Taurus 500 Raging Hunter Review: A Heavy-Duty Sidearm for the Modern Hunter
As a seasoned hunter, I’ve had the privilege of testing and utilizing various firearms over the years. However, I must say that the Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is one of the most impressive and formidable sidearms I’ve ever had the pleasure of handling. In this review, I’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of this heavy-duty sidearm, and share my personal experience with it.
Design and Features
The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is a behemoth of a sidearm, with a massive 500 Raging Hunter chambered in the .500 S&W Magnum. This cartridge is renowned for its immense power and stopping force, making it an ideal choice for taking down large, dangerous game. The 500 Raging Hunter is available in five different barrel lengths: 5", 6.75", 8", 10", and 12". Each configuration features custom porting that redirects expanding gases upwards, promoting faster follow-up shots and quicker target acquisition.
The 500 Raging Hunter also boasts a target barrel crown, which enhances accuracy and delivers precise, ethical shots. Additionally, the barrel features a target barrel crown to help reduce recoil and promote faster follow-up shots. The integrated picatinny rail on top of the barrel allows for easy mounting of optics and accessories, making it a versatile sidearm for various hunting applications.
Grip and Ergonomics
The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter features soft, cushioned rubber grips that reduce recoil even further. These grips are designed to provide maximum surface contact area, allowing for a more comfortable and secure hold on the gun. The grip is also designed to absorb recoil, making it easier to control the firearm during prolonged periods of shooting.
Double Lock System
One of the standout features of the Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is its double lock system. This system ensures that the cylinder is securely locked when firing the heaviest of magnums, providing added security and reliability. This feature is particularly important for hunters who frequently encounter large game, as it helps to prevent accidental discharges.
Pros
- Powerful and Accurate: The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge is renowned for its immense power and stopping force, making it an ideal choice for taking down large, dangerous game.
- Custom Porting: The custom porting system redirects expanding gases upwards, promoting faster follow-up shots and quicker target acquisition.
- Target Barrel Crown: The target barrel crown enhances accuracy and delivers precise, ethical shots.
- Double Lock System: The double lock system ensures added security and reliability, making it a valuable feature for hunters.
- Cushioned Grip: The soft, cushioned rubber grip provides maximum surface contact area, reducing recoil and making the firearm easier to control.
Cons
- Heavy and Bulky: The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is a large and heavy firearm, making it difficult to handle for extended periods of time.
- Expensive: The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is a premium firearm, and its price reflects its high-quality construction and features.
- Limited Magazine Capacity: The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter has a limited magazine capacity, which may be a concern for hunters who need to carry multiple rounds on the range.
- Not Suitable for Small Game: The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge is not suitable for small game, as it is too powerful for most hunting applications.
Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, I’ve had the pleasure of testing and utilizing various firearms over the years. However, the Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is one of the most impressive and formidable sidearms I’ve ever had the pleasure of handling. I’ve used the 500 Raging Hunter for a variety of hunting applications, including large game and bear country.
In my experience, the Taurus 500 Raging Hunter has proven to be a reliable and accurate firearm, with a power and stopping force that is unmatched by most other sidearms. The custom porting system and target barrel crown have also helped to reduce recoil and promote faster follow-up shots, making it easier to control the firearm during prolonged periods of shooting.
Conclusion
The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is a heavy-duty sidearm that is designed for the modern hunter. With its powerful and accurate .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, custom porting, target barrel crown, and double lock system, this firearm is an ideal choice for hunters who need a reliable and accurate sidearm for large game and bear country. While it may be a heavy and bulky firearm, its impressive features and performance make it well worth the investment.
Rating
- Overall Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Pros: Powerful and accurate, custom porting, target barrel crown, double lock system, cushioned grip
- Cons: Heavy and bulky, expensive, limited magazine capacity, not suitable for small game
Recommendation
The Taurus 500 Raging Hunter is an excellent choice for hunters who need a reliable and accurate sidearm for large game and bear country. While it may be a heavy and bulky firearm, its impressive features and performance make it well worth the investment. I would recommend this firearm to hunters who are looking for a high-quality sidearm that can deliver precise, ethical shots and provide a reliable and accurate platform for hunting large game.
