I shot a 500 Smith today for the first time. It was loaded with 275gr barnes bullets, so not too bad. It really did feel like a hot 357 load. Heavy gun and a compensator make all the differance. 12 shots and no wrist pain. Looking forward to trying the heavier loads soon. All in all, it was pretty... AWESOME!

Ok, now try it in a 10" barreled Encore hand cannon. Hmmm, a lot different when there is no barrel/cylinder gap loss of pressure....and 300fps more velocity. Thats Awesome too. I personally think the 500 Smith revolver is too bulky/heavy and would rather be toting my 500 Linebaugh Ruger Blackhawk, with a 6" barrel and 5 shot cylinder.

I agree, it is certainly more bulky than I would want to carry. I think Smith probably went overboard for liability and maybe marketing reasons. I will probably never buy one, but it was fun to shoot.