Brian, I never shot or handled a S&W 500.I read different opinins about the recoil. I shoot a 454 Casull and the recoil is pretty stout.I can handle it but I'm sure for others it might be to much. Now using a 500 for Home Defense. I wouldn't recommend it.If you needed to use it it would take you to long to recover from the recoil.It would penetrate walls endangering family members. I just think there are much better choices then the 500 for HD.If the 44 Spl was handful for you,I would suggest trying one before buying one.. I read on another site about Gaylans(we don't have them down here)They were sold and that's why they are getting rid of the handguns at reduced prices.I believe they said Dick's sporting goods bought them out and they don't sell handguns.We don't have Dick's sporting good here either.I read that last night on a Ruger Forum.Comments were they were well picked over,so your S&W 500 is most likely already gone.I don't want or need a S&W 500 but at that price I would have to had grabbed it.Even though it's a S&W.It would make a good trading piece.

Ruger Redhawk