I do not have one, but I've shot three different versions of the Model 500 and own a Ruger SRH in .454 Casull for comparison.

I would say that the recoil is comparable to a non-ported .454 Casull shooting full power loads for MOST .500S&W loads in most of the guns configurations. The major exception is the 4" version of the M500, which kicks like a SOB with any loads, due mostly to the much lighter weight of the 4" revolver. The 440gr loads also recoiled a bit harder than a 300gr .454Casull, even with the muzzlebrake.

Overall, with the exception of the 4" M500 which was a handful no matter what, the M500's recoil also felt a bit less sharp than the .454 Casull, probably because of the much lower pressures at work in the 500S&W, and muzzle flip was definately less pronounced due to the brake. I believe this also has a significant effect on how the recoil feels, because the M500 recoils more straight back into the palm of ones hand, while my non-ported SRH tends to place a lot more recoil energy into the web which makes it feel heavier than it is.

Having shot the M500 I will admit that it is an impressive pistol, but not as severe in the recoil dept. as I anticipated. But I still don't believe that, even if I had the cash on hand, I would buy one. I feel that there are pistols that are just as good and effective as the M500 for a lot less money, as the M500 is just downright pricy. Secondly, the M500 doesn't offer a lot of flexability that, say, a .454 Casull does. The .454 Casull can be shot with low to mid-powered .45 Colt loads, making trips to the range for practice much less painful on the hand, ears (I forgot to mention that both the .454 and the .500 have A LOT of muzzle blast and noise, with the .500 being by far the worst of the two), and pocketbook. There are also a number of very good .45 Colt loads that are comparable to the .44Mag in power that would make excellent hunting loads without all the recoil and blast. This option simply doesn't exist with the .500S&W. The case capacity is really very large, making reduced loads problematic, which makes shooting full or near full power loads mandatory all the time. And in factory ammo for the .500 there isn't much to choose from, and it's all full tilt and expensive.

So, in summary, if it were me I wouldn't buy the M500 as I don't have the money to feed it enough ammo to get good with it, and I also don't want to only be limited to the hard hitting/kicking loads. Don't underestimate the value of a reduced power option in a hunting handgun. Practicing with .45 Colt makes me a much better shot with .454 Casull. With the .500 you don't have this option.

Mike