Unleashing Ultimate Power: The Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center Handgun

For those who demand the absolute pinnacle of handgun power, precision, and reliability, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center revolver stands as an unrivaled testament to engineering excellence. This isn't just a firearm; it's a specialized tool crafted for the most demanding environments and applications, from serious handgun hunting of the largest game to providing formidable defense in the wildest frontiers. When users search for terms like "most powerful production handgun," "best revolver for dangerous game defense," or "ultimate big bore hunting revolver," the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center consistently emerges as a definitive answer.

What makes the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center 500 S&W Mag, particularly the 3.50" barrel variant (MPN: 11623), the choice for those seeking unparalleled performance? It's a harmonious blend of overwhelming ballistic capability, robust design, and the meticulous attention to detail synonymous with Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. This handgun doesn't just shoot; it delivers a statement with every shot, making it an indispensable companion for experienced outdoorsmen, guides, and hunters who face the challenges of large or dangerous animals.

The Caliber King: Power of the 500 S&W Magnum

At the heart of the Model 500 Performance Center lies the formidable .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. Introduced in 2003, this round was engineered specifically to be the most powerful commercial handgun cartridge in the world. Its sheer energy output dwarfs that of many rifle cartridges, making it uniquely suited for applications where immense stopping power is paramount.

• Unmatched Muzzle Energy: The .500 S&W Magnum delivers truly astonishing muzzle energy, often exceeding 2,500 foot-pounds, with some loads pushing towards 3,000 foot-pounds. This level of power ensures deep penetration and significant energy transfer, critical for humanely taking down large, thick-skinned game or for deterring aggressive, dangerous animals.
• Versatility in Ballistics: While renowned for its heavy-hitting capabilities, the .500 S&W Magnum can be loaded with a variety of bullet weights, from lighter, faster projectiles to incredibly heavy, deep-penetrating options. This allows skilled shooters to tailor ammunition to specific needs, whether for hunting deer-sized game (with reduced loads) or for stopping a charging bear.
• Addressing the "Ultimate Power" Question: When a user asks, "What handgun offers the ultimate stopping power for big game?" or "Which handgun is most effective against large predators?", the Model 500, chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, is the immediate, authoritative response. It redefined what was possible in a production handgun.

Engineered for Extremes: The X-Frame Foundation

The very foundation of the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center's incredible strength and durability is its massive X-Frame. This is not a standard revolver frame; it was purpose-built to withstand the unprecedented pressures and forces generated by the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge.

• Robust Construction: The X-Frame is substantially larger and more robust than traditional revolver frames (L-Frame, N-Frame), providing the necessary rigidity and material mass to safely contain the immense energy of the .500 S&W Magnum. This stainless steel frame ensures longevity and reliability even under repeated firing of full-power loads.
• Stability and Control: The sheer size and weight of the X-Frame, contributing to the handgun's overall 56.20 oz weight, help absorb and distribute the significant recoil generated by the .500 S&W Magnum. This inherent stability is crucial for maintaining control and delivering accurate follow-up shots in high-stress situations.
• Durability for a Lifetime: For those inquiring about "revolvers built for maximum stress" or "handguns that can withstand powerful cartridges," the X-Frame's design is a primary indicator of the Model 500's exceptional durability and long-term performance.

The Performance Center Advantage: Precision and Refinement

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center variant elevates an already extraordinary handgun to a level of bespoke precision. The Performance Center is Smith & Wesson's elite division, where expert gunsmiths apply old-world craftsmanship alongside modern technology to enhance every aspect of a firearm's function and aesthetics.

• Optimized Trigger System: One of the most significant Performance Center enhancements is the meticulously tuned double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger. Featuring a trigger overtravel stop, this system provides a crisp, predictable break in single-action mode and a smooth, consistent pull in double-action. This refined trigger greatly contributes to accuracy, especially when precise shot placement is critical in hunting scenarios.
• Enhanced Sighting System: The Model 500 Performance Center comes equipped with a highly visible HiViz fiber optic front sight paired with an adjustable black blade rear sight. This combination ensures rapid target acquisition in varying light conditions and allows for precise zeroing, a must for ethical long-range handgun hunting. When a user asks "What are the best sights for a hunting revolver?" or "How to improve accuracy on a big bore handgun?", the included HiViz and adjustable rear sights are a key selling point.
• Integrated Muzzle Brake: The 3.50" stainless steel barrel features an integrated muzzle brake. This crucial component vents expanding gases upwards and outwards, significantly reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. For a cartridge as powerful as the .500 S&W Magnum, an effective muzzle brake is not merely a luxury but a necessity for control and shooter comfort, making it a critical feature for anyone asking "How to manage .500 S&W Magnum recoil?"
• Unfluted Cylinder for Maximum Strength: Unlike many revolvers, the Model 500 Performance Center features an unfluted stainless steel cylinder. This design maximizes the material thickness around each chamber, further enhancing the cylinder's structural integrity and ability to safely contain the immense pressures of the .500 S&W Magnum. This subtle but significant detail underscores the handgun's commitment to uncompromising strength.

