4" model
I have the 4" model and have put 200-300 rounds through it.
I had purchased quite a bit of factory ammo and worked up a load for it using Barnes XPB 275g bullets. 5 shots at 50 yards, are in a 1.5" group with one "flyer" out at 3" using open Millett sights (I replaced the rear factory sight with a Millett - Target .360" height, all black blade).
Two Barnes 275g XPB's after going through 30" of water.
Those six pedals have almost razor-sharp edges and points!
As for recoil, the worst load I shot was a factory load 440g solid lead. That load felt like it was going to break my wrists. No other ammo has been as snappy as those loads. The 440 grain solid lead bullet went clear through a solid wood stump (approximately 16" wood). One bullet I recovered just protruding from the opposite side was perfectly intact. The hard lead would be excellent where a lot of penetration is necessary, such as in elephant, rhino, or other dangerous large game.
I am hunting black bear now and will pop a coyote if I should see one. Yesterday I took out a woodchuck with it. I snuck up on it to about 15 yards, slowly knelt down, rested my left arm on my left knee and touched it off (SA). It basically turned it inside-out with about half of it missing which went somewhere that I couldn't find (probably vaporized).
The Hogue grip from the factory is perfect. I bought a Pachmayr grip and put it on and didn't even bother firing the gun. The Pachmayr was so sloppy and loose feeling, compared to the factory Hogue, and the Pachmayr also covered some of the S&W 500 etched lettering on the side which I didn't like, so Pachmayr (actually MidwayUSA) took the grip back without any questions. I do like Pachmayr on certain guns, but not on this one.
I've found that the front compensator loosens and S&W had to send me a new black allen-type screw holder (which locks the compensator on tight). I had it tight, then found that it had loosened on its own. After shooting, the vibration of the compensator caused some wear of the black screw arrangement, so the compensator couldn't tighten after that. When I got the new black screw, I used blue locktite on it to hold it secure as I have no reason to use the other one that comes with the gun made for lead bullets. After using locktite on it, it hasn't been a problem.
I'm used to shooting large magnums. I had a couple of 44's and when the 454 Casull came out had one of them which I loaded for. I don't mind the recoil. I always use electronic earmuffs (Pro-Ear) so I can hear what's going on around me yet still protect my hearing.
I purchased the Gene Desantis leather holster from the S&W web site which is a work of art and fits the gun perfectly. It's also adjustible with screws for tension holding the gun in place along with the leather tang with positive snap. It's worth every penny (or, should I say, DOLLAR!). If you get this holster, be sure to carefully remove the four black screws and apply Locktite to the threads and re-assemble the screws, as I found the screws a bit loose and didn't want to lose one (or more) while hunting.
There is a bit of blow-by with certain loads (to bystanders). I called S&W technical department and they told me that is normal.
Some of the loads I loaded actually feel like you have a campfire in front of you for a second or so after you shoot it. Of course, the ball of fire is about as large as a small car when using loads with ball powder.
I noticed the gun screws were loosening, so I put maximum strength Locktite on ALL SCREWS!
Do I like it? I don't like it, I LOVE IT!
When I had the 454 Casull (10" barrel), I had wished then that I had the shorter-barreled version. Now, I finally have what I've wanted for over 20 years!
If someone is against the big boomers, then that is their problem. I have no problem with smaller calibers as I, myself happen to own a .22 Ruger Mark II stainless Target Pistol - another gun that I love!
this one broke my hand. Substantially more recoil than than the S&W's 
