{"id":611,"date":"2023-09-22T21:58:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-22T21:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=611"},"modified":"2023-09-22T21:58:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T21:58:11","slug":"the-big-x-reviewing-smith-wessons-x-frame-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=611","title":{"rendered":"The Big X: Reviewing Smith &#038; Wesson\u2019s X-Frame Line"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-author-takes-a-look-at-smith-amp-wesson-s-x-frame-revolver-line-including-the-new-350-legend-model\"><strong>The author takes a look at Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s X-Frame revolver line, including the new .350 Legend model.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Twenty years ago, Smith &amp; Wesson regained its place as the proprietor of the most powerful commercial revolver cartridge on earth. I say regained to note that Dirty Harry\u2019s famous words detailing the .44 Magnum as the most powerful had been overshadowed by the .454 Casull in the Freedom Arms Model 83 single-action revolver a few years after Mr. Callahan\u2019s classic line. Stating the .500 S&amp;W cartridge is powerful is akin to mentioning King Kong was just an ape.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-review-feature-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 460 XVR 14-inch with bipod mount. XVR stands for \u201cX-Treme Velocity Revolver,\u201d and this wheelgun offers plenty of it while remaining very manageable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a revolver, the .500 S&amp;W is an awesome handful of force capable of pushing 500-grain bullets well over 1,400 fps. This mention of bullet weight and velocity is merely one example of the cartridge\u2019s strength: There are several factory offerings of lighter bullets at even higher velocities. I currently have a half-dozen different loads from Buffalo Bore Ammunition (375 to 500 grains) sitting on my shelf, each capable of cleanly dispatching the toughest of the tough, and Hornady\u2019s good 300-grain FTX load is no cream puff.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-500-4-inch\" class=\"wp-image-290735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-500-4-inch\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-4-inch-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S&amp;W 500 4-inch is truly a big-bore packing gun, ideal for protection in big-bear country.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s engineers and gunsmiths developed a new, larger revolver frame to harness all of this pressure, velocity and recoil in a wheelgun. Following the company\u2019s tradition of categorizing their revolver frames with letters (small to large), like J-, K-, L- and N-frames, the behemoth engineered to house the 1.625-inch case of the .500 S&amp;W cartridge was christened the \u201cX-frame.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-460-s-amp-w-and-the-model-460\"><strong>.460 S&amp;W And The Model 460<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A couple years after the .500 S&amp;W saw light, S&amp;W teamed up with Hornady to add the smoking .460 S&amp;W cartridge to the X-frame line. The .460 became the fastest production revolver cartridge, pushing a 200-grain bullet to 2,200 fps. This powerhouse, contrived of lengthening the .454 Casull case to 1.8 inches, opened the distance door to handgun hunters looking to extend their horizons with a powerful revolver.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR\" class=\"wp-image-290737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-460-XVR-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 460 XVR can print exceptional groups, but the gun can be picky with ammo. Try a couple different brands to determine what your particular gun prefers to eat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A buddy of mine bought one of the .460 revolvers right after they came out, and we couldn\u2019t wait to try it. We were surprised to find the recoil of the super-fast cartridge in the big X-frame, with its muzzle brake and 8.38-inch barrel, was quite manageable. I have a photo of my wife from that time period shooting the big revolver with a two-handed hold while she casually busted small boulders. I won a turkey at the annual turkey shoot in Sanderson, Texas, one year shooting the .460 for a round of Border Patrol Polo.<\/p>\n<p>For those unfamiliar with it, BP Polo entails each contestant being assigned an empty tin can at a distance, say 20 yards. You get six shots at your can, and the shooter whose can travels farthest wins the bird. Placing a .45-caliber slug at a blistering 1,500 mph at the base of the can will send it flying, I can assure you. There was no worry of ricochets at this particular range, as it sits at the base of a huge limestone bluff.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-460-XVR\" class=\"wp-image-290738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-460-XVR\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-460-XVR-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The PC 460 XVR 3.5-inch\u2014perhaps one of the most ultimate and powerful short-barreled revolvers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-multiple-variations-of-the-big-x\"><strong>Multiple Variations Of The Big X<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At the appropriate distance, with the correct bullet, there\u2019s nothing that cannot be taken with the .500 S&amp;W and .460 S&amp;W. These are hard-hitting, powerful rounds. The full-sized hunting configurations of these revolvers add a bit of a challenge to carrying them in the field.