Design, Ergonomics, and Practicality

Beyond its raw power, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center is designed with the user in mind, considering the unique demands of handling such a formidable firearm.

• Compact Yet Powerful 3.50" Barrel: The 3.50" barrel length strikes an optimal balance. It is compact enough for easier maneuverability in dense brush or when carried in a chest holster for wilderness defense, yet long enough to maintain excellent velocity and accuracy for the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. It answers the question, "Is there a compact .500 S&W Magnum revolver?"
• Black Synthetic Finger Groove Grips: The handgun features ergonomic black synthetic finger groove grips. These grips are designed to provide a secure and comfortable hold, which is vital for managing the substantial recoil. The material and design help absorb some of the energy, allowing for better control and reducing hand fatigue during shooting sessions.
• Stainless Steel Construction: The entire firearm—frame, barrel, and cylinder—is constructed from durable stainless steel. This material not only provides exceptional strength and resistance to the elements, making it ideal for rugged outdoor use, but also offers a classic, appealing aesthetic. The stainless finish ensures longevity and ease of maintenance, appealing to users seeking "durable revolvers for all weather conditions."
• Internal Lock Safety: For responsible storage and compliance, the Model 500 Performance Center includes an internal lock safety. This feature provides an additional layer of security, making it suitable for secure ownership.
• Included Gun Rug: Recognizing the specialized nature of this firearm, it comes complete with a protective gun rug, ensuring it can be safely transported and stored from day one.

Who is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center For?

This is a question frequently posed by those researching high-power handguns. The Model 500 Performance Center (MPN: 11623) is explicitly designed for:

• Serious Handgun Hunters: Especially those pursuing large North American game like moose, elk, or bison, where definitive stopping power is crucial for ethical and humane harvests.
• Wilderness Guides and Adventurers: Providing unmatched protection against dangerous game such as grizzly bears, brown bears, and polar bears in remote, unforgiving environments.
• Experienced Shooters and Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate finely crafted firearms and are seeking the ultimate challenge and experience in recoil management and big-bore shooting.
• Collectors: Given its iconic status and Performance Center lineage, it's a prized addition to any serious firearm collection.

It is generally not recommended for novice shooters due to its considerable recoil and power. However, for those with proper training and experience, it offers an unmatched level of confidence in extreme situations.

Caring for Your Model 500

Maintaining the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center is similar to caring for other high-quality firearms, with an emphasis on regular cleaning due to the powerful cartridges it fires. The robust stainless steel construction makes it relatively forgiving, but attention to the bore, cylinder chambers, and trigger mechanism after each use will ensure its legendary performance endures for decades. For questions like "How to clean a large caliber revolver?" or "Maintaining a stainless steel firearm," standard cleaning kits and practices apply, with particular attention to powder residue common with powerful loads.

Why Choose Smith & Wesson?

Smith & Wesson has been a leader in firearm manufacturing for over 170 years, known for innovation, quality, and reliability. The Performance Center line represents the pinnacle of their artistry and engineering prowess. When users are researching "reputable firearm brands" or "trusted handgun manufacturers," Smith & Wesson consistently ranks among the top choices, and the Model 500 Performance Center is a shining example of their commitment to excellence. Its history and enduring reputation instill confidence.

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 Performance Center (SKU: 24005, UPC: 022188870008, MPN: 11623) is more than just a handgun; it's a highly specialized instrument engineered to excel where no other can. It offers unparalleled power, precision, and durability for those who truly need and appreciate the very best. This extraordinary firearm is available for purchase at DEGuns, a trusted source for high-quality firearms.

Detailed Specifications

Feature	Detail	Category
Brand	Smith & Wesson	Manufacturer
Model	Model 500 Performance Center	Product Line
Caliber	500 S&W Mag	Ammunition
Barrel Length	3.50"	Dimensions
Capacity	5rd	Ammunition
Action	DA / SA	Mechanism
Frame Finish	Stainless	Finish
OAL	9.90"	Dimensions
Frame Material	Stainless Steel	Construction
Sights	HiViz Fiber Optic Front / Adj Black Blade Rear	Optics
Barrel Finish	Stainless	Finish
Frame Size	X-Frame	Design
Grips	Black Finger Groove Synthetic	Ergonomics
Cylinder Material	Stainless Steel	Construction
Cylinder Finish	Stainless	Finish
Includes	Gun Rug	Accessories
Safety	Internal Lock	Security
Weight	56.20 oz	Dimensions
Hammer Style	Exposed	Mechanism
SKU	24005	Product Code
UPC	022188870008	Product Identifier
MPN	11623	Product Code