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I'd go with the 4" 500, provided you used the money savings to also buy a 22 pistol for lots of practice.  Handguns are tough to shoot well, and the only answer is practice.  You'll shoot more and learn more of the basics shooting a 22 rather than the 500, so start with that and graduate up to the 500 after you get control of the 22.

The loss of power for the shorter barrel isn't going to amount to recylced beans in a bad situation, while the shorter barrel makes it easier to carry, and therefore you are more likely to have it along if you get into a bad situation.

The 4" 500 weighs close to 5 pounds, and that was a bigger factor for me in daily carry.  I got rid of mine and went back to  my trusted old  ported 4" 629.  It weighs about half as much as the 500, so it's really easy to carry.  I shoot it very well, so I'm not concerned about the loss of power.  In fact, I strongly believe a good hit with a smaller caliber is much more effective than a rotten hit with a larger caliber.

Enjoy the 4" 500, but don't forget to buy the 22 also, then shoot the dickens out of it.

Message Thread:

• Ok another question before i leave on the .500 S&W jssbastiat Jun 28 2005
  • 500 BrownBear Jun 28 2005