Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum Two-Tone Revolver with 8.37-Inch

Description

The Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum Two-Tone Revolver with 8.37-Inch barrel is a serious tool for shooters who need controlled, repeatable power in a package built for the field or the range. Whether you are tracking large game in dense brush, working up heavy handloads at the bench, or securing your rural property, this revolver delivers the energy of the .500 S&W Magnum without punishing your hands. It is engineered for the American shooter who demands reliability and comfort from a high-pressure magnum platform.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Taurus Raging Hunter is a large-frame, double-action revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum. It is designed for shooters who need a handgun capable of taking down North America’s largest game, including bear, elk, and moose, at reasonable distances. This revolver is also an excellent choice for handgun hunters who prefer a scoped or open-sight setup, as well as for reloaders who want a robust cylinder and frame to handle heavy loads. It is not a concealed carry piece due to its size and weight; rather, it is a purpose-built hunting and field revolver. Collectors will also appreciate the two-tone finish and the distinctive Raging Hunter styling, which sets it apart from standard stainless or blued models.

Key Spec Breakdown

• Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum (also accepts .500 S&W Special)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Barrel Length: 8.37 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 14.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 58 ounces (unloaded)
• Finish: Two-tone – matte black frame with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder
• Frame Material: Steel
• Grips: Taurus Ribber grip – soft rubber with finger grooves
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight with a red fiber-optic front sight
• Action: Single-action / double-action (SA/DA) with a ported barrel and compensator
• Safety: Transfer bar system
• Includes: Plastic case, cable lock, manual

Feature Deep-Dive

The 8.37-inch barrel on the Raging Hunter is ported with a built-in compensator, which redirects propellant gases upward to counter muzzle rise. This system is particularly effective with full-power .500 S&W Magnum loads, allowing for faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The compensator is machined directly into the barrel shroud, not a bolt-on accessory, ensuring consistent performance and durability over thousands of rounds.

The two-tone finish is both functional and visually distinct. The matte black frame reduces glare in bright field conditions, while the stainless barrel and cylinder resist corrosion from moisture and sweat. This combination is ideal for hunters who operate in rain, snow, or humid environments, as the stainless components are easier to clean and maintain. The contrast also helps with quick sight alignment in low-light conditions, as the light-colored barrel draws the eye forward.

Taurus’s Ribber grip technology is a standout feature on this heavy-recoiling revolver. The soft rubber insert covers the backstrap and features finger grooves that naturally position your hand. The material absorbs a significant portion of the recoil energy, reducing the sharp sting common with large magnums. This grip is also slightly wider than standard revolver grips, which helps distribute recoil across a larger palm area, making the Raging Hunter more controllable than many competitors in the same caliber.

The cylinder is fluted and features a PVD-coated finish for added wear resistance. The flutes reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity, and the coating helps prevent galling during high-volume shooting. The cylinder gap is set to factory specifications that balance velocity with gas seal, and the crane is reinforced to handle the torque generated by the .500 S&W cartridge. The cylinder release is a standard push-button design, but it is oversized for gloved-hand operation.

The adjustable rear sight is a white outline design that pairs with a bright red fiber-optic front. This combination is fast to acquire in daylight and offers enough adjustment for zeroing at 25, 50, or even 100 yards with heavy loads. The front sight is dovetailed and can be swapped for alternative heights if you plan to mount an optic via the included scope base. The top strap is drilled and tapped for a Taurus-compatible scope mount, which is sold separately.

Internally, the Raging Hunter uses a transfer bar safety system, meaning the hammer cannot contact the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully rearward. This allows for safe carry with all five chambers loaded, as long as the hammer is down. The double-action trigger pull is smooth but heavy, typical for a large-frame revolver, while the single-action pull is crisp and light, ideal for precision shots in a hunting scenario. The hammer spur is serrated and easy to cock under stress or with gloves.

