TAURUS Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum 8.375 in 5-Round
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum? It's a large-frame, ported revolver engineered specifically for handling the most powerful production revolver cartridge in current manufacture. This 8.375-inch barrel configuration balances ballistic performance with manageable recoil through strategic weight distribution and aggressive porting.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter used for?
The Raging Hunter serves as a dedicated hunting and field revolver for large game at close to moderate ranges. Its 8.375-inch barrel provides approximately 1,950 fps muzzle velocity with 400-grain hardcast loads, making it effective for bear defense and medium game takedowns within 75 yards where regulations permit revolver hunting.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 500?
The Taurus Raging Hunter offers better recoil management and faster sight recovery than the Smith & Wesson Model 500 due to its ported barrel and 4.2-ounce lighter frame weight. However, the Smith & Wesson maintains superior trigger smoothness in single-action mode and has more aftermarket grip options for custom fitting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 63.2 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 14.6 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.87 inches across the flutes, requiring a minimum holster interior width of 2.25 inches for secure carry—significantly larger than our Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle in .308 Winchester.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is unsuitable for new shooters or those with wrist injuries—the .500 S&W generates over 35 ft-lbs of recoil energy per shot. It's also a poor choice for concealed carry due to its 5.75-inch height and weight exceeding 4 pounds loaded, unlike more compact options like our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and a cable lock—Taurus does not include cleaning kits or additional accessories. The moon clip adds 1.3 ounces to the loaded weight but enables significantly faster reloads than single-round loading.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $954.99?
At $954.99, this represents exceptional value for a purpose-built big bore revolver with features typically found on models costing $300 more. The included Picatinny rail alone would add $120-$180 to a base model, making this configuration ideal for hunters wanting optics capability without custom gunsmithing.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Ported barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% compared to non-ported .500 S&W revolvers
- Picatinny rail accepts red dot sights up to 4 ounces without affecting lockup timing
- 63.2 oz weight provides stability for follow-up shots within 2.5 seconds
Trade-offs
- Rubber grips lack palm swells—users with large hands may need $75-110 aftermarket replacements
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12.5 lbs—3 lbs heavier than Smith & Wesson's factory setting
- Cylinder release requires 4.5 lbs of pressure—not ideal for shooters with hand strength issues
Key attributes
| upc | 725327624004 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-500085RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 8.375" |
| caliber/gauge | .500 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver, Black |
| length | 17.7000 |
| model | Raging Hunter |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.95 |
| sights | FS: Fixed / RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .500 S&W Magnum moon clips?
- Yes, it uses proprietary Taurus moon clips—part number TC-MC500—which hold 5 rounds and add 0.15 inches to overall width. These are not interchangeable with Smith & Wesson Model 500 moon clips due to different cylinder cut dimensions.
- Does it fit standard revolver holsters?
- No, it requires custom holsters for large-frame revolvers—minimum dimensions of 15 inches long by 6 inches tall. We recommend Diamond D Custom Leather guides choice holsters which require 4-6 week lead time for proper fitment.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping takes 3-5 business days to continental US FFL holders after compliance verification. Alaska and Hawaii shipments require 7-10 days via priority air service due to firearm transport regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No—firearms are final sale once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend handling similar models like the Smith & Wesson Model 500 at local dealers before purchase to verify grip dimensions.