i am leaning twards getting the 500s&w but the only thing now is which one? what is the advantages and disadvantages of each? which do you own? i am thinking of 5 or 6 inch barrel.

I own both the 4 inch ( five with comp ) and 8 inch SW 500. Take it from me the 4 inch is no fun at all to shoot. I have let other experienced handgunners shoot it and they agree. On the other hand the 8 inch version is OK for 20 to 25 rounds.

I would not worry about the quality issue as neither the Raging Bull os SW will be shot enough to come loose. I like SW better because I was ruined long ago on Tarus lack of QC but I think it is better now. Were I you I would go to the gunshop and do a side-side compairson and chose which ever felt better in my hands.

I have taken 2 bison with my 8 inch 500 using the Cor-Bon 440 gn load, impressive wound track for a handgun.......JJ

I own both the 4 inch and 8 inch. For carrying day to day I like the 4 inch. The 4 inch is compensated and the 8 inch is not, recoil is very similar.

If you plan on shooting monster bullets, get the X-Frame.....the Raging Bull has a shorter cylinder.

Lee Martin
http://www.singleactions.com

i do plan on shooting monster bullets, 600 grains to be more specific, so the raging bull cant do this? how far out of the top of the case can you go in the bfr, s&w and raging bull? anyone know? thanks

With my S&W 500 I can shoot the 500 gr bullets at 1420 fps. These bullets are jacketed I don't like to shoot pure lead bullets. I can also shoot the 400 gr bullets at 1620 fps.

i should say is what is the oal you can do in these three guns?

Had a chance to handle the long barreled 500 in bear camp last weekend. I was surprised at how well it handled. It's no belt gun to be sure but it is much livelier than say a Colt Walker - long the gold standard of oversize overweight pistols.

Have you considered a barrel for your Encore instead? Depending on who you work with you might pick your length, contour, twist, throat, and comp. If you really want to play with the long heavies you could get an SSK 50/70 (a true fifty) with quick twist and long throat and shoot BMG bullets. Good hunting!

I have a 4 inch and a 8 3/8 inch S&W500. You will not be disappointed with the S&W. The raging bull does not even come close to the S&W 500. JMHO. I love shooting the 440 to 575 gr. bullets from my 500 mag, the raging bull won't even come close to that weight.