Is there really a big difference between the smitha and wesson 4 inch model 500 revolver and the 8 inch one.?

Question

is the four inch model 500 revolver really that much louder and its muzzle blast really all that brighter than the 8 inch model, the 8 inch seems outrageously long and i heard the 4 inch was weaker. If it is any of these how much weaker, louder and brighter is it

I mean Smith and Wesson

Which one would you guys prefer

Answer 1

Much depends on the powder in the cartridge. If it's burning rate is slow enough, you will get a lot of muzzle flash from the unburned powder leaving the muzzle of the gun. An 8 inch revolver will give you four more inches for the powder to be burned in before it leaves the muzzle. This can result in less muzzle flash and can increase the muzzle velocity due to more complete burning of the powder. Additionally, the extra length of the 8 inch barrel means that you will have a longer sighting radius. Longer sighting radius translates into greater accuracy.

The S&W Model 500 is intended as a hunting revolver. It is absolutley useless as a concealed carry self protection gun due to it's size and over penetration. Which length of barrel to choose depends on how you are going to use it. If you plan to use it for something like deer hunting then the 8 inch barrel is the best choice. However, if you plan to use it as a sidearm while hunting in bear country, the 4 inch barrrel is easier to carry and draw quickly.

I have never had the opportunity to shoot the S&W Model 500 so I can't speak to the recoil or muzzle blast. However, I have a Taurus Raging Bull chambered for the .454 Casul round and it has a significant recoil and muzzle blast that is not for the feint of heart. I would expect the model 500 to have a recoil much the same as the .454 Casul. How well do you handle recoil and noise? Can you hit what you are aiming at with that much recoil and muzzle blast? Many folks can't and you sure don't want to invest that much money in a gun and find out that it is too much for you. Before you buy, see if there isn't a range where you can rent and shoot a Model 500 to see how bad the recoil and muzzle blast is.

Answer 2

I would not want to be the one firing a 4" .500 S&W revolver. The felt recoil would be awesome with hot factory loads. I really don't see the sense for a 4" model unless you were going to reload shells to sub-magnum performance. A .44 magnum 4" is good enough for defense against dangerous game at close range as far as handguns are concerned. Guns are not "weaker" with shorter barrels, they just have lower velocity and less range.

Update: Longer barrels give better range, not better accuracy. Accuracy comes from barrel quality, ammo quality, and shooter skilll.

Answer 3

Yes with the behemoth .500 Mag. the four additional inches of barrel will make a lot of difference reducing the muzzle blast n flash. The shorter barrel will reduce the bullet velocity somewhat but it still has plenty of umph!

Best.

H

Answer 4

Shooting the 500 S&W Mag out of a 4" revolver will the a handful. I would opt for the 8 " barrel.

Answer 5

Big differences, yes. The added weight of the 8 inch barrel helps reduce muzzle jump & recoil when fired. Accuracy will be better with the 8 inch barrel. Louder....... that I don't know.

Answer 6

Forget about it.* Its to much Handgun for all practical purposes.* All you really need is a 357 Magnum or 44 Magnum. Longer barrel is recommended.*

Answer 7

The only two things I really know about this are: short barrel=more kick, and that longer barrel=more accuracy.