Optics Specialist

Explore

Top 5 Best Red Dot Sights For S&W 500

The S&W 500 is an absolute powerhouse - if you can handle it! But can a red dot help tame this beast of a revolver? Let's investigate the best red dot sights for the S&W 500. We'll focus on sights that can withstand serious recoil and provide a clear aiming point worthy of this firearm's power.

MY CHOICE 👇

⁠

Leupold Deltapoint Pro⁠

⁠

Trijicon RMR Type 2⁠

⁠

Aimpoint ACRO P-2⁠

⁠

HOLOSUN 507C⁠

⁠

Sig Sauer ROMEO1⁠

⁠

Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.

Top 5 Best Red Dot Sights For S&W 500 in 2024

Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

⁠

Taming the recoil of my S&W 500 Magnum can be a handful, but adding a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red dot sight has been a game-changer. This sight is a powerhouse built for handling the punishing recoil of the 500, making it the perfect companion for this legendary beast of a revolver.

Built to Handle the Big Bores:

Here's a quick look at the DeltaPoint Pro's specs that make it ideal for the S&W 500:

Ruggedized steel housing: Built to withstand the brutal recoil of the 500 Magnum without flinching.

DiamondCoat external finish: Protects the sight from scratches and harsh weather conditions.

5 MOA red dot: Perfect for quick target acquisition on large targets at close to medium range, ideal for the S&W 500's typical use.

10 brightness settings: Offers unparalleled control over dot intensity for any lighting situation.

Motion sensor auto-activation (optional): Wakes the sight from sleep state with the slightest movement, ensuring it's always ready when you are.

The S&W 500 Gets an Upgrade:

The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro elevates my S&W 500 experience in several ways:

Manages Recoil: The robust construction ensures the sight holds zero even after heavy firing with the 500's punishing recoil.

Fast Target Acquisition: The large 5 MOA red dot allows for lightning-quick target acquisition, crucial for large and potentially dangerous game.

All-Weather Performance: The DeltaPoint Pro functions flawlessly regardless of rain, dust, or other harsh conditions.

Adaptable Brightness: The 10 brightness settings let me adjust the red dot for optimal visibility in any lighting, from bright sun to low-light situations.

A Few Considerations:

While undeniably impressive, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro does have a couple of things to ponder for the S&W 500:

Cost: Leupold sights are a premium investment, and the DeltaPoint Pro is no exception.

Bulk Compared to Iron Sights: The sight adds noticeable weight and bulk compared to iron sights, affecting the handling characteristics of the revolver.

Large Dot Size: The 5 MOA dot might be too large for some shooters who prefer a more precise aiming point for smaller targets.

My S&W 500 Feels More Manageable:

Since adding the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, handling the S&W 500 has become a more confident experience. The sight holds its zero perfectly, and the large red dot is easy to pick up quickly. The all-weather performance gives me peace of mind, and the different brightness settings ensure I'm always ready.

The Online Rumble:

Online forums for S&W 500 enthusiasts are generally positive about the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. Users praise its durability, exceptional handling of recoil, and the large, easy-to-see red dot. While the cost is a common point of discussion, many consider it a worthwhile investment for those who want a reliable red dot sight for their S&W 500 that can withstand the punishment this powerful revolver delivers.

If you're looking for a red dot sight that can handle the business end of your S&W 500 Magnum, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is the undisputed champion. The upfront cost is significant, but the unmatched ruggedness, recoil handling, and low-light capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for serious S&W 500 shooters.

⁠

➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

⁠

Trijicon RMR

⁠

Taming the beast – that's what it feels like when I handle my S&W 500 Magnum. It's a powerful revolver, and I needed a red dot sight that could handle the recoil and punishment just as well. Enter the Trijicon RMR – a legendary sight that's become the perfect match for my monster handgun. Here's why it's the undisputed king for the S&W 500.

Specs and Features:

Legendary bombproof construction: Trijicon RMRs are built to withstand anything you can throw at them, and that's exactly what the 500 Magnum demands.

Adjustable LED brightness: Fine-tune the dot intensity for any lighting condition, from bright sun to low-light situations.

Dual illumination: Some models offer both tritium illumination for low-light use and battery-powered LED for daytime brightness, ensuring constant visibility.

MOA dot reticle options: Choose between various red dot sizes depending on your preference, with larger sizes ideal for faster target acquisition on the 500 Magnum.

Waterproof and fogproof: Rain, mud, or condensation won't hinder the sight's performance.

What I love:

Built like a tank: There's no question about the RMR's ability to handle the brutal recoil of the 500 Magnum. It gives me absolute confidence that the sight won't fail when I need it most.

Versatile brightness control: No matter the lighting situation, I can adjust the dot for optimal visibility, keeping a clear sight picture.

Day/Night capability (depending on model): The option of tritium illumination for low light is a huge bonus, ensuring the sight is always ready.

