I had no intention of ever getting one, that is until I tried out one a shooting buddy of mine picked up at a gun show in Duncan a few years back. He invited me out for a test shoot using some 'moderate' loads devised by another local guy that also has a 500 S&W. The loads were with a cast 440gr GC bullet and Unique for a velocity of about 1000 f/sec. My target at 25 yds, shot from a rest was one big ragged hole about 1 1/4" in diameter. NOW, I needed one!!
And this is it, nicknamed The "Hummer". To begin with, I found with the original front sight, I couldn't get it to shoot low enough and after sending a letter to S&W, they sent 'us' three higher front sights and that cured the problem.
The other issue I've experienced with it is the recoil when using the heavier bullets in hot loads. I agree with BrotherRockeye's take on it and feel the rubber Hogue grips it comes with leaves a lot to be desired. In the hump area of the grip frame, the rubber is very thin and offers little in the way of protection from recoil. As pictured, I modified a set of Jordon Trooper stocks by Herritt's, made for my N-frame and that has made it bareable. Serves to spread the pain over a bigger area I guess.
Using cast bullets from 350gr PB - 440gr GC and jacketed from a 'modified' 325gr Speer HP to the Sierra 400gr FP, accuracy was great with any light or heavy loads I've put through it. For me, accuracy did seem to drop off a little using the 500gr Hornady. I've attached a few samples of accuracy results I've obtained.
It is a 'handful' that has the ability to inflict pain at both ends but it can sure shoot.