TAURUS RAGING HUNTER 500 S&W MAG 10″ 5-RD

About this product

What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum? It is a large-frame, ported-barrel hunting revolver designed explicitly to control the punishing recoil of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. Built around a solid steel frame with a 10-inch barrel and a five-shot cylinder, it employs a combination of mechanical and ergonomic solutions—like its prominent muzzle ports and cushioned Hogue grip—to make one of the most powerful production revolvers in the world shootable. This is a purpose-built tool for hunters pursuing large, dangerous game at close range or for shooters who demand maximum power from a handgun platform.

What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum used for?

You use this revolver for hunting large, dangerous game at close quarters—think boar, bear, or elk inside 50 yards. Its primary mission is to deliver an overwhelming terminal payload while providing enough mechanical control for a fast, accurate follow-up shot. The 10-inch ported barrel and significant 50-ounce weight manage muzzle rise, while the top Picatinny rail allows mounting a low-power optic or red dot for precise shot placement on a vital zone. It is not a plinking gun or a concealed carry piece; it’s a specialized tool for a specific, high-stakes task.

How does the Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 500?

The Taurus offers a more feature-complete package for the hunter out of the box at a significantly lower price point than the Smith & Wesson. While both fire the .500 S&W Magnum from a 5-round cylinder, the Taurus comes standard with a 10-inch ported barrel, a top Picatinny optics rail, and an oversized Hogue Monogrip with a cushioned insert—features that are often expensive add-ons for the S&W. The S&W Model 500 generally exhibits a fit and finish that is superior, with a smoother double-action pull, but for a hunter who plans to mount an optic and value recoil mitigation, the Taurus Raging Hunter provides better immediate utility per dollar. For a more traditional, no-optics hunting approach with a shotgun, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver weighs 50 ounces (3.125 pounds) unloaded and measures 15.75 inches in overall length. The 10-inch barrel contributes significantly to both the weight and the sight radius, aiding in recoil management and practical accuracy. The cylinder width is 1.85 inches, making for a bulky but manageable frame that fills the hand, crucial for maintaining control during the 2,400+ ft-lbs of energy generated per shot.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is not for new shooters, recreational plinkers, or anyone sensitive to cost-per-round. The .500 S&W Magnum ammunition is expensive, often exceeding $4 per round for basic hunting loads, and the recoil is physically punishing—shooting a full cylinder is a workout. It is also a poor choice for home defense due to its size, over-penetration risk, and deafening report. If your needs are for precision medium-game hunting at longer ranges, a dedicated rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a more practical and ballistically superior tool.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip for faster reloading, a plastic hard case, a cable lock, and the owner's manual. Taurus does not include a bore snake or cleaning rod specific to the .50 caliber, which you will need to purchase separately—a notable omission for a firearm that requires meticulous cleaning after firing its corrosive-primed ammunition. The case has precise foam cutouts, but it lacks the seal of a true waterproof Pelican-style container.

Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $1132.99?

Yes, if your specific use case is hunting with a large-bore revolver and you value the included recoil and optics-mounting features. At this price, it undercuts its primary competitor, the Smith & Wesson Model 500, by several hundred dollars while offering a comparable level of performance and a more hunter-ready configuration. The investment is justified by its robust construction and specialized design, but you must factor in the high ongoing cost of ammunition and mandatory hearing protection whenever you train with it.