Getting into the handgun hunting game. 500 S&W

[Jefferry404]

The 83 still has no transfer bar, the 97 has transfer bar.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Because you really don't gain anything except crappy holster choices and extra weight.

A handgun is really meant for all day carry. I see so many guys buy 7.5s and then after fishing with it all day, or trying to get some work done or wood chopped, they realize that damn thing is always in the way. Then it sits in the truck, and isn't being worn when actually needed. I've shot plenty of big bores, and I've never felt like any recoil or blast improvement was to be had over a 5" (2 1/2 in barrel, yes; but that is for when a bear is chewing on your arm, not hunting per se). Seems like every time I see a chest rig on a dashboard, it has a 7.5 or 10 barrel. 5-6" stay on the belt where it aught to be. Match shooters stopped at 6" a long time ago because the sight radius after that is of no real improvement.

So, I'll ask it the opposite way. What real world good does that extra PITA barrel gain you?

I understand all your points very well, but for a hunting handgun I don’t see the disadvantage I suppose.
For everyday (well most) I carry a 4” 29 in a bianchi 5BH. The biggest reason is because of truck and tractor seats. I think the 4” Smith N frame is the perfect gun to carry with a good balance of power and portability. Obviously the power is not near what a 454 or larger can give you, but is sufficient for 95% of tasks that can be asked of a sixgun.
I just bought my Colt new frontier 44 special in 7.5” and it was a heck of debate on whether or not to get a 5.5” instead, now you have me second guessing myself.

 

[akrifleman]

I understand all your points very well, but for a hunting handgun I don’t see the disadvantage I suppose.
For everyday (well most) I carry a 4” 29 in a bianchi 5BH. The biggest reason is because of truck and tractor seats. I think the 4” Smith N frame is the perfect gun to carry with a good balance of power and portability. Obviously the power is not near what a 454 or larger can give you, but is sufficient for 95% of tasks that can be asked of a sixgun.
I just bought my Colt new frontier 44 special in 7.5” and it was a heck of debate on whether or not to get a 5.5” instead, now you have me second guessing myself.

I wouldn't ever want anyone to feel bad about something they ordered or have enjoyed.

I think what your hearing from me and a couple guys that have used a significant number of big bores of various calibers and lengths, is no different than what experienced guys have learned about various types of rifles of different manufacturers or action types. If you already using a 7.5" or 10" and it suits your needs, continue to enjoy it. Same with a sub 5", but BushBuck is right. They (big bores) sure get trickier under 5" to handle and get accurate.

Also, a 7.5" or 10" is fine from sticks or bags, but it is difficult to maintain a proper north-south handgrip the more weight you have extending out from balance. Your having to pull north instead of allowing the gun to rest in your hands. This can be overcome, but it means the ergonomics are always tending to fight you.

If your in the big bore market, I recommend a 5.5" or 6" in a blanket sense, because they are Goldilocks small bears porridge (not to hot, not to cold). Neither too short, nor too long. Easy to carry, manageable to use, and usually best resale (depending on your market).

We are talking big bores exclusively here as well. 357/44Mag even are something like 35,000PSI SAAMI. The "big bores" are usually tight fitting guns running 50,000PSI or higher, so a slightly longer barrel doesn't gain anything, that air drag doesn't immediately take away. Their advantage is in heavy bullets that carry momentum (mass).

Things like USPSA race guns, 22LR, striker fired, etc all have their own unique set of challenges and problems (as a contrast to big bore revolvers).

 

[Flewis]

With the 45 colt cylinder loaded long in the FA you can come pretty close to the 454 as long as you have strong brass.

 

[akrifleman]

With the 45 colt cylinder loaded long in the FA you can come pretty close to the 454 as long as you have strong brass.

Strong tight cylinder, the brass is just a gasket. The brass fails when it is undersized in a oversized cylinder.

Which is also why an FA97 in 45 Colt can be pretty awesome.

 

[akrifleman]

The 83 still has no transfer bar, the 97 has transfer bar.

