Author Topic: .50 S&W Magnum??? (Read 1255 times)

1911crazy · « **on:** January 17, 2004, 08:24:20 AM »

Any thoughts or news on the new 50 S&W Magnum?? Ever fire one??(S&W revolver?) BigBill

Holiday · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2004, 08:36:05 AM »

One of the regulars at the local gun store has one. In fact my friend, our gun dealer, has tried it out. The fellow has had a little trouble. At first, the cylinder latch kept popping open. After a trip to S&W, they said that a regular grip would somehow allow his hand to trip the release. I don't understand it, but he said he tried a differant, slightly awkward gip and it solved the problem. Then my frind shot it and it double tapped. Yes, the revolver recoiled so fiercely that he actually pulled the double action AGAIN!! :eek: Apparently this is a problem with the S&W too. Also, even with good shooting gloves, the recoil of the gun left a raw BLISTER on the wed of his hand!!

This man is an experianced shooter that used to shoot competively, not some local yokal. This ain't a gun for me!!

1911crazy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2004, 10:11:08 AM »

This is exactly what I was looking for I got into a discussion about the 50 mag today. On Chuck Hawks website said the recoil is punishing and very few are going to handle it even the experienced ones. I was just wondering if it was true or over blown like they first said about the 44 mag. too. The 1625 fps and 2580 ftlbs. muzzle energy looked interesting but as far as the handling maybe a 10" or 12" or even a 15" bull barrel could make it shoot different? If its not shootable and most won't be able to handle it now they have to change something? You would think that
S & W would have designed it better? I still wonder how it compares to the BPR in 444 marlin or 45/70 in power? The 444 marlin has 3,000ftlbs w/240gr. bullet in a rifle I wonder how much it has in the BPR? The 45/70 has the 405 gr bullet they all might be in the same ball park? But more controllable? I was just comparing and wondering what are your thoughts? BigBill

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2004, 11:03:40 AM »

Guy at the range has one and busted the cylinder lock pawl that locks up cylinder so it would freewheel in frame even with trigger cocked.

Also had a frw double taps in recoil says the recoil is super fierce

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2004, 12:01:48 PM »

shot one quite a bit. Didnt think the recoil was any heavier then my .475 or .500

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2004, 04:51:37 PM »

I have 2 of them. A S&W500 and a BFR in S&W500MAG. I have shot 100 rounds of full load 440 gr. Cast Performance in one section. I never got a blister or anything. I have wooden hogue grips on my BFR and stock grips from S&W on the Smith. In the Smith & Wesson I have never had the cylinder unlatch or have a double tap. I have not seen anyone else that has the Smith here do it either. Both my Smith & Wesson and my BFR are great shooters. The best way to find out about the 500MAG round is to shoot it for yourself. I personally do not mind the recoil but there are some people more recoil sensitive. I give the S&W500 2 thumbs up.

475/480 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2004, 05:21:20 PM »

I have about 1500 rounds thru my 500-99% cast bullets from moulds that I have,very accurate with bullets from 325gr WFNGC at 1900 + fps thru 630gr WFNGC at 1300+ fps and evrything in between,will try bison hunting FEB 20-22 with 575gr WFNGC at 1450 in a PC 500 Hunter.
Sean

1911crazy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2004, 02:56:45 AM »

What would your opinion be with the 444 marlin BPR?? Does the rifle bullet keep the same speed and energy and just lose the accuracy in the shorter pistol barrel? Or does it really change in a shorter pistol barrel by losing speed and energy? Also the 50 magnum may not be as bad as it sounds to handle? I'll have to try one. BigBill

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2004, 09:46:33 AM »

Between both of my 500MAGS I have over 1000 rounds fired. As for the 444 in the BFR you will loose velocity which will give less energy. But it is still a good round in the BFR.

Arco Nudo · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2004, 09:06:03 AM »

I handled one. Didn't have any interest beyond that. It's just too big for my tastes. It doesn't offer any advantage over the 44 magnum for what I do.

Bluedog · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2004, 11:48:42 AM »

When is Taurus or Ruger introducing theirs? That will make or break the caliber.

In fact, I'm fully prepared for Taurus to introduce their own caliber soon. Wonder what it would be? 41 mag rimless autoloader?

Castaway · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2004, 12:51:09 AM »

Last week, a guy at the range had one. I watched him load one round at a time and asked why. He stated the last time he had a full cylinder, he too double tapped one because of the recoil.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2004, 03:11:53 AM »

I do not know where people are coming up with this double tap theory. I have shot over 700 rounds of full loaded 440 gr. Cast Performance bullets in my S&W500 and NEVER had a double tap. I have spoke with numerous other S&W500 owners and they have not double tapped either. I think the people that clam to have this problem are plain scared of the gun and pull the trigger twice, because they are holding on for dear life and are reacting to the recoil buy squeezing twice. :shock: (Just my opinion) The 500Mag and other like guns are not meant for anyone who is not a heave recoil shooter or anyone who is recoil sensitive. :wink: This gun is for experanced shooters with big bore and heave recoil guns. For those of you that think a Hot loaded 44 MAG is a lot, please do not go out and buy or shoot a S&W500MAG just to have a big gun. Please no one take offence to this post, just giving facts.

Thanks.

