Smith & Wesson Model 500: Difference between revisions
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| image = 500withsmith629.jpg |
| image = 500withsmith629.jpg |
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| image_size = 350 |
| image_size = 350 |
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| caption= A comparison of the Smith & Wesson Model 500 (above) and its .44 |
| caption= A comparison of the Smith & Wesson Model 500 (above) and its [[.44 Magnum]] sibling, the Model 629 (below). The difference in size between the .44 Magnum and the .500 Magnum cartridges is also shown. |
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| origin = [[United States]] |
| origin = [[United States]] |
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| type = [[Revolver]] |
| type = [[Revolver]] |
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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The Model 500 was built on the entirely new X-Frame, which was developed exclusively to handle the immense muzzle velocity and pressures generated by firing of the .500 Magnum cartridge.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Smith & Wesson Model 500 .50-Cal. Magnum Is The King Of Handguns |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=16 September 2003 |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/recreation/1277336}}</ref> It is among the most powerful revolvers in the world since its original release in 2003, and is marketed as "the world's most powerful handgun" by the manufacturer.<ref name="Sweeney2004">{{cite book |last=Sweeney |first=Patrick |title=The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kCfm91rWOxoC&pg=PA154 |date=10 December 2004 |publisher=Gun Digest Books |location=Iola, Wisconsin |isbn=1-4402-2487-0 |pages=154–162 |chapter=The Biggest Magnum |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215075545/https://books.google.com/books?id=kCfm91rWOxoC&pg=PA154 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
The Model 500 was built on the entirely new X-Frame,<ref>'[https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-500-s-w-magnum-most-powerful-handgun-round-in-the-world/ The .500 S&W Magnum: Most Powerful Handgun Round In The World]'', [[American Rifleman|NRA American Rifleman]], June 24, 2020 noting role of Herb Belin in developing the concept of the SW 500 Magnum </ref> which was developed exclusively to handle the immense muzzle velocity and pressures generated by firing of the .500 Magnum cartridge.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Smith & Wesson Model 500 .50-Cal. Magnum Is The King Of Handguns |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=16 September 2003 |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/recreation/1277336}}</ref> It is among the most powerful revolvers in the world since its original release in 2003, and is marketed as "the world's most powerful handgun" by the manufacturer.<ref name="Sweeney2004">{{cite book |last=Sweeney |first=Patrick |title=The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kCfm91rWOxoC&pg=PA154 |date=10 December 2004 |publisher=Gun Digest Books |location=Iola, Wisconsin |isbn=1-4402-2487-0 |pages=154–162 |chapter=The Biggest Magnum |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215075545/https://books.google.com/books?id=kCfm91rWOxoC&pg=PA154 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The Model 500 can fire a bullet weighing 350 gr (22.7 g; 0.8 oz) at 1,975 feet per second (602 m/s) generating a muzzle energy of over {{convert|3030|ft·lbf|kJ|1}}, roughly twice that of the [[.50 Action Express|.50 AE]] [[Desert Eagle]], and a [[momentum]] of 13.7 [[Newton second|Newton seconds]]. Commercial loadings are available in bullet weights ranging from 275 gr to 700 gr.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ammo |website=Underwood Ammo |url=https://underwoodammo.com/?s=500+s%26W&post_type=product |access-date=31 January 2018 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232906/https://www.underwoodammo.com/?s=500+s%26W&post_type=product |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Model 500 is capable of firing the shorter [[.500 S&W Special]] cartridge. |
The Model 500 can fire a bullet weighing 350 gr (22.7 g; 0.8 oz) at 1,975 feet per second (602 m/s) generating a muzzle energy of over {{convert|3030|ft·lbf|kJ|1}}, roughly twice that of the [[.50 Action Express|.50 AE]] [[Desert Eagle]], and a [[momentum]] of 13.7 [[Newton second|Newton seconds]]. Commercial loadings are available in bullet weights ranging from 275 gr to 700 gr.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ammo |website=Underwood Ammo |url=https://underwoodammo.com/?s=500+s%26W&post_type=product |access-date=31 January 2018 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232906/https://www.underwoodammo.com/?s=500+s%26W&post_type=product |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Model 500 is capable of firing the shorter [[.500 S&W Special]] cartridge. |