Faster target acquisition (with larger dot options): The larger dot sizes on some RMR models are perfect for quickly acquiring targets with the 500 Magnum, ideal for situations where speed is crucial.

Unfazed by the elements: This sight can take on any weather condition without a problem.

Downsides to consider:

Pricey: Trijicon RMRs are some of the most expensive red dot sights on the market. Be prepared to make a significant investment for this top-shelf optic.

Bulkier than micro red dots: The RMR has a larger footprint compared to micro red dots. While still manageable on a large revolver like the 500 Magnum, it might be a consideration for some users who prioritize a very minimalist profile.

My experience:

Since mounting the Trijicon RMR on my S&W 500 Magnum, the gun has become much more manageable. The larger dot reticle allows for faster target acquisition, and the overall ruggedness of the sight gives me peace of mind. The ability to adjust the dot's brightness or use tritium illumination in low light keeps the sight constantly usable. It's a fantastic piece of equipment that can truly handle the punishment of the 500 Magnum.

Online Chatter:

The Trijicon RMR is a highly respected choice for large-caliber handguns like the S&W 500 Magnum on online forums. Users rave about its bombproof construction, clear optics, and various reticle options. While some might prefer a micro red dot for a more concealed carry profile on smaller handguns, for those who prioritize absolute durability and performance on powerful revolvers like the 500 Magnum, the Trijicon RMR seems to be the undisputed king.

If you're looking for the absolute best red dot sight for your S&W 500 Magnum that can handle anything you throw at it, then the Trijicon RMR is the clear choice. It's a premium optic that will give you unmatched reliability and performance when dealing with this powerful handgun.

⁠

➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

⁠

Aimpoint Acro P-2

⁠

Let's be honest, the S&W 500 Magnum is a beast of a handgun. It deserves a red dot sight that can handle the recoil and the attention it demands. I was curious about the Aimpoint Acro P-2, a miniature red dot sight known for its durability. So, I mounted one on my 500 Magnum. Here's the story of a not-so-perfect match, along with the pros, cons, and why other options might be better suited for this legendary revolver.

S&W 500 Magnum: A Special Consideration

Recoil Monster: The 500 Magnum produces brutal recoil. Not every red dot sight can handle that kind of punishment.

Large Platform: The 500 Magnum has a substantial frame. A miniature red dot sight might seem dwarfed on this revolver.

Aimpoint Acro P-2 Specs and Features:

Magnification: 1x (no zoom)

Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm (relatively small compared to other pistol red dots)

Reticle Options: 2 MOA red dot (simple and effective)

Mount Options: Requires a specific mounting plate for the 500 Magnum (adds cost and complexity)

Durability: Aimpoint is known for bombproof red dots, and the Acro P-2 is no exception.

Acro P-2's Strengths:

Built Like a Tank: This sight is designed to take abuse. Perfect for the punishing recoil of the 500 Magnum, in theory.

Long Battery Life: The Acro P-2 boasts exceptional battery life, measured in years on a single setting. Ideal for a range toy like the 500 Magnum.

Proven Aimpoint Ruggedness: Aimpoint has a reputation for sights that can survive anything. You won't have to worry about the Acro P-2 failing you.

Some Potential Downsides:

Super Small Size: While great for concealed carry, the miniature size might feel awkward and out of place on the massive frame of the 500 Magnum.

Limited Field of View: The small objective lens means a slightly limited field of view compared to other red dot options.

Price Tag: Aimpoint red dots are on the higher end of the price spectrum.

My S&W 500 Magnum Experience:

The Aimpoint Acro P-2 is undoubtedly tough. But on the 500 Magnum, it felt like a mismatch. The tiny sight on the huge revolver's frame looked odd. While the recoil didn't seem to faze the Acro P-2, I also didn't love the slightly limited field of view due to the small objective lens.

Online Chatter:

There isn't a massive amount of online discussion about the Acro P-2 specifically on the 500 Magnum. However, reviews for the Acro P-2 on other handguns praise its durability, long battery life, and overall performance. However, some users do mention that the small size might not be ideal for all pistols, depending on preference.

The Final Word:

The Aimpoint Acro P-2 is a fantastic red dot sight, but for a monster like the S&W 500 Magnum, it's not the most practical choice. Sure, it can handle the recoil, but the small size might feel unbalanced, and the limited field of view might not be ideal. A larger, more robust red dot sight might be a better match for the 500 Magnum's looks and purpose.

⁠

➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

⁠

Holosun HS507C X2

⁠

⁠

The S&W 500 is a monster of a handgun, and let's be honest, most red dot sights are built with everyday carry or tactical rifles in mind. So, why the Holosun HS507C X2? Well, let me tell you, it's been a surprisingly interesting pairing, even if it's not the most conventional.

Specs:

Ultra-compact and lightweight: Designed for concealed carry, but still fits surprisingly well on the S&W 500's hefty rail.

