500S&W barrel length, 4" or 8-3/8"

[JDenis]

Hey Guys,

My father is considering buying a 500 S&W, I've been egging him on for a couple years now. The only problem is that we don't know which barrel length to get. I have shot the 8-3/8" and it seemed too barrel heavy for me. I haven't shot the 4" but have handeled it and I thought it handeled great. But we were wondering how accurate the 4" is compared to the 8-3/8". I'm talking overall accuracy. We will most likely be shooting from all positions. Is there a real BIG sacrifice by going with the 4"? And is it really that much louder? We all (me, a friend, and our girlfriends, yes even the girls shot the 500) shot the 500 w/o hearing protection,(dumb but wasn't going to let it stop me from shooting this thing), and my ears never even rang. But I have read that the 4" is noticeably louder. I'd appreciate any info you guys can give me, you guys seem to know your stuff. Oh and my father plans on being able to carry it as a side weapon during deer season.

Thanks
JD

[Redhawk1]

The 4 inch is actually 3 inch's with a 1 inch compensator, and is more of a defense gun than a hunter in my opinion.  I got a great deal better accuracy with the larger barrel and would always chose a longer barrel for all around shooting. Look at a 6.5 inch PC model if you can find one, it is a good medium length barrel. JMHO  

[Tom C.]

I have one of the 6.5" PC guns. I feel it is a more useful length than either the 8" or 4".

[wyocarp]

Well, I have three .500's.  One of them is a 4".  I can tell you that the 4" chronographs about 20-40 feet per second slower than a 6 1/2".  It also is a lot more painful if shooting full house loads.  I don't know about noise, I don't shoot them without hearing protection.  I do carry a 4" loaded with big heavy hard cast bullets, but I'm not sure I'd hunt with it.  I do think it is very accurate.  But there is a noticable difference in shootability between the 4" and say a 6 1/2".  I would say it would depend on the purpose.  If it were to carry while out in the woods, then the 4" is all that is needed.  If it is to hunt with, I would go longer.

[jro45]

My 500 has a 8 3/8" barrel with a Leupole 2x scope. I have shot a 3 shot group at 100 yds that was 1 1/2 " with the 400 and the 350 gr bullets. The one I shot that was a 320 gr bullet was 2" group. The 500 gr bullets at 75yds was 1". I don't shoot lead in my 500.  

[Redhawk1]

My 500 has a 8 3/8" barrel with a Leupole 2x scope. I have shot a 3 shot group at 100 yds that was 1 1/2 " with the 400 and the 350 gr bullets. The one I shot that was a 320 gr bullet was 2" group. The 500 gr bullets at 75yds was 1". I don't shoot lead in my 500.  

90% of my 500 Mag shooting is done with hard cast gas check bullets. They work great.  

[Dusty Miller]

To each his own but for the life of me I cannot figure out what a 4" 500 S&W would be used for unless one spends considerable time traipsing around griz country.  There are lots better options for a self-defense gun unless you are counting on the intimidation factor carrying the day.

[Redhawk1]

To each his own but for the life of me I cannot figure out what a 4" 500 S&W would be used for unless one spends considerable time traipsing around griz country.  There are lots better options for a self-defense gun unless you are counting on the intimidation factor carrying the day.

I don't think anyone need to justify anything to you. It is just something we choose to own. I just don't get it. Why when someone thinks there is no reason to have a certain gun other have to question the reason for it.

Why do some people have 100 guns, you can only shot one at a time, why why why.  Just because we can OK!  :roll:

[wyocarp]

To each his own but for the life of me I cannot figure out what a 4" 500 S&W would be used for unless one spends considerable time traipsing around griz country.  There are lots better options for a self-defense gun unless you are counting on the intimidation factor carrying the day.

Well, there you go Dusty, you just hit the nail on the head.  I do spend a fair amount of time "traipsing around griz country."  And that is one of the best reasons I can think of to have a 4" .500 and it is specifically why I bought mine.  It doesn't appear that you are near grizzly country so you might not need one.  Come walk with me sometime.  When you are seeing sign all around you and are on a trail that doesn't offer much visibility, then I guarentee that you will be unnerved and wanting as firepower as you can get if you have half a brain.

And then, most people don't need many of the guns that they have but they have them because they want them.

[Dusty Miller]

I never suggested that somebody should'nt buy a gun just 'cuz he wanted it, that's a doggoned good reason far as I'm concerned.  I was more concerned with the actual VALUE of having such a piece as a defense weapon.  Yeah, if you live in griz country by all means pack one and be ready to use it.  However, as a self-defense gun against two legged critters I think there's better choices unless you plan to just flat out scare the pee-wadd'n out of them!!  Having said that, if that's your decision and you're stikn' with it then by all means carry that boat anchor and enjoy the security it brings.  Hey, to each his own.

[Redhawk1]

I never suggested that somebody should'nt buy a gun just 'cuz he wanted it, that's a doggoned good reason far as I'm concerned.  I was more concerned with the actual VALUE of having such a piece as a defense weapon.  Yeah, if you live in griz country by all means pack one and be ready to use it.  However, as a self-defense gun against two legged critters I think there's better choices unless you plan to just flat out scare the pee-wadd'n out of them!!  Having said that, if that's your decision and you're stikn' with it then by all means carry that boat anchor and enjoy the security it brings.  Hey, to each his own.

I don't think I would carry the 500 Mag as a two legged defense gun.  :eek:  :shock:  I like my hearing. Other than just having a 4 inch 500 mag, I also go to bear country and us my 500 Mag as my tent gun and camp gun.  :wink:

[JDenis]

Well thanks for all the opinions and experiences. My Father decided to pick up the 7-1/2" Performance Center 500 S&W. It's really sharp looking with the blued barrel & frame and stainless cylinder & muzzle break. Seems to handle better than the 8-3/8" but it could just be me. We ran some 400gr. Magtechs thru it yesterday and it shoots like a dream. Pretty accurate at about 30yds. I can tell already that he has a new "baby" in the house. You should have seen the smile on his face after he touched off the first round. Just thought I'd let you guys that care know what he decided on.

[wyocarp]

I think that was an excellent choice.  The same one I have made so it has to be good.