I've got a model 28 .357 with a 4" barrel shoots great and i've never had a problem with it. But i've seen alot of posts where not to many guys like the S&W fill me in whats the problem with them. I ask because i like the looks of there new model 500 in S&W 500 magnum.

A lot of people gripe about Smith and Wesson because they signed an agreement with the Clinton White House. This agreement basically severly restricted the sale of Smith and Wesson handguns to civilians. Before the agreement could be implemented, Thompkins LLC, which owned S&W at that time and was responsible for signing the agreement, sold S&W at a huge loss. Then new owner, Safe-T-Hammer, has not implemented the agreement. Several people have pointed out that the new company has not destroyed the agreement either.

Many people also point to the declining quality of S&W firearms. I cannot argue with this, S&W has turned out a number of handguns with obvious quality control problems.

The structual design of the 44 mag is inferior to the structual design of other manufacturers. A large part of the inferiority is the smaller frame and thinner top strap used by S&W. Also, the S&W uses a side plate to access the internals. This side plate provides little or no support against the pressure generated by the fired bullet. I've owned my S&W 629 Classic (44 Mag) for 7 years now. It is still very accurate; however, there is a noticeable amount of slack in the cylinder that wasn't there when it was new. The top strap is also being etched out by the gasses that escape around the forcing cone. On the plus side, the S&W has a great trigger. The only factory revolver with a better trigger that I've seen is the Colt Python (357). The manufacturers of some 44 mag bullets recommend use in only Ruger and Thompson firearms. I think Garrett is one of these bullet manufacturers. The S&W 500 apears to me to be of the same basic design as the 629 classic (with side plate).

I have a 4" M629 that is wonderful. However, I don't use a lot of full-power loads in it. Mine was made before the re-engineering that improved the model.

As to the S&W sell-out to the Clintonistas. Neither current management NOR the current occupiers of the executive mansion (aka White House) are honoring/pursuing that agreement. In effect they've both agreed it is what we think it is, crap.

Quality control has been the S&W problem for 25 years. Tanoose , that .500 weighs 72 ozs ! If you get that you might as well put wheels on it and if you're hunting catskill mtn deer its far more than you need.