I have the Smith 500 and I personally don't think the recoil is all that bad, but it is heavy and when hunting I usually carry my Freedom Arms 454 or Smith 629 because they are so much easier to pack. If you can handle the weight and the recoil then by all means use the 500 the 5 inch would be the one to buy. Your choice of holster will make all the difference in carrying this heavy pistol for any extended period of time.

A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.