Hey all! Long time lurker, first time poster. I've searched all I can, but having trouble deciding which gun would be best for me. I've owned and sold several S&W's over the years, including a 640PD, 640 and currently use a 329PD as my hiking gun. I also have a few HK 45s and some shotguns. I previously owned a Taurus 454 raging bull that I hated. I've also put quite a few rounds down a 629 6" full lug that I loved (not mine).

I've had my eye on both the 629 SH and 460XVR 7.5 for some time:
PERFORMANCE CENTER*® Model 629 Stealth Hunter | Smith & Wesson
PERFORMANCE CENTER*® Model 460XVR*„¢ HI VIZ*® Fiber Optic Front Sight | Smith & Wesson

Here is my dilemma in a nutshell:
My 329PD is an airweight that's quite pleasant to shoot (240gr hornady xtp) with xframe hogue grips on it. The gun has a niche and fills it well, but it's just a tool, I have no sentimental attachment to it and I really wan't a PC gun that I can practice longer distance shooting with. I'm hesitant to try a big-bore again, as I'm not into recoil monsters and I just didn't enjoy my Taurus 454 raging bull. All I could handle was 5 shots out of that and the palm of my hand was sore for 24 hours.

Now I live at 10K feet in the rocky mountains and personal defense is much more about moose, bear and mountain lion than people. To be honest, I've never had an issue with any of these critters, but if one were to be a problem it would be the moose. I don't currently hunt, but having a new range toy that could double as a hunting and big critter defense weapon would be a nice combo. I was raised on handguns and strongly prefer them to rifles, even though a rifle is likely the more practical solution. It's just not something I want to spend my hard earned money on.

I've looked at many handguns from many manufacturers and it's down to these two. Here are the pros and cons I can think of:

1. Based on my experience with the 329PD and 629 6" full-lug, a performance center tuned 44 weighing in at 55oz with 7.5 barrel would be fun to shoot with very manageable recoil and provide new growth opportunities at longer range
2. The 460XVR is probably less fun to shoot round per round, but the capabilities and enjoyment would likely grow as target distance increased due to 460 ballistics
3. I've watched as many videos as I can find of folks shooting the 460XVR and the recoil doesn't seem nearly as bad as my old raging bull
4. Both guns look great and are extremely unique in their own way, but the 460 just has a wow factor that is nagging at me. However, I'd rather have a gun that's more fun to shoot, rather than one that's more fun to look at...if I could kill two birds with one stone though I won't complain
5. The rail on the 460 is standard, while the SH is a non-standard design that could present compatibility issues
6. The 460 has more moose stopping power in theory, but those animals are so big that unless placement is excellent, there probably won't be enough shock from any handgun to stop quickly, so is the 44 vs 460 debate moot?
7. I won't be able to try either of these guns out before buying and can't get a shop to order them in unless I put a deposit down, so I can't do a side by side comparison
8. I won't be carrying these in a holster unless I go hunting, hike to an outdoor range, or there is a moose zombie apocalypse, so does the extra 1.5 pounds of the 460 matter, or will it get old quickly?
9. Even though I'm unlikely to do so, I could use the 44 as a traditional home defense weapon, but the 460 is useless against people unless I plan to beat an intruder with it
10. 460 ammo is 30% - 50% more than 44 mag, which is a consideration, but acceptable.

So, I'm on the fence with the 629 SH winning as the logical choice. My fear is that if I get the SH, I may remain fixated on the 460. However, if I buy the 460 and not the SH, I may find it's just as unpleasant to shoot as my old 454 and doesn't serve much of a purpose...

I'm sure many of you have been in similar situations and I'd appreciate your input and advice!