Thinking that a 460 would be something that I need to have. My question is that when I do a search on gunstroker They have 4 different categories to search for them.. They have 460, 460V 460XVR and 460XVR performance..Is there really that many different versions of the 460? For a basic plinker, and a chance to possibly hunt deer with it which is the best one? Wanting an 8" barreled version for my uses..Thanks.

Brief overview of the 460 S&W Magnum as it relates to your question.

460 XVR - XVR is acronym "extreme velocity revolver"

460 V - referrers to the 5" barrel model

460 ES - referrers to the short barrel 2 7/8" uncompensated model

any reference to "Performance Center" means the gun is assembled by that division of S&W and has a higher degree of attention provided (both real and perceived) during the assembly.

Those with roughly barrel in your requested range are

SKU 163460 - Standard production model with stated Barrel length 8 3/8" - effective length of 7.5"

SKU 11626 - Current Performance Center model with advertised and effective length of 7.5"

Out of production models but often available through auctions

SKU 170345 - refereed to Bone collector and is a special version the current performance center model above

SKU 170267 - Ellet Brothers distributor model with black finish with advertised and effective length of 7.5" (about 500 made)

SKU 170287 - Ellet Brothers distributor model with black finish with advertised and effective length of 7.5" (about 500 made)

I won't list all the SKUs ( 50 of them) for the Whitetail series but this just the standard model with some extra screening.

There is no perceivable difference in accuracy of any of the above guns based on my Ransom Rest Testing.

There is a little weight difference in the models as results of shroud design and fluted vs. unfluted cylinders.

Also worth mentioning
SKU 170263 which was a Lew Horton Distributor special with
advertised and effective length of 6.5" (about 700 made)

I would suggest you at least handle each before buying for balance and feel, even better if you could shoot them.

As I mention to all of those wanting a 460 it would behoove you to reload to take full advantage of the cartridge and reduce your shooting cost.

Hope this was of use

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Good question ,great answer .

Good information above. The long PC versions were/are 10.5 and 14" with two different types of muzzle brake (the first more cylindrical, and the second more like a field artillery piece ), and a 12" without a brake as I recall.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

ruggyh, that answer is above and beyond, thank you! You answered questions that I didn't even know I wanted the answers too...

Take ruggyh's advice and knowledge as gospel. He's the master of the 460/500 . Back when I was big bore shopping I was unclear as to exactly which model would suit my needs best. ruggy sent me a very detailed pm on each model's pros and cons. I ended up choosing the 12" 460XVR and in hindsight I would have potentially purchased the 10" which would have not been the ideal choice for me. Good luck

Love mine. 2 8 3/4 XVR
Ones name Clint and the other named Eastwood

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Tony

That 14" in gun looks like it'd be a lot of fun at the range, but a pain in the woods or anywhere else.

I love my 460V. I know that it is Capable of Firing other .45 Rounds, but I use 460 Brass exclusivly for my Loads. BTW S&W advertises it's Barrel length as 5" but they include the Brake in that Measure. There is Really only 4" of Rifled Barrel before the brake. In any event I like my 460V very much.

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I must admit while I am a 44 mag guy since the seventies I was intrigued when they came out with the 460 and after reading up on the possible ballistics I thought now there is a handgun caliber that just screams out for a carbine companion. Then I heard one fired at the range beside me and quickly realized it don't scream those bad boys roar and I was wearing double hearing protection but I actualy felt the roar as much as heard it . nipperdog you have a sweat set up there congratulations I do t own one (yet) but have come to admire the caliber greatly.

I had a 460 XVR with 8 3/8" barrel and liked it however just recently traded it for the 460V model. The V model with 5" barrel was much better balanced for range work. I have no plans to hunt with it as I have a S&W 44 mag for deer hunting.