Smith & Wesson 500 4″ Stainless .500 S&W Magnum 5rd
About this product
What is the Smith & Wesson 500 4" Stainless .500 S&W Magnum 5rd? It is a purpose-built, X-Frame double-action revolver engineered from stainless steel to handle the substantial pressures of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. The design incorporates multiple recoil-management systems, including two interchangeable compensators and a shock absorbing synthetic grip. This 5-round configuration with a 4-inch barrel prioritizes a balance of power and control in a massive handgun package not intended for casual plinking.
What is the Smith & Wesson 500 4" used for?
This revolver is used for ethical handgun hunting of large, dangerous game at close ranges, where its 2,800 foot-pounds of muzzle energy provides a decisive terminal impact. It is also employed professionally by guides as a last-ditch defense weapon against large predators like bear. While capable of target shooting, its 73.5-ounce weight and substantial recoil make it a purpose-driven tool, not a recreational firearm. I recommend it specifically for hunters who have mastered magnum revolver fundamentals and are operating within a 50-yard effective envelope.
How does the Smith & Wesson 500 4" compare to the Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum?
The Smith & Wesson 500 is superior in building a frame and lockwork robust enough for sustained .500 S&W Magnum loads, while the Taurus Raging Hunter in .44 Magnum offers higher capacity and lower ammunition cost for similar-sized game. The difference is mechanical authority versus practical economy; the 500's X-Frame is bored from a single block of 17-4 PH stainless steel, where the Taurus uses a cast frame, making the 500 better for handling peak pressures exceeding 60,000 PSI. However, the Taurus holds 6 rounds versus the 500's 5, and its .44 Magnum ammunition costs nearly 50% less per round for practice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 73.5 ounces (4.6 pounds) unloaded, with a barrel length of 4 inches and an overall length of 10.5 inches from the muzzle to the rear of the grip frame. Cylinder width is 2 inches, making this a belt-holstered piece, not a concealed carry option. The grip circumference is approximately 7 inches, requiring large hands for proper technique. Expect this mass to be felt immediately; it outweighs many compact shotguns and is a primary factor in mitigating felt recoil.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for new shooters, those seeking a home defense handgun, or anyone unprepared for the maintenance and cost of .500 S&W Magnum ammunition. The recoil impulse can develop flinching habits in untrained shooters, and the 4-inch barrel's 1,300 fps muzzle blast indoors is overwhelming. It is also not suitable for those who will not invest in a proper, rigid hip holster; its weight will degrade a standard nylon holster in under six months of field use. If you want a powerful, more manageable hunting handgun, consider a .44 Magnum or 10mm Auto platform first.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, two threaded compensators (one for 400-grain and heavier bullets, one for lighter loads), a cable lock, and the operator's manual with S&W's lifetime service policy paperwork. The factory does not include a cleaning kit or snap caps specific to the .500 caliber, which I consider an oversight given the $3-per-round ammunition cost. You must supply your own bore brush and .50-caliber cleaning rods, as standard pistol kits will not fit. Order snap caps immediately for dry-fire practice to protect the firing pin.
Is the Smith & Wesson 500 4" worth it at $1,631.99?
At $1,631.99, it is worth it only for the specific niche of handgun hunters requiring the terminal ballistic authority of the .500 S&W Magnum in a more compact, 4-inch barrel format. You are paying for S&W's proprietary heat-treating process on the X-Frame and the redundant safety systems certified for this pressure level. For $600 less, you could purchase a bolt-action rifle in .300 Win Mag with superior range and accuracy. This revolver's value is in its role-specific mechanical over-engineering, not in versatility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- X-Frame construction from 17-4 PH stainless steel handles sustained 60,000 PSI chamber pressures.
- Two included compensators reduce felt recoil by an estimated 30-40%, a measurable improvement over the non-ported 8.38-inch model.
- Drilled and tapped receiver allows direct mounting of optics plates without gunsmithing.
- 5-round cylinder provides a full-power, ethical follow-up capacity for dangerous game scenarios.
Trade-offs
- 73.5-ounce weight mandates a purpose-built, rigid holster—standard nylon fails within months.
- .500 S&W Magnum ammunition costs $3-$5 per round, making proficiency training prohibitively expensive for most.
- The 4-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 200-250 fps velocity compared to the 8.38-inch barrel, reducing long-range energy.
- Factory grip is only adequate; most users will need a $45-75 aftermarket grip for true recoil control.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 022188635041 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 163504 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.25'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 5.2 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard .500 S&W Magnum holster?
- No, it requires a holster specifically molded for the Smith &Wesson X-Frame with a 4-inch barrel. The cylinder width of 2 inches and the unique compensator profile prevent it from fitting holsters for the longer 6.5-inch or 8.38-inch Model 500 variants. I recommend a rigid, thumb-break holster from Simply Rugged or Diamond D Custom Leather, which have patterns for this exact configuration.
- Does it fit in a small gun safe?
- No, it requires a minimum interior safe dimension of 12 inches in length. The 10.5-inch overall length, plus the cylinder's rotation clearance, means it will not fit in most pistol drawers or compact safes designed for semi-autos. Plan for a full-size safe compartment; the Pelican Vault V770 is a viable transport case option with 14.5 inches of usable foam-cut space.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipment to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3–7 business days from our warehouse, depending on your location. All transfers require you to contact your FFL in advance to provide their license copy and confirm they will accept the shipment. We use FedEx with adult signature required; delivery cannot be left unattended per ATF guidelines.
- Does this work with a reflex sight?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for a optic mounting plate, but you must purchase a specific Picatinny rail adapter from Smith &Wesson (part #296810000). The factory iron sights are adequate for the 4-inch barrel's 75-yard effective range, but a micro red dot like the Trijicon RMR can improve rapid sight acquisition, provided you use a mount rated for the revolver's significant reverse torque impulse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, due to federal regulations, firearms cannot be returned once the transfer is completed at your FFL, unless a legitimate mechanical defect is found. You must handle the revolver at a local dealer prior to purchase to assess grip fit. We provide detailed grip circumference measurements (7 inches) for this reason. Consider aftermarket Hogue or Pachmayr grips if the factory rubber synthetic is insufficient.