Castaway · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2004, 03:26:17 AM »

I don't think it's a theory, I it's a fact. Obviously, your analysis is on the money, the only way it could fire twice is if the trigger is pulled twice. The point is, as you stated, an error on the part of the shooter, but still, there is a preponderance of firing twice wth this pistol, doubtlessly due to the recoil. Maybe the shooters need more practice, but it does happen. I fired it, and again, like you said, it isn't for the faint hearted.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 30, 2004, 03:38:33 AM »

Castaway, well we do agree about the recoil part. :eek: The theory I was referring to, as I heard before is the gun fire a second time on it's own. People have stated they did not pull the trigger a second time. But as I posted, I was not trying to insult or belittle anyone that is recoil sensitive, and I know you did not say that I did, but I wanted to clarify it. I want to make people aware of what they are getting into. But I do love my 500's. I would not trade them for any currently made gun. :grin:

Castaway · « **Reply #15 on:** January 30, 2004, 04:19:54 AM »

Got it. I can be a little slow. No, the pistol didn't shoot itself and I agree heartedly with you. Even as heavily as it recoils, there just isn't enough inertia for the hammer to self cock and be touched off with a slight single action pull. Definately a shooter problem, not a pistol problem.

475/480 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 30, 2004, 07:35:41 AM »

The recoil is way too much for a lot a shooters ,we all want to believe we can shoot anything on the planet,problem is when the recoil hits us, some have such a tight hold on the gun they press the trigger again.
SW said they did video on this and saw were people pulled the trigger again,you could see it in slow motion replay.
Sean

Castaway · « **Reply #17 on:** January 30, 2004, 09:45:55 AM »

Call me a sissy boy if you want. The recoil was more than I would want to experience on a regular basis. I don't fault the folks that enjoy it. I have my own private perversions too. More power to 'em. Living in Fl, there is nothing that walks, crawls, creeps or flies that a 45 Colt, Black Hawkishly loaded, won't dispatch with authority. In fact, I wouldn't feel undergunned for anything in the lower 48 with my 45 Colt. Each to his own.

OTTOMATIC · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2004, 11:06:05 AM »

I have one. The recoil to me is more "rolling" not "sharp" like a ,357 TiSC. It is pleasurable to shoot and extremely accurate. More accurate than a Performance Center .44mag I have (6.5" barreled Lew Horton}
I did carry the 500 hunting in a properly fitted shoulder rig , but after 8 hrs of crawling thru brush it got old. But so would have a rifle. The next day I carried a .357 in a belt holster. Much more enjoyable.......OTTO

RANGER RICK · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2004, 06:43:34 PM »

Went out today to test a few more rounds and to sight in the scope . It was way to windy to do any sighting in so I just plinked away , I do not think you can plink with a 500 mag . I have the Hunter version and it is a kicker . The only thing I do not care for is the sling swivel on the revolvers butt , it jams into your hand , I found out today a nice pair of shooting gloves is not a bad idea with this revolver , over all it is a sweet shooting iron . :biggun: :gun4: :sniper: :blaster: :excuseme:

RR

hubcap · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2004, 11:01:19 PM »

Hey, 475/480, how's'bout sharing some load info. I have a Mountain mould in 350 and 450 grs.

As for the rest of you, yes the gun does have heavy recoil. You are putting out about the same energy as a 12 ga. slug, only in a lighter gun. If you are experienced with big-bore magnum handguns, it shouldn't be a major problem. I LOVE BIG-bore handguns and shoot them almost exclusively and ENJOY it, but I'm not sure I'd want anything any more powerful on a regular basis. Offhand shooting is fine, but using a creedmore position for about a dozen shots even with a kneepad on my elbow left a 'rugburn' and slight bruise. I still plan to use it in a silhouette match this year. :biggun:

MarkJ_Thompson · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2004, 03:47:05 PM »

It gets to the point that the best choice is a rifle.....50BMG oh no! not again!

RANGER RICK · « **Reply #22 on:** February 17, 2004, 10:36:56 AM »

Hey OTTOMATIC where did you pick up a holster for that cannon of yours ?? I am looking for a holster for my S&W PC 500 with no luck as of yet . Thanks for any help.

RR :blaster: :sniper: :blaster: :biggun: :gun4: :music: :biggun:

OTTOMATIC · « **Reply #23 on:** February 18, 2004, 03:18:21 AM »

The holster was given to me by a friend who owns a gun shop. It is an Uncle Mikes Sidekick size 11. It is a shoulder rig. Although not perfect it fits and works................................................OTTO

RANGER RICK · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2004, 12:19:14 PM »

Thanks OTTO
I did do an extensive search on the net and I think I found a place that makes custom leather holsters that are extra big for scoped revolvers . Thanks again for the reply . I finally was able to sight in the big boy a couple of days ago . What a shooter ,30 and 50 yds right on the bullseye and three inch groups at 100 yds , did nothing to the scope at all . Right out of the box ( scope ) and no adjustments at all . It is a 4x28mm Leoupold . It is a great revolver .

RR :toast: :blaster: :sniper: :music: :gun4:

ssmith_1187 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 20, 2004, 04:22:41 PM »

I too have shot a S&W .500. I am by no means a big guy and didn't find it overly punishing. Would I want to shoot 200 rounds through it in a session, no, but with a good pair of shooting gloves, 50 would be manageable.

As far the double tap, non-double tap theory. I was on a hunting trip last month were a gentleman shot at a deer with his .500, yup it shot twice and he insists he did not pull the trigger twice. Given his experience and longevity with the shooting sports, I believe him. This is not the first time it has happened and upon contacting S&W, he stated that S&W is aware of the problem. The actual root of the problem escapes my memory.

Steve