Description
The Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum with a 5.12-inch barrel and two-tone finish is a revolver built for those who face the reality of large North American game, from black bear to elk, or who simply demand a handgun capable of delivering decisive energy downrange. For the U.S. shooter who hunts in dense timber or open country, this firearm offers a practical balance of portability and stopping power. It is a tool for the serious marksman who understands that a handgun chambered in .500 S&W is not a casual purchase, but a deliberate choice for specific, high-demand applications.
What This Product Is and Who It Is For
The Taurus Raging Hunter is a large-frame, single-action/double-action revolver designed to handle the substantial recoil and chamber pressures of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. This model, with its 5.12-inch barrel, is intended for hunters pursuing medium to large game at ranges typical of handgun hunting—out to 100 yards or more with practice. It also serves the dedicated target shooter who appreciates the challenge of mastering a high-recoil platform, and the collector who values a robust, purpose-built revolver. While not suited for concealed carry due to its size and weight, it can function as a formidable home defense option for those who prioritize raw power over capacity. This revolver is for the experienced shooter who knows their limits and respects the cartridge.
Key Specifications Breakdown
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum (also accepts .500 S&W Special)
- Capacity: 5-round cylinder
- Barrel Length: 5.12 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 11.5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 53 ounces (unloaded)
- Finish: Two-tone: Matte stainless steel barrel and cylinder with a black oxide or matte black frame
- Sights: Adjustable rear sight with a red fiber optic front sight
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Grips: Rubberized, ergonomic grips with a cushioned insert for recoil management
- Action: Single-action (SA) and double-action (DA)
- Safety: Transfer bar mechanism (allows safe carry with all chambers loaded)
Feature Deep-Dive
The Raging Hunter series addresses the primary challenge of large-bore revolver shooting: managing recoil without sacrificing accuracy or durability. The 5.12-inch barrel is a deliberate compromise—shorter than a 7.5-inch hunting barrel, which improves handling in brush and reduces overall weight, yet long enough to provide a usable sight radius and adequate velocity for the .500 S&W cartridge. The barrel features a full-length underlug with a ventilated rib, which adds mass forward to dampen muzzle rise and dissipates heat during extended shooting sessions. This design helps the shooter stay on target for follow-up shots, a critical factor when hunting or engaging multiple threats.
The two-tone finish is more than cosmetic. The matte stainless steel barrel and cylinder resist corrosion from sweat, rain, or field conditions, while the black oxide frame reduces glare in bright sunlight—a practical advantage for hunters in open terrain. The frame is machined from a single piece of steel, and the cylinder is fluted to reduce weight without compromising strength. Taurus has reinforced the top strap and forcing cone area to handle the high-pressure .500 S&W loads, a common failure point in less robust designs. This revolver is built to endure thousands of rounds of full-power ammunition without loosening or timing issues.
Recoil management is further addressed through the grip design. The rubberized grips with a cushioned insert absorb a portion of the rearward impulse, while the ergonomic contour keeps the shooter’s hand correctly positioned relative to the bore axis. This reduces muzzle flip and allows for more controlled shooting in double-action mode. The transfer bar safety system is standard, meaning the revolver can be safely carried with all five chambers loaded—a necessity for hunters who may need to fire quickly. The trigger pull is smooth in single-action mode, breaking cleanly at around 4 to 5 pounds, while the double-action pull is heavier but consistent, typical of a revolver built for field use.
The sight system is a notable upgrade over standard offerings. The red fiber optic front sight provides quick acquisition in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk when game is most active. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to zero with specific ammunition loads. This is important because .500 S&W ammunition varies widely in bullet weight—from 275-grain to 700-grain loads—and point of impact shifts significantly between them. The ability to fine-tune the sights without tools gives the shooter flexibility to switch between hunting loads and practice ammunition.
Durability extends to the cylinder latch and crane assembly, which are reinforced to prevent movement under recoil. The cylinder gap is set to tight tolerances to minimize gas escape and velocity loss, while still allowing reliable rotation under heavy fouling. The barrel is cold-hammer-forged, a process that aligns the metal grain structure for consistent rifling and longer barrel life. This matters for shooters who intend to put hundreds of rounds through the revolver over years of use. The overall fit and finish are functional, not cosmetic—edges are slightly beveled to prevent snagging on holsters or clothing, and the finish is uniform without sharp transitions.
