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 purpose-built tool for the American hunter and serious handgun enthusiast who demands authority at the range or in the field. Whether you are pursuing black bear in the dense woods of the Pacific Northwest or setting up a heavy-hitting sidearm for wild hog control in the South, this revolver delivers the energy needed to take large game with a single, well-placed shot. It is a firearm designed for those who understand that stopping power comes with responsibility, and the Raging Hunter’s engineering reflects that commitment to controlled, repeatable performance.

What This Product Is and Who It Is For

The Taurus Raging Hunter is a large-frame, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, a cartridge known for its formidable muzzle energy and deep penetration on large-bodied animals. This specific model features a two-tone finish—a matte black frame contrasted by a stainless steel barrel and cylinder—and an 8.37-inch barrel, which provides a longer sight radius and helps manage recoil through added weight. This revolver is intended for experienced shooters: hunters pursuing dangerous game or large deer species, target shooters who enjoy the challenge of heavy recoil, and collectors who appreciate a robust, American-made-style revolver built for a specific purpose. It is not a concealed carry piece due to its size and weight, but it serves as a reliable companion for backcountry trips or a dominant force at the range.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum (also accepts .500 S&W Special)
• Capacity: 5 rounds (cylinder)
• Barrel Length: 8.37 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 14.5 inches
• Weight: Approximately 56 ounces (empty)
• Finish: Two-tone: matte black carbon steel frame with satin stainless steel barrel and cylinder
• Frame Material: Carbon steel
• Grips: Rubberized with cushioned insert (Taurus Ribber Grip design)
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight with white outline; red fiber optic front sight
• Action: Double-action/single-action (DA/SA) with transfer bar safety
• Porting: Integral compensator ports (three ports on each side of the barrel)
• Safety: Transfer bar mechanism; manual cylinder release

Feature Deep-Dive

The Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum is built around a reinforced frame that Taurus calls the “Raging” platform, which uses a five-screw side plate and a thick top strap to handle the extreme pressures of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. This frame design provides a solid foundation that reduces flex during firing, contributing to consistent lock-up and improved accuracy over the life of the revolver. The 8.37-inch barrel is not simply a longer tube; it includes an integral compensator with three port slots on each side of the muzzle. These ports redirect propellant gases upward, counteracting muzzle rise and allowing for faster follow-up shots without the need for aftermarket muzzle brakes. The result is a revolver that, while still producing significant recoil, remains controllable for a trained shooter.

The two-tone finish is both functional and aesthetic. The matte black carbon steel frame reduces glare in bright outdoor conditions, while the satin stainless steel barrel and cylinder resist corrosion from moisture and sweat during long hunting days. This combination is well-suited for the varied climates across the United States, from humid swamps to arid plains. The rubberized Taurus Ribber Grip features a cushioned insert that absorbs some of the sharp recoil impulse, and the finger grooves promote a consistent hand placement. This grip design helps prevent the revolver from twisting in the hand under heavy recoil, which is a common issue with large-caliber revolvers that lack proper ergonomics.

Sighting equipment on this model is tailored for field use. The red fiber optic front sight provides a bright, high-contrast aiming point in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk when many game animals are active. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to zero the revolver with different ammunition types. The long 8.37-inch barrel gives a sight radius of over 10 inches, which aids precision at distances beyond typical handgun ranges. For a revolver of this power level, the ability to adjust sights precisely is a practical advantage when hunting at 50 to 100 yards.

The cylinder release is positioned on the left side of the frame, following traditional revolver layout, and the cylinder itself is fluted to reduce weight without compromising strength. Loading and unloading is straightforward, and the revolver features a transfer bar safety that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed. This allows for safe carry with all five chambers loaded, as the hammer rests on a solid surface. The double-action trigger pull is smooth but heavy, as expected for a magnum revolver, while the single-action pull is crisp and lighter, ideal for precise shots at distance. Taurus has refined the trigger on this generation of the Raging Hunter to reduce stacking, making it more predictable under rapid fire.