Multi-Reticle System (MRS): Choose between a 2 MOA dot, a 6 MOA circle, or a combination of both for versatility.

Solar Failsafe: Uses both a solar panel and a battery, ensuring the reticle stays illuminated in various conditions.

Shake Awake™: Automatically powers on when I draw the pistol and shuts off when holstered for battery efficiency.

Best Features:

Despite its miniature size, the HS507C X2 holds up surprisingly well on the S&W 500's rail.

The MRS reticle offers great versatility. The 6 MOA circle is perfect for quick target acquisition on this large-caliber pistol, while the 2 MOA dot allows for more precise aiming if needed.

The solar backup is a nice touch, especially for those times you might be caught out without a spare battery.

Shake Awake™ keeps things simple during range sessions.

Advantages:

Potentially faster target acquisition compared to iron sights, particularly useful for following up on a powerful round like the .500 S&W Magnum.

The 6 MOA circle in the MRS reticle can be helpful for rapid fire at close range with this handful of a handgun.

The solar backup provides some peace of mind on extended shooting trips.

Disadvantages:

The miniature size might feel awkward on the hefty S&W 500. A larger sight might offer a more balanced look.

The recoil of the .500 S&W Magnum might put some stress on the sight over time. It's not exactly what the HS507C X2 was designed for.

Due to the size and power of the S&W 500, some shooters might find iron sights a more natural fit.

My Experience:

The Holosun HS507C X2 on the S&W 500 is an unconventional choice, I'll admit. The sight itself has held up well so far, and the MRS reticle offers some advantages over iron sights for quick target acquisition. However, the small size does feel a bit unbalanced on the large pistol, and the jury's still out on long-term durability with the .500 S&W Magnum's recoil.

What Others Are Saying:

Online conversations about the HS507C X2 on large-caliber handguns are fairly limited. Most discussions focus on concealed carry applications. Some users recommend larger, more robust red dot sights for powerful handguns like the S&W 500, citing potential durability concerns and a better size match for the pistol.

Overall, the Holosun HS507C X2 might not be the most traditional choice for the S&W 500, but it offers some interesting possibilities for faster target acquisition. However, durability under heavy recoil and the size balance are definite considerations for this pairing. If you're looking for a red dot for your S&W 500, it might be best to consider some larger and more robust options designed specifically for handling the punishment of large-caliber rounds.

⁠

➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

⁠

SIG Sauer Romeo1 Pro

⁠

The mighty S&W 500 deserves a capable red dot sight, and I initially thought the SIG Sauer Romeo1Pro fit the bill. It's a great red dot, but for this particular powerhouse revolver, let's just say there's a mismatch. Here's why:

Specs and Features:

Reticle: 2 MOA red dot (precise, but maybe a bit small for the S&W 500)

Durability: Mil-Spec tested, IPX8 waterproof, fogproof (sounds good on paper...)

Battery Life: Up to 10,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery (very good for a compact sight)

Multiple Mounts: Includes both low mount and high mount options

Size: Compact design (great for concealed carry, but maybe not ideal for large revolvers)

Best Features:

Proven Durability: SIG Sauer is known for quality, and the Romeo1Pro seems built tough.

Crystal Clear Dot: The 2 MOA red dot is crisp and easy to see.

Great Battery Life: 10,000 hours is more than enough for most users.

Conceal Carry Option (for a Different Firearm): The compact size makes it a great option for concealed carry on a smaller firearm.

What Could Be Improved:

Recoil Rating: While the Romeo1Pro is Mil-Spec tested, some users report concerns about its ability to handle the brutal recoil of the S&W 500.

Small Reticle for a Big Gun: The 2 MOA dot, while precise, might be a bit small for quick target acquisition on a large caliber handgun like the S&W 500.

My Experience:

Look, the Romeo1Pro is a fantastic red dot sight, but it might be outmatched on the S&W 500. The recoil is something else, and I wouldn't be surprised if the sight took a beating over time. The 2 MOA dot, while great for precision, might also be a bit small for quick shooting on this monster revolver.

Online Chatter:

There's not a ton of discussion online about using the Romeo1Pro specifically on the S&W 500. However, reviews for the Romeo1Pro on other firearms praise its durability, but some users do mention concerns about its ability to handle heavy recoil over time.

Bottom Line:

The SIG Sauer Romeo1Pro is a great red dot sight, but for the S&W 500, it might be a bit light in terms of recoil handling. A larger, heavier duty red dot sight might be a better choice for this powerful revolver. That being said, the Romeo1Pro would be fantastic on a smaller caliber pistol for concealed carry.

⁠

➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

⁠

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the massive S&W 500 requires a sight as tough as the gun itself. The Trijicon RMR is the ultimate in rugged construction. Holosun optics offer great value, but if price is no object, an Aimpoint will offer legendary durability.

Top 5 Best Red Dot Sights For S&W 500 in 2024

Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.