Designed as a successor to the .44 Magnum, the S&W M500 was engineered to accommodate the "World's Most Powerful Handgun Bullet," the .500 S&W Magnum, which aims to surpass competitors like the .454 Casull. Following several unsuccessful foreign acquisitions and the sale of underperforming products, S&W ultimately returned to American ownership, striving to restore its reputation as a premier firearms manufacturer. The .500 round is three times more powerful than the .44 Magnum, making it less practical, yet it is utilised in hunting all North American game species.
Tanaka has meticulously reproduced this iconic revolver as a Heavyweight variant featuring the Pegasus gas system, which enhances shooting performance and maximises the potential of the original design, resulting in improved accuracy and consistent performance across varying temperatures. The Pegasus gas system utilises a revolver cylinder that serves the dual purpose of storing gas and BBs. Gas is filled at the rear of the cylinder, while a dedicated BB channel in one of the front chambers holds 11 rounds of 6mm BBs. To load each chamber, simply rotate the cylinder to insert a single BB into each of the six chambers. Once emptied, the loading process can be repeated. Like its Japanese industry counterparts, Tanaka's craftsmanship is exemplary. The smooth operation of the cylinder, trigger engagement, and hammer or cylinder release reflects an impressive level of Japanese artistry, enhanced further by its version 2 iteration of markings and design.
The M500 features a lengthy 6.5-in barrel design, comprising of an elongated tapered barrel with a quadruple ported compensator notches to mitigate the vertical recoil from the .500 Magnum. Revised as a version 2 revolver, the M500 incorporates an improved gas-efficient system, smoother operating action, along with updated S&W engravings that align with its real steel counterpart. The revolver is equipped with a round rear sight, complemented by a high-fidelity red front sight, and features a semi-wide trigger with a stopper. Additionally, the weighted Hogue-type rubber grip with a finger channel and heavy-weight resin body significantly enhance rigidity and weight. The visual design appeals to collectors, as the ABS plastic construction is not immediately discernible until handled. Furthermore, the revolver boasts robust build quality, utilising heavyweight resin melded with zinc die-cast for enhanced structural integrity and realistic weight, while operation remains remarkably smooth, with no resistance in the controls. The 6.5-inch revolver is adorned with S&W markings, enriching the ownership experience of this M500 replica.
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