S&W 460xvr or The 500?

If you're wanting a revolver just for the big boom and fun Buy the 500 Magnum... The 500 Magnum is an awesome big game revolver too. Don't worryabout ammunition cost.

Actually the 460 has a bigger boom and pressure wave due to the increased velocity.
 
I don't know, I've got both of them in the 500 Magnum seem to have a better bigger recoil. But then again I'm no expert I just like to shoot them
 
08-28-2009 this seems an awful lot similar to back then. Plus the 500 Magnum could shoot of 700 grain bullet.... lol
 
Send your 460 to TK and get the cylinder cut for clips and shoot 45ACP for cheap.
 
Short answer: either one.

But let me add something. If you are not a reloader and only use factory ammo, then yes the 460 is more versatile in that you can shoot several different rounds in it.

However if you are a reloader, then the whole '460 is more versatile' argument goes completely out the window. With the 500 you can assemble loads with bullet weights from 275gr up to 700gr and in a slew of different power levels.

I own two 500s, BTW
 
I was faced with the same question. For me after much opinion research reading, and some great input from SWF member ruggyh I opted for the 460XVR. It was a better choice for me as I already handloaded, and I wanted a 200 meter, totally impractical but fun precision "hand-cannon". I don't hunt so I was more looking for precision target over max energy knockdown power. With the 460 You get .45 cal bullet versatility and the capability of sick velocities! I ended up buying the 12" xvr and could not be happier with the decision over the .500 in my situation. Let me tell you this, you fire either the 460 or the 500 mag at an indoor range you better have triple hearing protection and a good pair of safety weld goggles cause in a low light situation the muzzle flash/blast is insane.. LOL

 
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It will be used mainly for plinking and maybe deer hunting.

Honestly, get a 629, probably better suited to what you are looking for.

smiley_emoticons_xmas_kilroy_sofa.gif
 
The heaviest caliber gun in a remotely practical size is the model 29/629. The X-frames are novelty guns notorious for showing up in pawn shops with few rounds ever fired from them. However, given a choice between 460 and 500 S&Ws, I would take the 460. The "plinking" then would be with the range of 45 Colt loads.
 
at_libertyThe heaviest caliber gun in a remotely practical size is the model 29/629. The X-frames are novelty guns notorious for showing up in pawn shops with few rounds ever fired from them. However, given a choice between 460 and 500 S&Ws, I would take the 460. The "plinking" then would be with the range of 45 Colt loads.

I see far more J and K frame at pawn shops than I do X-frames.

X-frames are not for everyone, funny how if some finds the recoil to stiff for them, then everyone will not be able to handle the gun.

Practical is subjective - the ownership determines that.

Dan ChristopherHowever if you are a reloader, then the whole '460 is more versatile' argument goes completely out the window. With the 500 you can assemble loads with bullet weights from 275gr up to 700gr and in a slew of different power levels.

I do agree that either are best suited to hand loaders.
The versatility argument of being able to a 275 to 700 grain in the 500 is baseless - you can load the 460 with an equal range of lead 200 to 700+ grain bullets and in all power ranges.

As stated the 500 is tops in absolute kinetic energy and 460 will be tops in velocity.

Does it really matter if you are only shooting paper? or even hunting where either has taken all North America has to offer?

In the end get someone to let you shoot them to determine which one you like - if either. You know your resource limits and free time better than any poster here.

Get what you like- in the end you have to live with it.

Make mine an X-frame.

Be safe and good luck.
Ruggy
 
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I do agree that either are best suited to hand loaders.
The versatility argument of being able to a 275 to 700 grain in the 500 is baseless - you can load the 460 with an equal range of lead 200 to 700+ grain bullets





Make mine an X-frame.

Be safe and good luck.
Ruggy

I've never seen a 700gr bullet ( 452-454 ). The heaviest I've ever seen was a 395gr. Were you talking about casting your own 700gr bullets for the 460? I haven't seen a commercially offered weight anywhere close to 700grs for that caliber.
 
