Introduced in 2003 in S&W's big "X-Frame" revolver, the 500 S&W restored Smith & Wesson's title as producer of the world's most powerful handgun. Using a .500-inch bullet from a 1.6252-inch case, the 500 S&W propels a 300-grain bullet at over 2000 fps…and a 500-grain bullet at more than 1400 fps. These are astonishing handgun velocities; with suitable bullets the 500 S&W has been proven adequate for the largest game on Earth. The revolvers that handle this cartridge are large and heavy, and even then recoil is severe (if not ferocious), but with proper handling the 500 S&W is accurate as well as powerful. It is the ultimate choice for the handgun hunter in pursuit of large game...but is not everyone's cup of tea!
