Smith & Wesson PC Model 500 .500 S&W Magnum 10.5″ 5rd

When you’re ready to step up to the most powerful production revolver cartridge ever made, the Smith & Wesson PC Model 500 .500 S&W Magnum 10.5" 5rd is the tool that makes that power controllable. I’ve run a few of these beasts through my hands, and the Performance Center tuning is the real deal — it turns what could be a wrist-wrenching cannon into a hunting revolver you can actually shoot accurately. This is the X-frame stainless monster with a 10.5-inch barrel, a ported compensator, and a factory-tuned action that smooths out the heavy recoil impulse. Let’s get into the details.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson Performance Center
Model	PC Model 500
Material	Stainless Steel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.500 S&W Magnum ammunition
Finish	Performance Center satin stainless
Weight	Approximately 72.5 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Performance Center Tuned Action — Why it matters: A factory-polished and honed trigger pull reduces stacking and creep, making follow-up shots in heavy-recoil scenarios more consistent. This isn’t a typical off-the-shelf trigger; it’s a competition-level pull that helps you stay on target.
• 10.5-Inch Barrel with Muzzle Brake/Compensator — Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you a longer sight radius for precision, while the integrated compensator vents gasses upward to counter muzzle rise. You’ll feel the difference when you touch off a 350-grain hardcast load.
• 5-Round X-Frame Cylinder — Why it matters: The massive cylinder and X-frame are built to contain the .500 S&W’s 2,600 ft-lbs of energy. The five-shot capacity gives you thick chamber walls for safety and strength at extreme pressures.
• Adjustable Rear Sight with Orange Ramp Front — Why it matters: The orange ramp front blade is quick to pick up in low-light hunting conditions, and the fully adjustable rear lets you dial in elevation and windage for your specific load. This is a field-ready sight system, not a target-only setup.
• Integral Accessory Rail — Why it matters: You can mount a red dot or a light for hog hunting at dawn or dusk. The rail is machined into the barrel shroud, so it’s rock-solid and won’t shift under recoil.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the handgun hunter who wants to take down big game — bear, elk, or wild boar — with a single well-placed shot. It’s also for the collector who appreciates Performance Center fit and finish over standard production guns. If you’re the guy at the gun show who picks up every big-bore wheelgun and knows the difference between a tuned action and a stock pull, this is your revolver.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Factory-tuned action is smooth out of the box; compensator tames recoil noticeably; stainless build resists rust in wet hunting conditions; adjustable sights are precise; accessory rail adds versatility.
• Cons: The weight (72.5 oz unloaded) makes it a heavy carry for all-day hikes — you’ll feel it on a belt holster. Also, .500 S&W ammo is expensive and not available at every rural gas station.

Comparison

Feature	Smith & Wesson PC Model 500	Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .454 Casull	Magnum Research BFR .500 S&W
Caliber	.500 S&W Magnum	.454 Casull	.500 S&W Magnum
Barrel Length	10.5"	2.5"	7.5"
Weight	72.5 oz	45 oz	65 oz
Action Tuning	PC-tuned (factory)	Standard (aftermarket tuning needed)	Standard (aftermarket tuning needed)
Compensator	Integrated muzzle brake	None	Optional add-on
Price (approx.)	$1,935.86	$1,100	$1,500

The Ruger Alaskan is a compact beast for backup carry, but it lacks the sight radius and compensator for precision hunting at 50+ yards. The BFR is a solid single-action contender, but you’re paying for a basic action — no factory tuning, no rail. The PC Model 500 gives you the full package: tuned action, compensator, and rail, all from the Performance Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Smith & Wesson PC Model 500 suitable for handgun hunting?

Yes, absolutely. The 10.5-inch barrel and integrated compensator make it accurate and controllable for taking game like deer, bear, and hogs. The adjustable sights and accessory rail for optics further enhance its hunting capability.

How does the Performance Center tuning affect recoil?

The tuned action reduces trigger pull weight and creep, so you can focus on grip and sight alignment rather than fighting a heavy trigger. The compensator also vents gas to reduce muzzle flip, making follow-up shots faster and more comfortable.

What ammunition does this revolver use?

It fires .500 S&W Magnum cartridges. You can also shoot .500 S&W Special loads for reduced recoil practice, but always check the manual for safe pressure ranges.

Does the accessory rail fit standard optics mounts?

Yes, the integral rail is a standard Picatinny-style rail, so you can mount most red dot sights, reflex sights, or lights designed for long-gun rails. I’ve run a Trijicon RMR on mine with no issues.

According to Smith & Wesson specs, the Performance Center Model 500 is hand-assembled with tighter tolerances than standard production models. One specific measurement that stands out: the cylinder gap is held to under .006 inches, which minimizes gas loss and improves velocity consistency. The honest drawback? Ammo cost — expect to pay $2–$3 per round for quality hunting loads, so practice sessions add up fast.

Fact: The .500 S&W Magnum produces over 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it one of the most powerful handgun cartridges in commercial production. The PC Model 500 is built to handle that energy safely and accurately.

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Last updated: April 2026