S&W 500 PERFORMANCE CENTER – 500SW 3.5″ 5-SH AS SS RUBBER

At 69.9 ounces with a 3.5-inch barrel chambered in 500 S&W Magnum, this Performance Center revolver is built for hunters and handgun silhouette shooters who want maximum cartridge in a more packable frame. TacticCAL carries it as a DOJ Roster listed handgun, ready for California buyers.

When You're Hunting Hogs or Shooting Steel at Distance

The buyer for this revolver usually has a specific job in mind: handgun hunting, metallic silhouette competition, or a backcountry sidearm where stopping power matters more than concealability. The 3.5-inch stainless steel barrel keeps the package shorter than a full hunting-length tube while the PC tuned action and trigger overtravel stop reward deliberate, accurate shooting. The HiViz fiber optic front sight and white outline adjustable rear sight give you a fast, high-contrast sight picture in field conditions. The unfluted cylinder and rubber grip are functional choices for a heavy-recoiling cartridge. A gun rug is included. For field carry, a Safariland or Galco holster designed for large-frame revolvers is worth sourcing before pickup. Looking at DOJ Roster certified handguns? Here's what we carry.

Frequently asked questions

How does the 3.5-inch barrel version of the S&W 500 compare to longer-barreled models for hunting use?

The shorter barrel reduces muzzle velocity compared to 6.5- or 8-inch versions but makes the revolver significantly easier to holster and carry in the field. For shots inside 50 yards on large game, the 3.5-inch configuration is a reasonable trade-off.

What does 'PC tuned action' actually mean on this revolver?

Smith & Wesson's Performance Center hand-fits and tunes the action at their facility. Combined with the trigger overtravel stop, the result is a cleaner, more consistent trigger pull than a standard production revolver — relevant for precision work at distance.

What should I have ready before starting the DROS purchase at TacticCAL?

You'll need a valid Firearm Safety Certificate before initiating the DROS. The FSC must already be in hand at the time of purchase — it cannot be obtained during the 10-day wait. After DROS submission, use the wait to source 500 S&W Magnum ammunition and a CA-compliant locked transport container.

How long is the California firearm waiting period?

California requires a 10-day waiting period from when DROS is submitted until you can take possession of the firearm.

Does TacticCAL help with CA compliant firearms?

Yes — TacticCAL specializes in California-compliant handguns from the DOJ Roster and PC §32100 exempt single-action revolvers.

What is an FFL transfer in California?

An FFL transfer is when a federally-licensed dealer like TacticCAL receives a firearm shipped from another seller and processes California's required DROS paperwork to legally transfer it to you. First-time buyer? See California gun-buyer FAQ.

TacticCAL Gun Store Sunnyvale CA is your Bay Area FFL transfer dealer for California compliant handguns — same-day DROS Sunnyvale processing for Cupertino and South Bay buyers.