Durability is a key consideration with any .500 S&W Magnum revolver, and the Raging Hunter is built with a forged steel barrel and a heat-treated cylinder. The cylinder is machined from a single piece of stainless steel and is rated for continuous use with full-power loads. The frame’s five-screw construction adds rigidity compared to three-screw designs, which can stretch over time with heavy use. This revolver is intended for a high round count over its service life, and the materials reflect that expectation. The two-tone finish also aids in maintenance: the stainless steel components can be cleaned with standard solvents without worrying about damaging the finish, while the matte black frame resists scratching from holsters or gear.

Ideal Use Cases

Hunting: The primary use for the Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum is hunting large game. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge delivers sufficient energy for deer, elk, black bear, and wild hogs at typical handgun hunting ranges (under 100 yards). The 8.37-inch barrel provides the velocity needed for reliable expansion with hunting bullets, and the adjustable sights allow for zeroing with specific loads.

Backcountry Protection: For hikers, campers, and guides working in bear country (brown, grizzly, or black), this revolver serves as a heavy-duty defense tool. Its five rounds of .500 S&W Magnum are widely regarded as effective against large predators, and the porting helps keep the muzzle on target for a second shot if needed.

Target Shooting and Range Use: Experienced handgun shooters who enjoy the challenge of magnum recoil will find this revolver satisfying at the range. The long barrel and adjustable sights allow for precise shooting at steel targets or paper, and the robust construction handles thousands of rounds without issue. Note that .500 S&W Magnum ammunition is expensive and produces significant muzzle blast, so ear protection is essential.

Collection: As a distinct model in Taurus’s Raging series, this two-tone variant with the 8.37-inch barrel is a notable addition to any collection of large-caliber revolvers. Its specific finish and barrel length differentiate it from other .500 S&W offerings.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This revolver is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum and will also safely fire .500 S&W Special cartridges, which offer reduced recoil for practice or lighter applications. Use only factory-manufactured ammunition from reputable brands. Handloads should be kept within published pressure limits. The cylinder is not rated for .500 Auto Max or other wildcat cartridges.

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 with 8.37-inch barrel, or for similar large-frame revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 500 with comparable barrel lengths. Shoulder holsters, chest holsters (for hunting), and heavy-duty belt holsters are the most practical choices. Avoid universal-fit holsters that may not secure the revolver properly.

Accessories: The revolver does not have a rail for lights or lasers, but aftermarket scope mounts are available that attach to the top strap for adding a red dot or magnified optic. Speed loaders for .500 S&W Magnum are available from brands like HKS or Safariland, but ensure they are compatible with the Taurus cylinder. Moon clips are not required for this revolver, as it uses a standard rimmed cartridge.

Maintenance: Use standard firearm cleaning solvents and lubricants. The stainless steel barrel and cylinder are less prone to rust, but the carbon steel frame should be kept lightly oiled. The compensator ports may accumulate carbon and should be cleaned regularly to maintain performance.

FAQ

Q: Can you ship this revolver to my address in the United States?
A: We ship to licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers only. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. Once your order is placed, we will require your chosen FFL dealer’s contact information and a copy of their license. We ship to all 50 states where the firearm is legal for purchase, including Alaska and Hawaii, though additional shipping fees may apply for non-continental locations.

Q: How does the FFL transfer process work?
A: After you place your order, you will need to select a local FFL dealer who is willing to accept the transfer. Contact the dealer first to confirm they accept transfers and to ask about their fees. Provide us with the dealer’s name, address, phone number, and email, and we will send them a copy of our FFL and a request for theirs. Once we receive their license, we ship the revolver. You then complete a Form 4473 and a background check at the dealer’s location before taking possession.

Q: Does this revolver shoot .500 S&W Special ammunition?
A: Yes. The Taurus Raging Hunter 500 SW Magnum is compatible with .500 S&W Special cartridges. These rounds produce lower pressure and recoil, making them suitable for training or plinking. However, do not use .500 S&W Special ammunition in any other firearm not specifically marked for it. Always check the barrel and cylinder markings before loading.

Q: What warranty does Taurus offer on this revolver?
A: Taurus provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. It does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. To file a warranty claim, contact Taurus customer service with your serial number and proof of purchase. We recommend registering your firearm on the Taurus website