The .500 S&W Magnum is among the most powerful production revolver cartridges ever made, introduced in 2003. A very large, heavy big-bore round, it is used for handgun hunting of large game, defense against dangerous animals, and recreational shooting.

The .500 S&W Magnum was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, developed specifically to create the most powerful production revolver cartridge of its time, chambered in a large, purpose-built revolver. It was designed to push handgun power to an extreme, giving hunters and enthusiasts a revolver cartridge capable of taking the largest game. Ballistically the .500 S&W fires a very large, heavy bullet — commonly 350 to 500 grains — at high velocity for a handgun, producing energy far beyond standard magnum revolver cartridges and deep penetration suited to the largest animals. That power is matched by extremely heavy recoil and muzzle blast, and the revolvers built for it are correspondingly large and heavy to manage it. It is decidedly a specialist's cartridge rather than an everyday round. Its primary roles are handgun hunting of large and dangerous game and defense against large animals in the field, along with recreational shooting by enthusiasts drawn to its sheer power. Ammunition is expensive and specialized, consistent with the cartridge's extreme positioning. Today the .500 S&W Magnum is used for large-game handgun hunting, defense against large animals, and recreational shooting, with availability centered on the large revolvers built for it. Its standing among the most powerful production revolver cartridges is why it occupies the far high-power end of the handgun spectrum.

General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.