That is one of two reasons why I went with John Linebaugh's Blackhawk conversion on my 475 Linebaugh (transfer bar), as I carry frequently. The second was I can use cut 45-70 brass. It is an absolute jewel. Not that all FAs are not, and I'll be ordering another 97. I hope to order a 475 Maximum from Dustin in the next couple years. Not for more velocity (a waste for this) but big bore brass starts to split at the crimp. I'll run the brass til it splits in the Max, trim to 1.410 and run it in the regular 475.

 

[Bush Buck]

I had a custom heavy cylinder 6 shot 45 Colt by Linebaugh for a while. I really liked it but my FA was definitely more accurate at 50 yards. I sold it to fund another FA - but I wish I would have kept it.

I still have a custom 5 shot 45 Colt built by David Clements on a Ruger Bisley. It's a fine revolver and a shooter.

@akrifleman, It would be a lot less expensive to buy a lifetime supply of of 475 Linebaugh brass!!
But I'm sure you know that

But seriously, you can get 500 cases from Starline for $300 today. I would sure take advantage of that if I was serious about the 475 Linebaugh.

Maybe have him build you another 475 LInebaugh. A father-son pair would be pretty cool!

 

[Flbt]

I understand all your points very well, but for a hunting handgun I don’t see the disadvantage I suppose.
For everyday (well most) I carry a 4” 29 in a bianchi 5BH. The biggest reason is because of truck and tractor seats. I think the 4” Smith N frame is the perfect gun to carry with a good balance of power and portability. Obviously the power is not near what a 454 or larger can give you, but is sufficient for 95% of tasks that can be asked of a sixgun.
I just bought my Colt new frontier 44 special in 7.5” and it was a heck of debate on whether or not to get a 5.5” instead, now you have me second guessing myself.

I have had everything form 2in to 10 in 44
The longest that I have kept is a 5.5 ruger all the longer barrel were sold or cut back

 

[akrifleman]

I had a custom heavy cylinder 6 shot 45 Colt by Linebaugh for a while. I really liked it but my FA was definitely more accurate at 50 yards. I sold it to fund another FA - but I wish I would have kept it.

I still have a custom 5 shot 45 Colt built by David Clements on a Ruger Bisley. It's a fine revolver and a shooter.

@akrifleman, It would be a lot less expensive to buy a lifetime supply of of 475 Linebaugh brass!!
But I'm sure you know that

But seriously, you can get 500 cases from Starline for $300 today. I would sure take advantage of that if I was serious about the 475 Linebaugh.

Maybe have him build you another 475 LInebaugh. A father-son pair would be pretty cool!

I do, and I have an unhealthy amount of brass for it. But, I do put it through its paces more than the average bear. I have a couple thousand pieces of Starline, with the new standard Linebaugh rim cut diameter. At at this point, I've split way more times that in cases. This may seem silly... and it probably is, but, there has been something very satisfying about collecting 45-70 brass from garage sales and range use, cutting it down, and blowing it out.

After a couple decades of competition, it is about the only reloading I still enjoy, that doesn't feel like a weekly chore to get ready for the next comp. No particular military reason for it, that I can think of. I've always called that my "giggle gun", because unlike any other rifle of any other caliber from pipsqueek to TRex, that gun makes me kinda giggle like a schoolgirl. Something about hearing a throaty cannon roar from a popgun. Might just be turning over that brass puts a smile on my face knowing what is to come.

A father-son pair feels like a moral imperative.

 

[Bush Buck]

I've always been curious about the 475 Linebaugh. I had a used FA 475 in my hand that I would have bought if it was 6" instead of 4.75"

But after spending a summer doing a lot of loading and shooting of the 454 my wrist was worse for the wear. I forgot about moving up to 475.

I've heard some say that the 475 is easier on the joints but I'm dubious.

