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04-29-2011, 08:58 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Blossvale NY
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460XVR question.
I am considering a 460XVR with the 8-3/8" bbl for my next Smith. I am interested in it because i would like to get into pistol hunting and it seems to me the 460 offers the highest velocity, farthest and flattest shooting package. I like the idea of being able to confidently take a 100+ yard shot. Plus I like the "wow" factor of that particular monster. Im kinda bent on getting a 460 at some point, so please lets keep it about the 460. I realize there are other capable rounds out there that can be used for hunting, but lets face it, nothing compares to the 460. And its high on my list of "gotta haves".
But my question is about the blast. I keep seeing here that people strongly recommend using double hearing protection when firing the 460. Im wondering what you folks who hunt with it do in the woods. Obviously, you need to be able to hear when hunting, and I dont see how one could successfully dawn plugs and muffs before taking the shot in many situations. Would one shot to make a kill be tolerable without ear protection? Or is there a trick I havent heard about? I never shoot my 6" 686 without hearing protection, but I intend to try and bag a deer with it this season. And I think I can tolerate a single shot to take a deer if the opportunity presents itself. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
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04-29-2011, 09:28 PM
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I use Walker Power Muffs while hunting with mine. You can hear everything but the loud bang is muffled.
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04-30-2011, 11:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dooman
I think I can tolerate a single shot to take a deer if the opportunity presents itself. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
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The .460 is an excellent choice for deer. It's superb accuracy is more than most handgunners can appreciate. I also use electronic muffs when hunting..........everytime.
Believe me, you don't want to EVER shoot a .460 without ear protection.
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05-01-2011, 09:10 AM
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Ok, thanks for the input guys. Ill be looking to use the electronic muffs for hunting with the 460.
I have had a bad experience shooting without protection once. My brother-in-laws uncle picked up a Grizzly 50 cal back when they first came out. And me being a dumb 18 year old at the time forgot to grab earplugs when we left for the woodlot to blast a few things with it. Needless to say I got reminded on no uncertain terms once I touched it off. I swear my ears bled after one round with nothing protecting the ears. Left ear rang for 2 months. Ill never make that mistake again! lol!
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05-01-2011, 10:32 AM
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I use Walker Power Muffs when I hunt with my handgun. They work will even with the loud S&W 460 Mag.. No plugs needed.
As someone else said, don't ever shoot the S&W 460 Mag without hearing protection, even once. That is great advice!
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05-01-2011, 02:41 PM
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Dooman,
I think you'll love the 460 8 3/8" for hunting and range shooting. Sweet gun at that length barrel. I've got a 500 that's a tad longer and just a peach to shoot. Not bad at all.
The only thing with these X-frames is that most have the muzzle brakes installed. Mine is machined into the barrel. They certainly tame some of the recoil but man, oh man do they ever increase the blast you hear.
That being said, I wear corded plugs around my neck. They are fairly easy to slip in. I've done this when deer hunting with rifles and it's no biggie.
I've shot my 500 at the range using these same plugs and they worked fine. I prefer double protection for range work, though.
Good luck with your gun. I'd also like to have a 460, too. That 200gr Hornady load is nasty....well over 2,000 fps and toting the mail at well over 150yards.......it's also half the price of the loads I'm finding for my 500.
Are you thinking of scoping?
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05-01-2011, 07:59 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
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6PACK:
Not sure if I want to go scope yet or not. Are there better open sights available? The 460 is one of two Smiths I am contemplating for my next purchase. The other being the new E-Series, stainless 1911 in .45ACP. I have wanted a quality 1911 since before I was old enough to acquire a NYS pistol license. Im still in the decision making process, but this was an issue I was curious on how to address. I do intend to use the double protection for target shooting, but was wondering what you 460/500 hunters did when actually out hunting.
Also, the main reason Im looking at the 460 vs the 500 is that while the 500 surely must be the king of knockdown power, from what Ive seen they are traveling about as fast as a good 44mag, maybe a little quicker. That 460 smokes EVERY pistol round out there for velocity, and high velocity means farther, flatter shooting. Which interests me heavily.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Last edited by RIDE-RED 350r; 05-01-2011 at 08:05 PM.
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