Top Gun [Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum]

Popular Mechanics ^ | 2003 | CHRIS CHRISTIAN

[tracer]

Buy this fine weapon and just say that the Devil-in-flannel-underwear made you do it....

[Mr. Mojo]

I gots to know!

Or "who's 'we', sucka?"

[Quilla]

I have that exact gun wrapped and under the tree for my husband. The box is so large, he doesn't have a clue there is a handgun in there. I bought 2 boxes of ammo, 12 in each box, at $50 per box. Wow. When I picked the gun up, I was given a warning to pass on to my husband. They recommend he replace the grips as they have a tendency to cut the web between the thumb and forefinger when fired. That'll be his call. It is one big gun.

[Mr. Mojo]

might as well pack your 870.

Exactly. The largest handgun I like to carry is a 40 oz. 1911 .45 ACP. If I'm going to need anything with more power, I carry a rifle or 12 gauge.

[Shooter 2.5]

fiveshooter uses Past shooting gloves and a little device from Brownell's that called a "Finger Eez". It will save his finger from the rearward motion of the trigger guard.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7393&title=FINGER+EEZ

I hope you bought a recent manufactured one like I suggested. It may save him some frustration.

[Quilla]

Yes, I mentioned your suggestion at the time of order and was told is was indeed recently manufactured. Tijeras_Slim also recommended shooting gloves. I've called and located some and will pick up a pair on my way home from the office. Is there anything I should know about these gloves, cause frankly, I've never heard of them. Thank you all for your kind assistance.

[Travis McGee]

I think I will have to get one just to have it.

I think 98% of the sales of this gun will be based on that reason.

Which is as good as any reason!

[Shooter 2.5]

Past shooting gloves are designed to minimize recoil and protect against the sharp edges that some guns have.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/PAST/ShootingGloves.asp

Some gloves only protect the hands from sharp edges, like my tactical gloves. The tac gloves are very thin but cut down on wind chill and protect the web of my hand from the sharp safeties I have on my 1911.

When I didn't know better, I thought having rubber grips would help. Nope. What would happen is the rubber would grip my hand and then the recoil would stretch the skin. Not a very good arrangement. Notice that a lot of high recoil guns have smooth grips like fiveshooter's David Clement's 500 Limbaugh that was posted earlier. Those grips alone cost 300 dollars.

[verity]

Realisticly, if it's not suitable for concealed carry, I might as well lug along my 12-gauge

I hear trombone cases are not that expensive. ;~)

[Shooter 2.5]

I'm glad you bought the recently manufactured one. He should get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I would suggest your husband makes sure the cylinder is fully locked after each shot until he's comfortable with it.

I forgot to mention that I really stay as far as I can from these monsters. I have shot a few Casulls but unless I have a weak moment and I'm having a good day, I normally stay away.

[wjcsux]

S&W has been sold to a gun friendly outfit in Phoenix.

[yarddog]

I wouldn't mind having one but I can think of a lot of other guns I would rather sink nearly a thousand dollars in.

I personally think the S&W model 29 with a six inch barrel is about the perfect compromise of power, recoil, and carrying. A Ruger super blackhawk is nice too. The redhawk is also nice but just a little too big and heavy.

Recoil doesn't really bother me that much but a .44 mag is about as much as I like.

[TEXASPROUD]

I've been reading about all these big ass hand cannons, but thought you might be interested in the little wimpy gun I got for myself. Even though I already have a 4 5/8th" and 7.5" Ruger Bisley in .45 Colt, I got a 4 3/4" Uberti .45 Colt "Regulator". It is residing in a Tom Threeperson's holster from El Paso Saddlery. The color case-hardening is nice as is the blueing. This one will be my Cowboy Gun, light standard loads only. The Rugers get the warm stuff. Hell it was only $300 at McClellands, and they were right next to the $1300 Colt SAA's. Christmas present to myself. By the way Robert will be home for Christmas. That is my real present for Christmas, having him home from Baghdad.
BTW Squantos, I think CZ may have the .458 Lott coming out, you might want to look at it.
Keep your powder dry

[Shooter 2.5]

If you have any time during the Christmas holidays, we should get down to the River.

I have a stess test scheduled the 22nd but I think I might pass it this time.

[BooBoo1000]

I have been shooting a S/W 44 Special for years. I got the recipe from Elmer Keith, and he ordered a 4 cavity mold for me and it has worked without a hitch. The only problem is that after I shoot a box of shells with Elmer's receipe, I have to go to my resident Dentist and have my fillings tightened up. No Lie/ I ain't shooting no 50 caliber nothing. Did enough of that in Korea with a 50 cal Machine Gun..

[Shooter 2.5]

You knew Elmer Keith? That is so great.

A couple of my buddies live in Libby, Montana and they continue to meet people who knew him. I never had the pleasure.

[harpseal]

Well a .454 or a .500 is a way to decline a Brown Bear's invitation to dine. The .45 Coltis hardly a wimy cartidge.

[Delta 21]

You just let me know if that husband of yours doesnt show the proper appreciation. I'll smack him!

This is from one of my retired army turned "Postal" employee buddies had to say about his first shooting one. Keep in mind he is 6'2 and runs around 240.:

I've had the pleasure of shooting one - one shot. ($$$ per round, as you might expect)

It's way too much gun for most people and I see its' only practical use for either hunting or perhaps long range target shooting. But if you want one, why not!?

Having said that, it was way cool and a hoot to shoot. I shot it 2 handed, but those of us used to recoil could probably stand a few rounds one handed. Ya won't go to the range and shoot 2 or 3 boxes of ammo at a time, tho! That bruiser will kick yer ass if you're not careful.

[Delta 21]

I've been looking at the 1873 Frontier Marshall Single Action Revolver in .45 Colt. It looks a lot like the Bisley with a 5 1/2" barrel and a brass backstrap. There is a SASS club just down the road. Lever actions, coach guns, authentic western dress, the whole enchilada!

[templar]

. It fits nicely inside a box of 100mm cigarettes.

Do they still make those things into a belt buckle?

BTW, in Denver about 10 years ago a little old lady used one of those to ward off a couple of young gangsters trying to take her money in a parking garage. If I remember the incident correctly, they approached her and demanded five bucks, She replied, as she reached into her purse and pulled the little thing out " You want five? Well... I'll give you five!". She won.