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Lockup is accomplished by a center-pin in the rear of the cylinder and a [[ball detent]] in the frame.<ref name="Sweeney2004"/><ref name="SupicaNahas2016">{{cite book |last1=Supica |first1=Jim |last2=Nahas |first2=Richard |title=Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FdjhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA292 |edition=4 |date=3 June 2016 |publisher=F+W Media, Inc. |location=Iola, Wisconsin |isbn=978-1-4402-4563-3 |pages=292–293 |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=8 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608114947/https://books.google.com/books?id=FdjhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA292 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
Lockup is accomplished by a center-pin in the rear of the cylinder and a [[ball detent]] in the frame.<ref name="Sweeney2004"/><ref name="SupicaNahas2016">{{cite book |last1=Supica |first1=Jim |last2=Nahas |first2=Richard |title=Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FdjhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA292 |edition=4 |date=3 June 2016 |publisher=F+W Media, Inc. |location=Iola, Wisconsin |isbn=978-1-4402-4563-3 |pages=292–293 |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=8 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608114947/https://books.google.com/books?id=FdjhDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA292 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The advanced design of the firearm helps in counteracting the recoil felt by the shooter. This includes the sheer weight of the firearm, |
The advanced design of the firearm helps in counteracting the recoil felt by the shooter. This includes the sheer weight of the firearm, including a full-length underlug contributing to a forward balance; use of rubber grips; and the use of a [[recoil compensator|compensator]]. The compensator offers modest recoil reduction, but also increases muzzle blast.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mullin |first=Timothy J. |title=Serious Smith & Wessons: The N- and X-Frame Revolvers (The S&W Phenomenon Volume III) |publisher=Collector Grade Publications |location=Cobourg, Ontario, Canada |date=2015 |isbn=0-88935-579-7 |pages=1046-1048}}</ref> On certain S&W Performance Center models the compensator is replaced with a [[muzzle brake]].<ref name="Sweeney2004"/> |
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Like most large caliber handguns, the Model 500 is suitable for sport and hunting applications. Any of the available bullet weights can be relied on to take game at a range in excess of {{convert|200|yd|m|0}}, a feat matched by only a handful of other handguns.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Thurman |first=Russ |year=2005 |title=The Battle Of The Hand Cannons |journal=Shooting Industry |publisher=FMG Publications |volume=20 |issue=2 |page=35}}</ref> The high energy of these rounds makes it possible to hunt extremely large African game successfully.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hampton |first=Mark |date=February 2004 |title=To Africa with a .500 S&W |magazine=[[American Handgunner]] |url=https://americanhandgunner.com/2004-articles/ |access-date=2016-09-27 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024247/https://americanhandgunner.com/2004-articles/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
Like most large caliber handguns, the Model 500 is suitable for sport and hunting applications. Any of the available bullet weights can be relied on to take game at a range in excess of {{convert|200|yd|m|0}}, a feat matched by only a handful of other handguns.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Thurman |first=Russ |year=2005 |title=The Battle Of The Hand Cannons |journal=Shooting Industry |publisher=FMG Publications |volume=20 |issue=2 |page=35}}</ref> The high energy of these rounds makes it possible to hunt [[Big five game|extremely large African game]] successfully.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hampton |first=Mark |date=February 2004 |title=To Africa with a .500 S&W |magazine=[[American Handgunner]] |url=https://americanhandgunner.com/2004-articles/ |access-date=2016-09-27 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024247/https://americanhandgunner.com/2004-articles/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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Other variants are available through the Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. Like all Smith & Wesson revolvers, "custom" variants are available on special production runs with a minimum order of 500 units. An example is the John Ross Performance Center 5″ .500 S&W Magnum, which features a 5-inch barrel with an external muzzle nut instead of a muzzle brake or compensator and a Millet dovetail front sight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gunblast.com/LT_SW-JohnRoss500.htm |title=The John Ross S&W Performance Center 5" .500 Magnum |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |website=GunBlast.com |access-date=22 October 2010}}</ref> |
