Description
When Smith & Wesson set out to build the most powerful production revolver in the world back in 2003, the .500 S&W Magnum needed a frame all its own. The result was the X-Frame, and this Performance Center Model 500 takes that platform and packs it into a 3.5 inch barrel that makes sense for people who hike, hunt, and fish in places where the wildlife outweighs them. At roughly 56 ounces, it carries well in a chest holster and stays out of your way until you need it.
Performance Center Touches That Matter
This is not just a short barreled 500. The Performance Center crew tunes the single and double action for a smoother, cleaner pull than you get on a standard production gun. You also get a .312 inch chrome trigger with an overtravel stop, a chrome teardrop hammer with a pinned sear, and an unfluted cylinder that gives the gun a distinct look while adding a bit of extra steel around those five massive charge holes. A muzzle brake up front takes real bite out of recoil, which you will appreciate the first time you touch off a full house magnum load through a barrel this short.
Sights and Handling on the Model 500
The HiViz fiber optic front sight glows bright in the field, and the white outline adjustable rear lets you dial in for whatever load you settle on, whether that is heavy hardcast for backcountry protection or lighter 350 grain fodder for range days. The synthetic grip soaks up recoil better than you would expect, and the glass bead stainless finish shrugs off weather and holster wear.
Who the 3.5 Inch S&W 500 Is Built For
This one is aimed squarely at guides, hunters, and anyone spending time in big bear country who wants maximum horsepower in a gun that rides comfortably all day. It ships with a Performance Center gun rug and is backed by Smith & Wesson's lifetime service policy. If you have been eyeing an X-Frame but could not picture lugging an 8 inch barrel through the brush, this is the one that solves that problem.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 11623
- UPC: 022188870008
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.5 in
- Overall Length: 9.9 in
- Action: Single/Double Action
- Frame: Stainless steel X-Frame
- Cylinder: Unfluted stainless steel
- Front Sight: HiViz fiber optic
- Rear Sight: White outline adjustable
- Trigger: .312 in chrome with overtravel stop
- Hammer: Chrome teardrop with pinned sear
- Grip: Black synthetic
- Weight: 56.8 oz
- Finish: Glass bead stainless
What’s Included
- S&W Performance Center Model 500 revolver
- Performance Center gun rug
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How bad is the recoil on the 3.5 inch Performance Center Model 500?
It is stout, no way around that, but more manageable than most people expect. The gun weighs around 56 ounces, the muzzle brake bleeds off a good chunk of the push, and the synthetic grip cushions your hand. Start with lighter 350 grain loads and work your way up, and most experienced handgunners handle it just fine.
What makes this Performance Center 500 different from a standard Model 500?
The Performance Center version gets a hand tuned single and double action, a .312 inch chrome trigger with an overtravel stop, and a chrome teardrop hammer with a pinned sear. It also wears an unfluted cylinder and ships with a Performance Center gun rug. These are the details that separate a tuned shop gun from a standard production run.
Is the 3.5 inch barrel practical for bear defense?
That is exactly what this configuration was built for. The short barrel makes the gun fast to draw from a chest holster and easy to pack on long days in the backcountry, while the .500 S&W Magnum delivers more energy than any other production revolver cartridge. Pair it with heavy hardcast loads and you have about as much stopping power as a handgun can offer.
Can the S&W Model 500 shoot anything besides full power magnum loads?
Yes, ammo makers load .500 S&W Magnum across a wide range, from milder 275 to 350 grain options up to 700 grain heavyweights. The lighter loads are far more pleasant for range practice and let you build confidence before stepping up. Just note this revolver is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum only, so match your ammo to the chambering.





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