S&W 500 500SW 8.38″ AS 5-SHOT – STAINLESS STEEL RUBBER

Few handguns demand this much respect at the range bench. The S&W Model 500 in 500 S&W Magnum, with an 8.38-inch barrel on the X-frame, is built for hunters and serious magnum shooters who want the most powerful production revolver S&W makes. TacticCAL carries it as a DOJ Roster listed handgun.

Hunting Season and Long-Range Handgun Work: Who Reaches for the X-Frame

The Model 500 with an 8.38-inch barrel is a hunting handgun first. The longer tube extracts maximum velocity from the 500 S&W Magnum cartridge, and the adjustable rear sight paired with an interchangeable front sight lets you dial in a specific load at a specific distance — useful when you're shooting at game rather than paper. The X-frame designation reflects a purpose-built platform sized to contain this cartridge's pressure, not a standard frame stretched to fit. The rubber grip and 71.9-ounce weight manage recoil to a degree, but this is still a demanding round. Buyers typically come from the handgun hunting community, silhouette shooters, or collectors building a serious magnum shelf. Roster listed, so no transfer complications. See our CA compliant firearms catalog.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 500 S&W Magnum practical for handgun hunting in California, and what should I know about ammo availability?

Yes — the 500 S&W Magnum is a legal hunting cartridge in California for deer and larger game. Ammo is available but not shelf-common; plan to source it before your hunt. Federal and Speer both produce loads in this caliber worth evaluating.

The specs show this revolver is drilled and tapped — does that mean I can mount an optic?

Drilled and tapped means the frame is machined to accept scope rings or a base. However, verified specs note optic-ready as 'No,' so confirm mount compatibility with the specific base you intend to use before purchasing rings.

What's a realistic plan for the 10-day wait period with a handgun this specialized?

Use the time to source 500 S&W Magnum ammunition — supply varies, so ordering ahead makes sense. Also plan a CA-compliant locked transport container for range days, and if this is going in a safe at home, confirm your storage setup can handle a nearly 72-ounce revolver.

Can I transfer ammo through an FFL in Sunnyvale?

Yes — TacticCAL processes ammunition shipments from online sellers under California's ammunition eligibility check requirements.

Where is the closest FFL dealer to Santa Clara, Mountain View, or Palo Alto?

TacticCAL Gun Store in Sunnyvale is a short drive from Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Palo Alto, serving the South Bay as a full-service FFL dealer for transfers and DROS.

How much does an FFL transfer cost in Sunnyvale?

See our pricing and fees page at https://tacticcalgunstore.com/pricing-and-fees/ for current FFL transfer rates — TacticCAL keeps fees flat and transparent. Browse all §32100 exempt single-action revolvers we stock.

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