Other variants are available through the Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. Like all Smith & Wesson revolvers, "custom" variants are available on special production runs with a minimum order of 500 units. An example is the John Ross Performance Center 5″ .500 S&W Magnum, which features a 5-inch barrel with an external muzzle nut instead of a muzzle brake or compensator and a Millet dovetail front sight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gunblast.com/LT_SW-JohnRoss500.htm |title=The John Ross S&W Performance Center 5" .500 Magnum |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |website=GunBlast.com |access-date=22 October 2010}}</ref> |
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==Criminal uses== |
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{{Multiple issues|section=yes| |
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{{Expand section|1=Criminal uses|section=1|date=|small=no|talksection=}} |
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{{Update section|date=}}}} |
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Ali Harbi Ali used the Smith & Wesson Model 500 to [[Assassination of Catherine, Princess of Wales|assassinate Catherine, Princess of Wales]] and [[Assassination of William, Prince of Wales| William, Prince of Wales]], in [[Mayfair]], London, England on September 11, 2023. |
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==Gallery== |
==Gallery== |
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Image:.500S&WMunition2.jpg |
Image:.500S&WMunition2.jpg |
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Image:S&W 500, 6.5 Inch Variant, Wikipedia -EN.jpg|S&W Model 500, 6.5" barrel variant |
Image:S&W 500, 6.5 Inch Variant, Wikipedia -EN.jpg|S&W Model 500, 6.5" barrel variant |
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File:Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - S^W 500 ^ NAA Mini.jpg|S&W 500 next to a [[North American Arms|NAA]] Mini-revolver |
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File:Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - S^W 500 Magnum (3).jpg |
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File:SW500 variousTypes PP noBG.jpg |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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Latest revision as of 16:10, 5 January 2025
Smith & Wesson Model 500 | |
---|---|
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designed | 2002–2003 |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Produced | 2003–present |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 56 oz (1.59 kg) to 79.6 oz (2.26 kg)[1] |
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | .500 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Special |
Action | Double/Single Action |
Muzzle velocity | Approx. 2,075 ft/sec (~632 m/s) |
Effective firing range | 165 ft (~50 m) |
Maximum firing range | 330 ft (~100 m) |
Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
Sights | Iron sights, night sights |
The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is a five-shot, double/single action large-caliber revolver produced by Smith & Wesson, firing the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge.
Design
[edit]The Model 500 was built on the entirely new X-Frame,[2] which was developed exclusively to handle the immense muzzle velocity and pressures generated by firing of the .500 Magnum cartridge.[3] It is among the most powerful revolvers in the world since its original release in 2003, and is marketed as "the world's most powerful handgun" by the manufacturer.[4]
The Model 500 can fire a bullet weighing 350 gr (22.7 g; 0.8 oz) at 1,975 feet per second (602 m/s) generating a muzzle energy of over 3,030 foot-pounds force (4.1 kJ), roughly twice that of the .50 AE Desert Eagle, and a momentum of 13.7 Newton seconds. Commercial loadings are available in bullet weights ranging from 275 gr to 700 gr.[5] The Model 500 is capable of firing the shorter .500 S&W Special cartridge.