Ideal Use Cases

Hunting: This is the primary role for the Raging Hunter. The 8.37-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for ethical shots on large game out to 75–100 yards. The ported barrel and Ribber grip allow for quick second shots if needed. It is well-suited for bear defense in Alaska or the Rockies, as well as for deer hunting in states that permit handgun hunting.

Range Shooting: The weight and compensator make this revolver pleasant to shoot with standard .500 S&W loads. It is a popular choice for handgun hunters who want to practice with their carry load, and it attracts attention at any public range. The adjustable sights and scope-ready top strap also make it viable for metallic silhouette competitions.

Home Defense (Rural): For those living in bear or mountain lion country, this revolver can serve as a bedside gun for large animal threats. The five-round capacity is adequate for a defensive scenario, and the .500 S&W Magnum is one of the few handgun rounds capable of stopping a charging bear. It is not recommended for urban home defense due to overpenetration risks.

Collecting: The two-tone finish and Raging Hunter lineage make this a distinctive addition to any revolver collection. It pairs well with other Taurus Raging series firearms and is a conversation piece at gun shows.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This revolver is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum and also safely fires .500 S&W Special cartridges. Do not use .500 S&W Magnum ammunition in any other firearm not rated for it. Use only factory new or properly reloaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as Hornady, Federal, or Underwood.

Holsters: Due to the 8.37-inch barrel and large frame, holster options are limited. Look for holsters specifically made for the Taurus Raging Hunter or for the Smith & Wesson Model 500 with 8.375-inch barrel, as dimensions are similar. Chest holsters and bandolier-style holsters are popular for field carry. Expect custom leather or Kydex options from makers like Simply Rugged or Diamond D.

Mags & Accessories: This revolver does not use detachable magazines. Spare moon clips are available for .500 S&W from Taurus and aftermarket sources, but they are not required for normal operation. The included scope base is compatible with Taurus-branded rings and many aftermarket one-inch rings. A cleaning kit with a .50-caliber bore brush and patches is recommended.

Parts: Replacement grips, front sights, and springs are available through Taurus customer service or third-party vendors like Wolff Gunsprings. The Ribber grip can be removed for cleaning or swapped for a wood grip if desired, though wood grips will transmit more recoil.

FAQ

1. Can you ship this revolver to my home address in the U.S.?
No. Federal law requires that all handguns purchased from a licensed dealer be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in your state. We will ship the Taurus Raging Hunter to the FFL dealer you select during checkout. You must be at least 21 years old and pass a NICS background check to take possession.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After your order is placed, we will contact your chosen FFL to confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. We then ship the revolver to them via a licensed carrier. You will receive tracking information. Once the firearm arrives, you visit the FFL, complete the ATF Form 4473, and undergo a background check. Transfer fees are set by the receiving FFL and are not included in our price.

3. Can I shoot .500 S&W Special ammunition in this revolver?
Yes. The Raging Hunter is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum, but it can safely fire .500 S&W Special ammunition. The Special case is shorter, so accuracy may vary slightly, but it is a good option for reduced-recoil practice. Do not attempt to fire any other cartridge in this revolver.

4. What warranty does Taurus offer on this revolver?
Taurus provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. Warranty service is handled directly by Taurus USA. We recommend registering your revolver on the Taurus website after purchase to streamline any future claims. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or improper ammunition.

5. What is your return policy for firearms?
All firearm sales are final. We cannot accept returns on handguns due to ATF regulations and safety concerns. If your revolver arrives with a defect, we will work with you and Taurus to facilitate a warranty repair or replacement. Please inspect the firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer. If you have questions about fit or features, contact us before purchasing.

Closing CTA

This Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum Two-Tone Revolver with 8.37-Inch barrel is in stock and ready to ship to your local FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We are a licensed FFL retailer and ship to all 50 states where legal. Add it to your cart, select your preferred FFL during checkout, and we will handle the rest. For questions about compatibility or shipping, contact our team—we are here to help.