Smith & Wesson 500 Hunter Performance Center .500 S&W

Description

Picture this: you’re in a Missouri blind, and a trophy whitetail steps out at 80 yards. You need a cartridge that anchors it decisively, with authority that standard hunting rounds can’t match. That’s the domain of the Smith & Wesson 500 Hunter Performance Center .500 S&W, 10.5″ Barrel, Synthetic Grip, Matte Stainless, 5rd. This revolver is a purpose-built hunting instrument, engineered for the shooter who demands terminal performance over long-range precision and understands that shot placement is non-negotiable.

The Smith & Wesson 500 Hunter Performance Center .500 S&W, 10.5″ Barrel, Synthetic Grip, Matte Stainless, 5rd is a large-frame, double-action revolver chambered in the potent .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. It features a 10.5-inch ported barrel from Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center, a matte stainless steel finish, a synthetic grip, and a 5-round capacity. Designed for hunting and controlled, powerful shooting, it is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Let’s talk about what this revolver is built to do. The 10.5-inch barrel isn’t just for looks—it maximizes velocity from the massive .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, giving you the flat trajectory and energy needed for ethical shots on large game. The barrel is also ported, which helps manage the formidable recoil. Is it a gentle shooter? No. But the porting, combined with the ergonomic synthetic grip, transforms brutal punishment into a manageable, authoritative shove. This setup is drop-in ready for optics, featuring an integrated Picatinny rail atop the barrel shroud, so you can mount a robust scope like a Leupold VX-Freedom or a Burris handgun model without needing a gunsmith.

The matte stainless steel construction is a practical choice for the field. It resists corrosion from the elements—a real concern during a damp Missouri fall—and the non-reflective finish won’t spook game. The synthetic grip provides a secure hold in all weather conditions, a critical detail when your palms are sweating from the adrenaline of the hunt. The double-action mechanism offers a long, heavy trigger pull for an added safety margin, but most shooters will use it in single-action mode for precise shot placement. With a cylinder capacity of 5 rounds, you have enough for the hunt and a follow-up if absolutely necessary. The revolver’s overall weight, a substantial 72 ounces, is a key feature, not a flaw. That heft soaks up recoil, making the .500 S&W Magnum more shootable than you might expect.

Specification	Detail
Caliber	.500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length	10.5 Inches
Overall Length	15.5 Inches
Weight	72 oz (Unloaded)
Frame	Matte Stainless Steel
Capacity	5 Rounds
Grip	Synthetic
Action	Double/Single Action

Pros: Delivers unmatched stopping power for North American game. The ported barrel and substantial weight mitigate recoil effectively. The optics-ready rail and corrosion-resistant finish make it a practical field gun. It’s built to S&W’s Performance Center standards for enhanced fit and trigger.

Cons: Ammunition is expensive and can be hard to find. It is heavy and long, making it a dedicated hunting or range tool, not a carry piece. Recoil, while managed, is still significant and requires proper technique.

So who is this for? It’s for the experienced hunter pursuing bear, bison, or large boar where a rifle isn’t practical or legal. It’s for the Missouri outdoorsman who wants the ultimate in revolver power for backup in big country. It’s also for the disciplined shooter who appreciates mastering a powerful firearm and understands that with a price of $1489.51, this is an investment in specialized capability. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this revolver suitable for deer hunting in Missouri?

A: Absolutely, but it’s overkill. The .500 S&W Magnum is capable, but the recoil and cost make less powerful revolvers in .44 Magnum or .454 Casull more practical for whitetail. This gun is better suited for the largest, most dangerous game on the continent.

Q: What kind of scope mount does it use?

A: It uses a standard Picatinny rail machined directly into the barrel shroud. This allows you to use common rings and mounts designed for the Picatinny system, compatible with optics from brands like Leupold, Burris, and Vortex.

Q: Can it handle the heaviest .500 S&W loads?

A: Yes. The Smith & Wesson 500 is engineered from the ground up for the full spectrum of .500 S&W Magnum ammunition, from 275-grain to 700-grain projectiles. Always consult your specific ammo’s ballistic data and ensure your shooting fundamentals are solid for the heaviest recoiling loads.

If your needs demand the pinnacle of revolver power in a reliable, optics-ready platform, the Smith & Wesson 500 Hunter Performance Center is built for you. See the full details and availability on our site.