The Smith & Wesson X-Frame
I remember a bit of a frenzy over such a large cartridge when S&W came out with the .500 S&W pistols and cartridge. I don’t know why people seem to get so excited over .50-caliber firearms – it almost seems like there is some kind of dopamine released by saying “.50-cal.” Whatever the case, the .500 S&W enjoys the same level of excitement from gun people.
Smith & Wesson designed the X-frame to hold very large cartridges like the .500, but there are several other options besides the .500. The .460 S&W was another “smaller” option offered in the X-frame pistol line, and there is even a .350 Legend model that holds seven cartridges.
Performance Center pistols typically are overbuilt with thick frames and extra components. This X500 is no different, and a built-in radial muzzle brake helps tame the mighty recoil. It also can take a bolt-on stainless-steel sight rail on top of its 7.5-inch barrel for those looking to add a different sight option.
The heavy cartridges leave only enough room in the cylinder for five cartridges, which could be a problem if you find yourself in a livery stable stand-off with bandits. But I suppose five of these massive 400 to 500-grain bullets should be enough.
Like many comparable pistols, the X500 uses both single and double-action functions, which allows quick and repeatable shooting, as well as accurate hair-trigger shooting. All this connects to your hands through a large, rubberized grip to maximize comfort.
Shooting the .500 S&W
At $3 per round, this pistol is definitely for those looking for deliberate action. Casual shooters would more than likely find the X500 to be too much. Luckily, I got several boxes of custom ammunition from DoubleTap Ammunition, using both 400-grain hard-cast lead and the company's 455-grain Equalizer rounds that use dual projectiles. Yes, you read that right: 455 grains in two projectiles to add to the mayhem inside your target.
I was a bit timid to shoot this pistol, as I don’t care for heavy recoil as much as the next guy. But when the time came, it was just another shot to take. Loading the massive cartridges into the cylinder had me thinking about the life choices that put me there. The shiny cartridges slid smoothly into the clean bores, with a satisfying clink sound as the rims settled into place.
I drew back the hammer and settled the sights on my target and began my squeeze. Trying to avoid becoming part of a viral gun-fail reel, I gripped the pistol as tight as I could not know exactly what to expect. The ensuing cloud of smoke and racket was just as impressive as I’d expected.
Range Report
This is a big pistol. At nearly 4.5 pounds it is not for the meek, but it certainly can be handled well with its large rubber grip. Lining up the sights, I could tell that S&W has been doing this for a long time. The grip angle and sights align well, giving ample dexterity for picking targets. The 7-inch barrel certainly offers a nice sight radius, and the brake tames the recoil to a manageable level.
The double-action function was typically long and heavy like every other revolver I have used. To be honest, with this pistol, I can’t imagine using that feature in anything other than a rapid scramble against a charging bear or something. The single-action feature of the trigger is fantastic, with a clean break as typical from Performance Center pistols.
I did find the cylinder release stiffer than anticipated, but I imagine it must be on a pistol that recoils so heavily. Reloading the pistol was a touch more intense than I’m used to, as the fired brass has significantly more grab when you try and extract the casings. This may depend on the ammo used, but it’s worth mentioning.
Revolvers have been in use for hundreds of years, so it should come as no surprise that a firm such as Smith & Wesson has all but perfected the design. Smooth function of the action is matched by the tight locking of the cylinder. The entire assembly has a clean and solid feel about it. It felt like there was nothing that could go wrong with it, short of detonating in the hand.
I’ll be honest: I was intimidated about being able to shoot this pistol well. After the first cloud cleared, I thought about how this thing was going to affect my flinch reflex. Though I think someone who is better with big handguns could certainly shoot it better than I, it wasn’t hard to hit my targets.
Value
Since Smith & Wesson makes most .500 S&W chambered pistols, the company kind of has the market cornered. Others like the Taurus Raging Hunter cost significantly less, but for the most part, you will be paying Smith & Wesson prices.
MSRP on the various Smith & Wesson X-frame models varies from $1,600 up to nearly $2,200. You can often find them at retailers for a bit less, with street prices between $1,400 and $1,900.
As I mentioned earlier, this gun is not for casual shooters. Those looking for an X500 are likely dedicated to the goal and understand what they are paying for, which makes it a little easier to swallow the price of this gun.
Practicality
This is certainly a subjective topic, as it depends on who is gripping the big X500. I suppose if you are 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, this gun might be a little more manageable than if you are the average 5-foot-9, 200-pound American gentleman. Or if you are the type that dabbles in heavy handguns frequently, this might not be a big difference to you.
I consider myself a fairly average American gun owner. Most of my shooting is recreational and for hunting purposes. I could see one of the X500 models as a useable defensive weapon for bear country. Having a 400-grain bullet moving at 1,800 feet per second is a LOT of power and would surely turn most dangerous predators either around or inside out.
With great power, you’ll need equal practice and diligence to make it worthwhile. I often carry a .44 Remington Magnum in grizzly country. While the X500 might be significantly more power and effective at defending against a grizzly, I’d probably feel more comfortable with my .44 that I can shoot better and more often. I would hate to spend the money on this gun only to have it be a party trick to pull out at the range to show off with friends.
Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood, aka Coldboremiracle, is a self-described freelance sharpshooter. Growing up hunting and fishing in the arid mountains of Utah, he can usually be found behind a riflescope somewhere high up in the Rockies.
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