Feedback Please S&W 500 3.5 vs 4

Rob_Mob

Rob_Mob

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Oct 16, 2013
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Hey Guys,

Off topic question. Wanted to know if anyone here has had any experience with the S&W 500 Performance Center 3.5 and the S&W 500 4 inch.

The 3.5 doesn't have a compensator nor is it fluted. The 4 inch is and does. One is a Performance Center model, while the other is not.

I have a 460 XVR 8 3/8 and it's perfection. Fun to shoot, phenomenal ballistics, and a great Revolver Hunting choice for me for future expeditions.

Putting aside the debate/discussion on caliber and the "need"/"usefulness" of this kind of firearm . . . I wanted to know what people's thoughts are on the 2. Is the muzzle flip going to be that much more on the 3.5 without compensator??

I personally prefer the look of the 3.5, but not so much the price. I also like how this could relatively comfortably be chest rig holstered.

Please feel free to chime in! Thanks!

-Rob
 
No experience but I'd think muzzle flip would be considerable. I'd go with the comped one
 
I shoot up to 400gr from a 460ES with a 3.5" barrel and muzzle flip isn't too terrible. A compensator would be nice though :D
 
I've only shot the 6 inch without a comp and it was substantially more violent than a 4 inch 44 magnum. I wouldn't buy one without a comp unless it was one of the hunter models with the super long barrel.
 
I dont have experience with either, but I like the specs and looks of the PC 3.5 much better. Im not a fan of compensators at all on principle so that might color my judgement. These puppies will kick no matter what imho.
 
I have a 4" and an 8" comped.
I roll my own so I can shoot comfortably.
The 700g I loaded hurt a bit.
If I were you I would get the 4". It's cheaper and lighter. I have carried chest and hip just fine.
That 3-1/2 is nice but that cylinder needs to be machined down. Good luck with your purchase. Post pics.
 
I have a couple Smith .44s; one with comp and one without, and the difference in flip is significant in my opinion. The 500 is going to hurt no matter what, though. I do like the Performance center products from Smith when it comes to fit and finish.
 
I have a S&W 500 8 3/8" and have fired a 4", but not the 3 1/2". The 4" is a little more wild than the longer heavier versions, but that's to be expected. I don't care for the looks of the PC 3 1/2" version, but that's just my preference.
 
4" any day of the week. You'll get more velocity out of that caliber with the longer barrel. It will also have a longer sight radius which will help with accuracy. You would also get less flash if it didn't have a comp but since the 4" does it might flash a little more. The comp will definitely help with muzzle flip. You're not going to notice the 1/2" difference in barrel length in a revolver that heavy anyway. Also, it's probably common sense but that's a terrible caliber for in home self defense. You'd risk permanently damaging your hearing firing indoors especially with the compensator on it. I had a 454 casull and that thing was a beast (the 454 has more energy at 100 yards than a 44 magnum does point blank). It made a terrific woods gun.
 
Rob_Mob said:
Hey Guys,

Off topic question. Wanted to know if anyone here has had any experience with the S&W 500 Performance Center 3.5 and the S&W 500 4 inch.

The 3.5 doesn't have a compensator nor is it fluted. The 4 inch is and does. One is a Performance Center model, while the other is not.

I have a 460 XVR 8 3/8 and it's perfection. Fun to shoot, phenomenal ballistics, and a great Revolver Hunting choice for me for future expeditions.

Putting aside the debate/discussion on caliber and the "need"/"usefulness" of this kind of firearm . . . I wanted to know what people's thoughts are on the 2. Is the muzzle flip going to be that much more on the 3.5 without compensator??

I personally prefer the look of the 3.5, but not so much the price. I also like how this could relatively comfortably be chest rig holstered.

Please feel free to chime in! Thanks!

-Rob
Click to expand...
Rob,
I love these stainless revolvers; picked up a 357 combat magnum a couple years ago. They are a PITA to clean after the range but they're just so cool. Personally I much prefer the fluted design over the non-fluted; not sure why, but the non-fluted just looks weird to me. Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have mine.

FEFUCTw.jpg
 
Not to your point, years ago I owned a couple S & W firearms and sold them all and swore to never own one again. They jumped on the chance to please the bleeding heart anti-gun liberal/fascist instead of fighting them. This to me was a slap in the face to the Second Amendment and their customers and to myself personal. And why? Only too cower to the same individuals who would have liked nothing more than to restrict our rights even more. So for me, Never Again!

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

What part of "Shall Not Be Infringed" did they not understand or did they just not care? It could only be the later.

They ruined their reputation with me and many others. Never forget they abandoned us and the Second Amendment voluntarily.

Never Forget, Never Forgive!

My apologies for the rant. Just my 2 cents.
 
F'lar said:
Not to your point, years ago I owned a couple S & W firearms and sold them all and swore to never own one again. They jumped on the chance to please the bleeding heart anti-gun liberal/fascist instead of fighting them. This to me was a slap in the face to the Second Amendment and their customers and to myself personal. And why? Only too cower to the same individuals who would have liked nothing more than to restrict our rights even more. So for me, Never Again!

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

What part of "Shall Not Be Infringed" did they not understand or did they just not care? It could only be the later.

They ruined their reputation with me and many others. Never forget they abandoned us and the Second Amendment voluntarily.

Never Forget, Never Forgive!

My apologies for the rant. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

I guess you wouldn't own a 10/22 either?
 
JohnTheTexican said:
I guess you wouldn't own a 10/22 either?
Click to expand...

Why yes JTT I do. It was bought for me by grandfather in 1977 for Christmas and I would never part with it! I also own a Vaquero .45 Colt that I purchased for my grandfather as a birthday gift because it was what he wanted and again I would never part with it.

On the other hand and more to your point. I have not and will not purchase modern Ruger either.

If a person or entity betrays you once for profit or favorbility they are likely to do it again.

I didn't intend to disparage anyone else's preferences or opinions. I'm just a stubborn ol'coot.

Again, just my 2 cents and 2 cents won't get you anything. :)
 
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IMG_2242.JPG IMG_2243.JPG Guys!! Excellent stuff -- it really does help hearing all your own personal experiences and perspectives.

At the moment I'm thinking about picking up their Model 69 Combat Magnum 2.75 inch and then shortly after the S&W 500 Magnum 4 inch
 
IMG_0039.JPG Oops I should have clarified -- I'm going for the Model 69 Combat Magnum in 44 Magnum with a 2.75 inch barrel
 
Rob_Mob, with a hand cannon like that recoil & flash make no difference (you only have to hit'em once) so I'd say go with what appeals to you.
 
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