 

[Flbt]

I've always been curious about the 475 Linebaugh. I had a used FA 475 in my hand that I would have bought if it was 6" instead of 4.75"

But after spending a summer doing a lot of loading and shooting of the 454 my wrist was worse for the wear. I forgot about moving up to 475.

I've heard some say that the 475 is easier on the joints but I'm dubious.

I came very close to getting a 480 ruger back when cdnn had them down to around 400$
I just didn’t I had never shot a 480
And had a very bad dislike of the 500
Smith
And I don’t like buying a gun before I have seen it.

 

[akrifleman]

I've always been curious about the 475 Linebaugh. I had a used FA 475 in my hand that I would have bought if it was 6" instead of 4.75"

But after spending a summer doing a lot of loading and shooting of the 454 my wrist was worse for the wear. I forgot about moving up to 475.

I've heard some say that the 475 is easier on the joints but I'm dubious.

I've shot them both a good bit. The recoil velocity on the 454 is higher, and the recoil energy on the 475 is higher. Translated, the 454 is snappier and the 475 feels more like a solid push.

That being said... if say 40 rounds of 454 is your daily tolerance limit, you'll not be doing 120 in a Linebaugh. For me... 50-80 is a full day, before I start to mentally fatigue, and just don't wanna. My hands get equally sore, my wrists definitely favor the 475.

I don't have a 480, but a 480 load 475 case I can easily shoot 200 of them in a sitting, just like a 44,45,10mm, 357. Assuming the 44 isn't that ungodly titanium air weight I used to own.

YMMV

 

[Flbt]

I've shot them both a good bit. The recoil velocity on the 454 is higher, and the recoil energy on the 475 is higher. Translated, the 454 is snappier and the 475 feels more like a solid push.

That being said... if say 40 rounds of 454 is your daily tolerance limit, you'll not be doing 120 in a Linebaugh. For me... 50-80 is a full day, before I start to mentally fatigue, and just don't wanna. My hands get equally sore, my wrists definitely favor the 475.

I don't have a 480, but a 480 load 475 case I can easily shoot 200 of them in a sitting, just like a 44,45,10mm, 357. Assuming the 44 isn't that ungodly titanium air weight I used to own.

YMMV

I was thinking the 480 could be loaded like a 44 spc.
Heavy bullets but lower speed like a 400gr at around 950-1100 fps

So I bet you would like my little 44 a tracker 5 shot barrel cut down to the end of the ejection rod
Sights replaced with s&w sights
Using 180gr sjhp at full power.
All my friends hate that revolver.
A guy shot a snake with it a few years ago and said if that was all I had he would just get bit it would hurt less

 

[akrifleman]

I was thinking the 480 could be loaded like a 44 spc.
Heavy bullets but lower speed like a 400gr at around 950-1100 fps

So I bet you would like my little 44 a tracker 5 shot barrel cut down to the end of the ejection rod
Sights replaced with s&w sights
Using 180gr sjhp at full power.
All my friends hate that revolver.
A guy shot a snake with it a few years ago and said if that was all I had he would just get bit it would hurt less

LOL It really was a great gun at that time to carry on the trapline in winter in November because it didn't weigh anything, and most bears are usually hibernating in November. But, on occasion you'd run into an underfed 2-3yr old or a moose that got sporty. But, honestly a 10mm striker that can take abuse is a better sled gun. But it super sucked to shoot with Buffalo Bore hardcast plus loads. So yeah, I'm sure I'd just "love" yours.

475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger are super easy to download. Just use Unique or Titegroup instead of H110.

 

[Jefferry404]

well, spring has sprung here (at least the birds and deer think so...) so tuning up my guns
and thought folks might like to see 7.5" Model83 44 mag with 5.5" Model 97 41 mag.
I moved the red dot to the 97 as fits the "petitness" and scope to the 83, since it is long anyway.

i must say happy with the scope mount and the scope turrets adjusted nicely.

Will try side carry the guns (Diamond D holster with redot cutout coming soon)
and the FA holster.