<\/p>\n<p>Sitting in a blind or a brush pile at the edge of a clearing is one thing \u2026 spot-and-stalk hunting, hiking through rugged mountains, sliding down steep-sided arroyos or maybe even standing knee deep in a stream teaming with salmon in the land of the great bears is altogether different. Whatever the handgun necessity of the day is, S&amp;W has tailored the X-frames to fit your various needs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC.jpg\" alt=\"SW X-Frame 460 XVR PC\" class=\"wp-image-290739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC.jpg\" alt=\"SW X-Frame 460 XVR PC\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-X-Frame-460-XVR-PC-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Performance Center 460 XVR is a sight to behold, and perhaps surprisingly, an easy gun to hold and shoot as well.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Along with standard models, Smith &amp; Wesson also offer Performance Center Models. Their handy, 3.5-inch barreled 460XVR, and the similar 500 HI VIZ, are good-looking five-shooters that weigh 58.8 and 56.8 ounces in easier-to-carry sizes compared to their full-grown siblings, which range from 71 to 99.1 ounces in weight. That\u2019s 4.4 to 6 pounds of wheelgun for the big boys.<\/p>\n<p>I see these short guns as perfect for the outdoorsman wanting a super powerful double-action revolver in an easy-to-carry configuration. The same goes for the 4-inch gun. For those who don\u2019t bat an eye at packing the biggest of the big into the woods\u2014some so large they have sling swivels\u2014they have you covered as well. With additional barrel lengths ranging from 7.5 to 14 inches, and added features like optic rails, muzzle brakes, various barrel contours and heck, you can even mount a bipod on one of them\u2014options abound for the discerning shooter.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-350-legend-and-the-350\"><strong>The 350 Legend And The 350<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In 2019, S&amp;W brought out their Model 350 in the new 350 Legend, aimed specifically at the deer hunting market in straight-walled-only cartridge country. The cartridge is compiled of a 1.71-inch rimless case, launching .357-caliber bullets generally weighing from 124 to 180 grains around 2,000 fps, give or take. Phil Massaro expertly likens the .350 Legend to the proven .35 Remington for a ballpark cartridge comparison.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend\" class=\"wp-image-290740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290740\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-X-Frame-350-legend-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">S&amp;W\u2019s 350 and Hornady\u2019s 350 Legend ammunition make a great team for medium-sized game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Unlike the big-bore clan of the X-frames that chamber five cartridges, the 350 has room to chamber seven in the beefy cylinder. For this rimless case, you either clip it or pick it, meaning you load your rounds via the moon clips provided with the gun \u2026 or pick them out of the chambers after firing, as there\u2019s no rim for extraction. The moon clips are easy enough to load, and I found giving the case a slight turn when pressing the cartridge into the clip enabled pretty simple loading.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder\" class=\"wp-image-290741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-X-Frame-350-Legend-moon-clip-cylinder-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ease of unloading is offered by using a moon clip for the 350 Legend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Removing the empties from the moon clip can be a bit of a pain. I used a pocket screwdriver to flip the empties out from the \u201crim\u201d side. On the topic of a small screwdriver, it\u2019d be wise to keep something similar, or maybe a dowel rod, handy in case you need to tap out a case when not using a moon clip. I didn\u2019t experience a case sticking in a chamber, but it could happen.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gun-specs\"><strong>Gun Specs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>No two ways about it: This is a big revolver. It weighs in at 71.5 ounces, is 1.92 inches wide, 6.37 inches tall and has a 7.5-inch barrel. Fit and finish of this stainless-steel revolver are excellent, and the single-action trigger breaks crisp at just over 4 pounds. Plus, the double-action pull is very smooth. The front sight is a red ramp, and the rear adjustable has a white outline. The long barrel on this hefty handgun lends itself to being well balanced for handling and off-hand shooting.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-revolver-comparison\" class=\"wp-image-290742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-revolver-comparison\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-revolver-comparison-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A size comparison of S&amp;W\u2019s N-frame .44 Magnum and X-frame 350 Legend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sending-em-downrange\"><strong>Sending \u2019Em Downrange<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Recoil is marginal in the 350, and two of the three different loadings tested were plenty accurate. While waiting on Hornady test ammo to arrive, I picked up a couple boxes of ammo because I couldn\u2019t wait to shoot this revolver. Shooting from my Ransom Steady Rest at 25 yards, Winchester\u2019s \u201cTarget and Practice\u201d 145-grain FMJ load clustered seven rounds into a 1.99-inch group.