Description
When Smith & Wesson built the X-Frame back in 2003, they did it for one reason: to handle the .500 S&W Magnum, a cartridge capable of pushing 2,600 foot pounds of muzzle energy out of a handgun. This 4 inch version takes all that horsepower and puts it in a size that rides comfortably in a chest holster, which is exactly why it has become such a popular companion for hunters and guides working in big bear country. Full stainless steel construction on the frame, cylinder, and barrel means it can take rain, sweat, and rough weather without complaint, and the satin finish shrugs off the scuffs that come with real field use.
Taming the .500 S&W Magnum
A short barreled .500 has a reputation, but S&W did their homework here. The revolver ships with two removable muzzle compensators, one designed for lead bullet loads and one for jacketed ammunition, so you can match the brake to whatever you feed it. Pair that with the energy absorbing rubber grip and the sheer 56 ounce heft of the X-Frame, and the recoil is far more manageable than most folks expect. Plenty of owners will tell you the first cylinder is intimidating and everything after that is just plain fun.
Sights and Trigger on the Model 500
The red ramp front sight sits over a fully adjustable rear, so you can zero for your specific hunting load, and that matters a lot with a cartridge that spans everything from 275 grain plinkers to 700 grain hard cast. The single action trigger breaks clean for deliberate shots at game, while the double action pull is there if you ever need it in a hurry.
Where the S&W 500 4 Inch Earns Its Keep
This is a purpose built tool: backup protection where big animals live, handgun hunting for hogs, deer, and larger game inside reasonable ranges, and the occasional range day that turns every head on the firing line. Five rounds of .500 Magnum in a stainless package this stout is a serious piece of insurance, and it is built to last a lifetime of hard use.
Key Specifications
- Model: S&W Model 500 (X-Frame)
- Manufacturer Part Number: 163504
- UPC: 022188635041
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Single/Double Action
- Barrel Length: 4 inches
- Overall Length: 10.25 inches
- Weight (Unloaded): Approx. 56 oz
- Frame/Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Satin Stainless
- Front Sight: Red Ramp
- Rear Sight: Adjustable
- Grip: Synthetic rubber, recoil absorbing
- Safety: Internal Lock
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver
- Two removable muzzle compensators (one for lead bullet loads, one for jacketed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How bad is the recoil on the 4 inch S&W 500?
It kicks, no way around that, but it is more of a firm push than the wrist snap people expect. The 56 ounce weight, the rubber energy absorbing grip, and the muzzle compensator all work together to soak up a lot of it. Start with lighter 275 to 350 grain loads and work your way up, and most experienced handgunners handle it just fine.
Why does the Smith & Wesson 500 come with two compensators?
One compensator is designed for lead bullet ammunition and the other for jacketed bullets. Lead loads can foul a comp differently than jacketed rounds, so S&W includes both so you can match the brake to your ammo. They swap out easily, which also makes cleaning simpler.
Is the 4 inch Model 500 a good bear defense gun?
That is exactly the role this barrel length was made for. The shorter tube carries well in a chest rig while still delivering enough energy to handle the biggest bears on the continent with heavy hard cast loads. It is a favorite among guides and backcountry hunters in Alaska and the northern Rockies for that reason.
Can I hunt deer and hogs with the S&W 500 4 inch?
Absolutely, and it is arguably overqualified for both. The adjustable rear sight lets you zero for your chosen hunting load, and the single action trigger makes accurate shots at practical handgun ranges very doable. With the right bullet, this revolver will cleanly take any game animal in North America.





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