscure or custom revolvers chambered in rifle calibers like .600 Nitro Express, but in terms of mass production, nothing hits harder. This revolver is the answer to a very specific question: what’s the most powerful handgun I can buy right now, today?
It may not be practical for most uses, but it wasn’t meant to be. It’s a statement piece, a hunter’s weapon, and a test of will all rolled into one. If you ever get the chance to shoot one, take it. Just don’t forget your gloves.
Scope or No Scope? Choose Wisely
One final note: many shooters wonder whether they can scope the 500 Magnum. It’s not easy, and not all models come with mounting options. Even when they do, you’ll need a rock-solid optic that can withstand recoil unlike anything else in the handgun world. Fiber-optic front sights can help for quick acquisition, and some custom mounts are available. But if you’re relying on your eyes alone, prepare for a short-range experience. Past 50 yards, most shooters – especially those without young eyes – will need some kind of assistance.
This gun is brutal, beautiful, and ballistically brilliant. Whether you use it or just admire it from afar, one thing is clear: the 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum has earned its place as the undisputed king of revolvers.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.