<\/p>\n<p>This particular gun didn\u2019t care for Browning\u2019s 124-grain FMJ load, printing a cylinder full of them in a group the size of my hand. When Hornady\u2019s 165-grain FTX load recently came in, I returned to the range and fired seven rounds in a 2.3-inch group from a seated, tripod-supported rest.<\/p>\n<p>The only problem I experienced firing this gun, and it\u2019s really more of a mention on my part, was occasional stinging of something hitting my face during firing. I assume it was from the port at the end of the barrel. Always wear protective glasses when shooting\u2014an occasional sting to the cheek really drives that point home.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-500-PC\" class=\"wp-image-290743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-500-PC\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-500-PC-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The PC Model S&amp;W 500 with a 7.5-inch barrel. Sorry, Harry: This is the most powerful handgun in the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The big X-frames are hunting guns, plain and simple, and I tip my hat to the folks at S&amp;W for remembering us handgun hunters\u2014there are many. For hunters interested in taking up the sport of handgun hunting and are smitten with the big-framed Smith, the 350 is a good place to start. This model offers a heavy-duty double-action revolver platform in a cartridge that\u2019s flat-shooting and fully cable of taking medium-sized game.<\/p>\n<p>This combo of the X-framed 350 Legend would be great for deer, pronghorn, feral hogs and maybe even an aoudad ram at the proper range. The axis stags are in roar this time of year (May) in the Texas Hill Country, and this revolver and round would be a good candidate to slip up on one of those big, beautiful spotted deer. They not only make a great trophy, but axis meat is delicious as well.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easy for me to say that the 350 Legend will do most any reasonable job it\u2019s asked, and it\u2019s plenty accurate. I still prefer my revolvers with open sights, but I\u2019m certain one could tighten groups and increase some distance with a good scope or red-dot, if so inclined.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend\" class=\"wp-image-290744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-ported-muzzle-350-Legend-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The muzzle is ported, which greatly reduces recoil and provides a pleasant shooting experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Truthfully, I\u2019m not a group shooter. I think they\u2019re fine for choosing a load, showing what a particular brand or load of ammunition will do. But for all practical purposes, an appropriately powerful load with the proper bullet that will hit nearest the intended mark on the first shot is what I\u2019m looking for. If an open-sight revolver will produce consistent fist-sized groups at 25 yards and will more often than not keep a cylinder full of ammo in a normal-sized paper plate or, better yet, a dessert plate at 50 long steps from field positions, I\u2019m ready to go hunting.<\/p>\n<p>Most guns today with good ammo will group well enough for this prerequisite. The bigger requirement lies with the shooter. We have to practice, both dry and live fire, to ensure we don\u2019t let our handgun or, most importantly, the game animal down with poor shooting on our part.<\/p>\n<p>Having said all this, the S&amp;W 350 and Hornady\u2019s 165-grain FTX load are ready for the field.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More On Hunting Revolvers<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-21\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<hr\/>\n<div>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/a>NEXT STEP: Download Your <strong>Free<\/strong> Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack<\/h3>\n<p> <strong>62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills &#8211; Rifle Range in YARDS<\/strong> This impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains <a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><strong>62 printable targets<\/strong><\/a> for rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes are in MOA. Ideal for long-range shooting!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and we&#8217;ll send your print-at-home target pack right away.<\/strong> Just enter your email address below. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The author takes a look at Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s X-Frame revolver line, including the new .350 Legend model. Twenty years ago, Smith &amp; Wesson regained its place as the proprietor of the most powerful commercial revolver cartridge on earth. I say regained to note that Dirty Harry\u2019s famous words detailing the .44 Magnum as the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=611"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":613,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611\/revisions\/613"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}