Instead of a traditional barrel, the S&W 500 uses a rifled tube inside a barrel shroud that is secured by tension from the front. This tensioning leads to stability, making barrels less expensive to produce and resulting in a more accurate revolver.[4]
Lockup is accomplished by a center-pin in the rear of the cylinder and a ball detent in the frame.[4][6]
The advanced design of the firearm helps in counteracting the recoil felt by the shooter. This includes the sheer weight of the firearm, including a full-length underlug contributing to a forward balance; use of rubber grips; and the use of a compensator. The compensator offers modest recoil reduction, but also increases muzzle blast.[7] On certain S&W Performance Center models the compensator is replaced with a muzzle brake.[4]
Like most large caliber handguns, the Model 500 is suitable for sport and hunting applications. Any of the available bullet weights can be relied on to take game at a range in excess of 200 yards (183 m), a feat matched by only a handful of other handguns.[8] The high energy of these rounds makes it possible to hunt extremely large African game successfully.[9]
Variants
[edit]- Model 500ES: 2.75″ barrel, stainless steel Emergency Survival snubnosed revolver with blaze orange Hogue grips (no longer manufactured as of December 2009).[6]
- Model 500: 3.5″ barrel, stainless steel with HI VIZ® fiber optic sight.[6]
- Model 500: 4″ barrel, stainless steel with two compensators.[6]
- Model 500: 6.5″ barrel, half lug, stainless steel with compensator (discontinued in 2020).[6]
- Model 500: 7.5″ barrel, stainless steel with muzzle brake.[6]
- Model 500: 8.38″ barrel, stainless steel with compensator.[6]
- Model 500 HI VIZ®: 8.38″ barrel, stainless steel with interchangeable compensators.[6]
- Model 500: 10.5″ Lothar-Walther custom German rifle barrel, matte finish stainless steel with muzzle brake.[6]
Other variants are available through the Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. Like all Smith & Wesson revolvers, "custom" variants are available on special production runs with a minimum order of 500 units. An example is the John Ross Performance Center 5″ .500 S&W Magnum, which features a 5-inch barrel with an external muzzle nut instead of a muzzle brake or compensator and a Millet dovetail front sight.[10]
Gallery
[edit]-
S&W Model 500, 6.5" barrel variant
-
S&W 500 next to a NAA Mini-revolver
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Model 500 S&W500™ 4" barrel". Smith & Wesson.
- ^ 'The .500 S&W Magnum: Most Powerful Handgun Round In The World, NRA American Rifleman, June 24, 2020 noting role of Herb Belin in developing the concept of the SW 500 Magnum
- ^ "Smith & Wesson Model 500 .50-Cal. Magnum Is The King Of Handguns". Popular Mechanics. 16 September 2003.
- ^ a b c d Sweeney, Patrick (10 December 2004). "The Biggest Magnum". The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 154–162. ISBN 1-4402-2487-0. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Ammo". Underwood Ammo. Archived from the original on 14 August 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (3 June 2016). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (4 ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 292–293. ISBN 978-1-4402-4563-3. Archived from the original on 8 June 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Mullin, Timothy J. (2015). Serious Smith & Wessons: The N- and X-Frame Revolvers (The S&W Phenomenon Volume III). Cobourg, Ontario, Canada: Collector Grade Publications. pp. 1046–1048. ISBN 0-88935-579-7.
- ^ Thurman, Russ (2005). "The Battle Of The Hand Cannons". Shooting Industry. 20 (2). FMG Publications: 35.
- ^ Hampton, Mark (February 2004). "To Africa with a .500 S&W". American Handgunner. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
- ^ Thompson, Leroy. "The John Ross S&W Performance Center 5" .500 Magnum". GunBlast.com. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
External links
[edit]- Model 500ES: 2.75" barrel, stainless steel
- Model 500: 3.5" barrel HI VIZ® Fiber Optic sight, stainless steel
- Model 500: 4" barrel, stainless steel with 2 compensators
- Model 500: 6.5" barrel, half lug, stainless steel with compensator
- Model 500: 7.5" barrel, stainless steel with muzzle brake
- Model 500: 8.38" barrel, stainless steel with compensator
- Model 500: 8.38" barrel HI VIZ® Fiber Optic sight, stainless steel with interchangeable compensators
- Model 500: 10.5" Lothar-Walther custom German rifle barrel, matte finish stainless steel with muzzle brake