JANZ-Präzisionstechnik GmbH builds high end revolvers and exports them to the United States through Texas-based Janz Revolver USA. I had a chance to spend some time with Till Hezel of Janz Revolver and learn more about one of the company’s guns: the .500 S&W Magnum.

Janz revolvers are built on one of three different frame sizes: the Type EM, Type E and Type MA. The EM frames handle fixed calibers from .22 LR to .44 Magnum. The E is a larger frame with an interchangeable caliber system that covers cartridges up to .454 Casull. The MA, jokingly referred to by Hezel as the Massive Frame, is used for the .460 S&W Magnum and .500 S&W Magnum. It is a large and heavy frame that can withstand the repeated abuse of these big bore cartridges.

The .500 S&W Magnum is a five shot revolver that has unfluted cylinders. The cylinder gap seemed very close, though I did not have any feeler gauges to measure how narrow the gap was. Barrel lengths start at 4″ and go up to 12″. Hezel said he has had requests for a 2″ barrel on the .500 Magnum, but import restrictions prohibit him from offering it.

The front sight drops into a machined cut and is held in place with a set screw. The front sight is under spring pressure and can be adjusted for elevation by a turn of a second screw. The rear notch sight is also adjustable.

The trigger on the guns I held were superb. The double action pull was relatively short and light – much smoother than a typical Smith & Wesson. The single action pull was crazy good. As you might expect, the .500 S&W Magnum is not light, but when you need the caliber, the extra weight makes it a little easier to tame.