I don't know about a 700gr for the 460, I'll take Ruggy at his word on that, but here's a link to some loads that'll make a 500 owner drool!!! ;) :D

500 S&W : Matts Bullets Ammunition

I am sure Ruggy is correct. I've just never seen any 45 cal bullet offered in that weight. He probably casts his own that heavy would be my guess. Can you imagine the sectional density of a 700gr 45 cal?? That would be some wicked penetration!
 
I see far more J and K frame at pawn shops than I do X-frames.

Immaterial.

X-frames are not for everyone, funny how if some finds the recoil to stiff for them, then everyone will not be able to handle the gun.

Strawman. I don't believe anyone posted that they know what's best for everyone.

Practical is subjective - the ownership determines that.

But that's just a platitude. We get that you are on the defensive because of owning an X-frame and being man enough to hold and shoot it.

In the end get someone to let you shoot them to determine which one you like - if either. You know your resource limits and free time better than any poster here.

He asked for opinions.
 
at_liberty I apologize but, I have to ask: Just what was the point of your post besides busting up Ruggy??? You contributed nothing that will further the OP's knowledge of which weapon to consider?? No opinion's on the 460 or 500 that I could see on your post???

And by the way, Ruggy's suggestion to try these guns out before buying either is the best suggestion that could be offered because if the OP was close enough to me, I'd definitely be happy to take him to the range and let him try mine out after properly coaching him of course!!

Defensive about owning an X Frame????? Please.......... :rolleyes:
 
Tony, I don't own either one. The biggest caliber revolver I shoot is a .454 Casull (since '87).
Full power loads in any of these guns are not casual plinking calibers. Reloading is the only way to make them as such. If you don't reload, I would think hard on this. Even if you pick the more versatile .460, it's a big machine to use for casual plinking. If you decide to hunt with one, are you prepared for the expense and practice involved? My advise, try before you buy.
 
I was faced with the same question. For me after much opinion research reading, and some great input from SWF member ruggyh I opted for the 460XVR. It was a better choice for me as I already handloaded, and I wanted a 200 meter, totally impractical but fun precision "hand-cannon". I don't hunt so I was more looking for precision target over max energy knockdown power. With the 460 You get .45 cal bullet versatility and the capability of sick velocities! I ended up buying the 12" xvr and could not be happier with the decision over the .500 in my situation. Let me tell you this, you fire either the 460 or the 500 mag at an indoor range you better have triple hearing protection and a good pair of safety weld goggles cause in a low light situation the muzzle flash/blast is insane.. LOL

Congrats on your new X-frame. It's a lot of fun at the range and in the field. You did good to take to heart ruggyh's advice. He is actually one of the best resources of information regarding the X-frames I've found on the net. Enjoy!

The heaviest caliber gun in a remotely practical size is the model 29/629. The X-frames are novelty guns notorious for showing up in pawn shops with few rounds ever fired from them.

Sorry, but your comments couldn't be further from the truth. The .460 and .500 X-frames are very practical for their intended purposes and are the best at what they do.

They are intended to be stellar long range hunting handguns and they are. They perform well for hunting any game in North America and are popular for protection in Grizzly country. For their intended purpose, they far exceed the capabilities of the 29/629.

Saying the X-frames are novelty guns is only your opinion which certainly does not make it so. X-frames are not for everyone, but if you need the capabilities an X-frame offers or just want the high velocity, long range performance they are just the ticket.

I do not need my .460 for big game defense, but rather I know I've got a handgun that excels at taking whitetail at long range with ease. Not a novelty but one of the best tools for the job.
 
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At_liberty, we get your opinions, your clearly very sour towards the x-frame. However there are those of us who purchase a handgun based soley upon not practicality but based upon simply "fun factor". Undeniably the big bore x-frames are all of that . Please refrain from trolling your negitive comments.
 
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