Ideal Use Cases
Hunting: This revolver is optimized for hunting medium to large game at handgun-appropriate distances. The .500 S&W Magnum delivers energy comparable to many rifle cartridges, making it suitable for deer, hogs, black bear, and even elk with proper bullet selection. The 5.12-inch barrel is short enough to carry in a chest holster or scabbard without impeding movement through thick cover.
Target Shooting: For the marksman who enjoys the discipline of heavy recoil, this revolver offers a platform for developing handgun proficiency. The adjustable sights and manageable weight allow for consistent accuracy at 25 to 50 yards, and the double-action capability adds a layer of challenge for timed drills.
Home Defense: While not the first choice for most home defense scenarios due to its size, the Raging Hunter’s five rounds of .500 S&W provide a level of terminal performance that is difficult to match. For those in rural areas where threats may include large animals, it serves as a reliable last resort.
Collecting: As a production revolver from a major manufacturer, it represents a specific era of large-bore handgun development. The two-tone finish and ported barrel options (on some models) distinguish it from standard stainless or blued revolvers.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: The revolver chambers .500 S&W Magnum and .500 S&W Special. Standard-pressure .500 Special loads are suitable for practice and reduced recoil. Full-power magnum loads from brands like Hornady, Federal, and Underwood are recommended for hunting. Avoid using .500 S&W ammunition with excessively heavy bullets (over 700 grains) unless the revolver is specifically rated by Taurus for such loads.
- Holsters: The 5.12-inch barrel length fits most large-frame revolver holsters designed for 5- to 6-inch barrels. Look for holsters specifically listed for the Taurus Raging Hunter or Smith & Wesson Model 500 with similar barrel length. Chest holsters from Diamond D or Simply Rugged are common choices for hunting.
- Accessories: Scope mounts are available from Taurus and aftermarket suppliers for red dot or magnified optics. The ventilated rib on the barrel accepts standard scope base rings. Speedloaders for the Raging Hunter are available from HKS and 5-Star Firearms, though reload speed is secondary for a hunting revolver.
- Maintenance: The revolver should be cleaned after each range session, particularly the cylinder face and barrel forcing cone, which accumulate lead and copper fouling. Lubricate the cylinder crane and ejector rod with a light gun oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this revolver be shipped to my address in the U.S.?
Yes, we ship to all 50 states, but only to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. We cannot ship directly to a residential address. Upon purchase, you will need to provide the FFL dealer’s contact information. We will verify the license and ship the revolver to that dealer for your transfer.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will contact you for your chosen FFL dealer’s details. You must confirm that the dealer is willing to accept the transfer. We ship the revolver to them via a common carrier. You then visit the dealer, complete the ATF Form 4473, and pass a NICS background check. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our price. We do not handle the background check.
3. What ammunition does this revolver use?
This revolver is chambered for .500 S&W Magnum. It will also safely fire .500 S&W Special ammunition, which has lower pressure and velocity. Do not use .500 S&W Magnum ammunition in firearms not rated for it. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Reloaded or handloaded ammunition may void the warranty and should be used with caution.
4. Does Taurus offer a warranty on this revolver?
Taurus provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm, but it does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or use of non-standard ammunition. You must register the warranty with Taurus after purchase. For specific warranty claims, contact Taurus customer service directly.
5. What is your return policy for this firearm?
Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been shipped from our facility. If the revolver arrives damaged or with a manufacturing defect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will work with Taurus to resolve the issue under warranty. All sales are final after the FFL transfer is initiated. We recommend inspecting the revolver at your dealer before completing the transfer.
This Taurus Raging Hunter .500 S&W Magnum revolver is available now for U.S. customers. We ship to your chosen FFL dealer with full compliance with federal and state laws. If you have questions about availability or the ordering process, contact our team. Place your order through our secure checkout to begin the transfer.
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