 

[ldmay375]

I came very close to getting a 480 ruger back when cdnn had them down to around 400$
I just didn’t I had never shot a 480
And had a very bad dislike of the 500
Smith
And I don’t like buying a gun before I have seen it.

From shooting a 4-5/8" Ruger Bisley 454 Casull with 360 gr Buffalo Bore, and a 4-5/8" Ruger Bisley 480 Ruger with 410 grain Buffalo Bore, at the same range session, I am of the opinion the 454 was jumpier in my hands. I am a big fan of the 480 Ruger cartridge. I have double and single action revolvers in 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 480 Ruger, and single actions in 475 Linebaugh. I like them all, but maybe the 480's the most. I am by no means a handgun hunter, but do carry and shoot them. For my North America purposes, any of the above work for me. I also have a 4" including compensator 500 S&W X-frame. As suspected prior to purchase, it is more of a novelty revolver for me. Most certainly a powerful cartridge though.

 

[Flbt]

From shooting a 4-5/8" Ruger Bisley 454 Casull with 360 gr Buffalo Bore, and a 4-5/8" Ruger Bisley 480 Ruger with 410 grain Buffalo Bore, at the same range session, I am of the opinion the 454 was jumpier in my hands. I am a big fan of the 480 Ruger cartridge. I have double and single action revolvers in 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 480 Ruger, and single actions in 475 Linebaugh. I like them all, but maybe the 480's the most. I am by no means a handgun hunter, but do carry and shoot them. For my North America purposes, any of the above work for me. I also have a 4" including compensator 500 S&W X-frame. As suspected prior to purchase, it is more of a novelty revolver for me. Most certainly a powerful cartridge though.

I have stuck with the 44 mag figure it was enough for anything I am likely to run in to.
And honestly the old I get and the more arthritis shows up the more I like 44 spc and 45 acp

 

[RLP]

I picked up handgun hunting this past season. I have two X-frames and like them very much. The 350 Legend and the 460. I think the 460 is faster velocity (translate flatter shooting) then most handguns, making distances shooting less taxing. I carry them in a "gunfighter" chest rig. Both are topped with Burris 2x scopes. My furthest kills with the 460 are 73 and 65 yards. I don't think you can beat the versatility of the 460 i.e 45 Colt and 454 Casul with no cylinder change. I have also taken game with the 350 Legend and my Ruger Super Blackhawk hunter in both 44 mag and 41 mag. For what it is worth I shoot off a tripod - resting only the butt, not the barrel. I never fire any of these guns on the range or hunting without ear protection. I have recently purchased two used FA 83s in 454 Casul and 475 Linebaugh. I have a safari booked on the Easten Cape for August 2027 and I am going to attempt to take a Cape Buffalo and some plains game. Good luck to you.

 

[RLP]

I have a 6" Smith .500 that shoots great with an UltraDot. Killed lots of deer & groundhogs with it. Also have a Taurus Raging Bull .550 with a 2-6 Bushnell Elite on it. Both shoot great. Killed a 8' brown bear at 129 with a 375X with the Taurus.
Both are very heavy. When I go on any kind of dangerous game hunts I take my FA .475 Linebaugh that I killed a 5000# rhino with. A much lighter gun & pretty close to .500 power (at least for the rhino) and extremely accurate.

Please tell me what ammo you used in the 475 for the rino. Some excellent shooting above- congrats.

 

[RLP]

@Backyardsniper

I have been hunting with the 460 XVR for a
few years.
I agree with @Bush Buck re the offhand shooting characteristics of the big 'Smith.
MIne is the 10 inch version and certainly not easy to shoot accurately off-hand.
Off my rest however, they are great and very accurate.
My first kill on a mountain walk & stalk was a blesbuck at 237 yards.
For bushveld use I found the 460 to be perfectly adequate up to eland, provided handloads are used.
I do believe that a 500 in 7 or 8 inches would be a better hunting setup.
FA are terrific handguns.....cannot go wrong with them.

Regards

That is some impressive shooting!!