460 xvr 3.5" vs 500 4"

Samsonxd · Sep 13, 2015

Hi all I have been looking at getting another X frame I have a 460V all ready, I was mind made up on the 4" 500 but then I keep looking at the 460 xvr 3.5" and now I am wondering if that is what I should get..

I have never shot a 500 before so I dont know how it compares recoil wise to my 460V but I have a few pc guns and I really like them over the base models...The wife and I have talked about getting some property in Alaska when retire and spending part of our time there maybe even all of it in a few years. I enjoy shooting my 460V..Would the shorter barrel of the 3.5" 460 be a real negative? Would one carry better then the other? I like the fact the 460 I have can use different types of ammo though all I have shot is 460 factory hornady rounds...

If I got the 460 3.5" I wouldnt be adding another cartridge to the stable but if the 500 is that much better then wouldnt mind...so which would I rather have out in the wilderness tromping around?

Thanks

bcc629 · Sep 13, 2015

Zero experience with either round but..
I would much rather have the 3.5 PC
I have a Ruger Alaskan 454 right now because I can't afford the 3.5 PC yet. I love the little Alaskan 2.5" so much now though, that it's a keeper. The short barrel makes for a snappy (fun) recoil, but less punishing kick, than a longer barrel. It is also real easy to carry with the short barrel.

Samsonxd · Sep 13, 2015

Thanks for the reply I do like the 460 I have that is why I am considering the 3.5" it would be handy and no porting I like..I wish the PC center would make a short barrel 500..I dont think there is anything the 500 can do that the 460 couldnt do maybe the 500 could do it a bit easier but I could be wrong. I would think both could get the job done. I like the versatility of the 460 I dont reload at this time but the 500 would make for good bragging rights

bcc629 · Sep 13, 2015

Check out the big bore snubby thread. I just bumped it for you. My iPad wouldn't let me post a link here. I really think they have much to offer.

roscoepc · Sep 13, 2015

I've got the 500 with the 8, 3/8" barrel, interchangeable compensator. I also have no experience with the 460 but.. What the main difference between the 2 calibers is Speed, (460), and Power, (500). Either weapon should be able to take down anything you'll come across in Alaska, so it's gonna boil down to which you prefer.

I would guestimate that with a full house magnum load in either gun the recoil would be about the same: Like a mule kicking you in the hand!!

The reason I went with the 8, 3/8" barrel was better accuracy and better control of the gun with magnum loads. People might say it's a bit heavy for walking in the woods but I don't even notice it with the shoulder rig I bought for it.

Whatever your decision is, Have Fun with it and Be Safe!!!

Samsonxd · Sep 13, 2015

Thank you Sir I will check it out

bcc629 said:
Check out the big bore snubby thread. I just bumped it for you. My iPad wouldn't let me post a link here. I really think they have much to offer.

Samsonxd · Sep 13, 2015

Hi Sir I have no experience with the 500 my buddy who has several 500's says his recoil is not sharp but more like a giant push. I dont know I am hoping to shoot one of his one day to see.Dirty Harry definitely does not have anything on you I like your style though. I like to hike with my 329pd or 329 Ak backpacker lol i did try out my Ruger the other day a 3.75" sbh but i like the 460v i am thinking a nice leather shoulder holster this winter hiking though over kill for my current area. I dont find the 460 bad recoil wise but it is loud.

roscoepc said:
I've got the 500 with the 8, 3/8" barrel, interchangeable compensator. I also have no experience with the 460 but.. What the main difference between the 2 calibers is Speed, (460), and Power, (500). Either weapon should be able to take down anything you'll come across in Alaska, so it's gonna boil down to which you prefer.

I would guestimate that with a full house magnum load in either gun the recoil would be about the same: Like a mule kicking you in the hand!!

The reason I went with the 8, 3/8" barrel was better accuracy and better control of the gun with magnum loads. People might say it's a bit heavy for walking in the woods but I don't even notice it with the shoulder rig I bought for it.

Whatever your decision is, Have Fun with it and Be Safe!!!

steelslaver · Sep 13, 2015

Which is worse getting run over by a loaded 3/4 pickup going 60 mph or a loaded 1/2 ton going 75? I don't know, but I am sure the basic effect would be much the same.

I am a 45 fan and was going to get a 460 because of the ability to shoot 45 in it, but, a good deal on a 500 came along so I snagged it. As far the ability to kill even a big animal I don't think there is much difference one way or the other as long as you do your part. Kind of like the 357-45acp debate for self defense. Pick one learn to shoot it well.

ruggyh · Sep 13, 2015

Both cartridges offer more than enough energy to get the job done. I have plenty of experience with both X-frames, and the recoil will is healthy for either, the 500 is harder on your hands especially when heavier bullets are pushed hard.

Just look back through the past several years and you can find numerous threads on either and comparisons.

The 3.5" will not present as much muzzle blast as you current 5".

If I were to get either caliber I would opt for the 7.5" barrel length. The 6.5" would be second choice.

You should also take up hand-loading if you don't already.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

BLUEDOT37 · Sep 14, 2015

I don't see where you said what barrel length 460 you currently have but it sounds like you definitely want a short(er) barrel for carry. The 150-200fps you lose, verses a longer barrel (see ruggyh's comparison thread), won't likely make a difference especially since it's intend for close ranges.

I wouldn't let the fact that the PC doesn't make a short barrel 500 deter you, if that's the direction you decide to go. Regular productions models aren't materially inferior to current PC models, IMO. The 4" 500 is really only about a 3" (rifled) barrel because of the comp.

460 ammo seems easier to find, around here, than 500 ammo & generally a little cheaper. If you do end up reloading, again, the 460 is cheaper, component wise, & way more readily available. The 500 gives you a wider range of bullet weights, with the heavier you go the more punishing they are. The 460's case capacity is about 5% less than the 500. Either way, plenty of power!

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SampW%20500ES%20-%20Emergency%20Survival%20Kit%20-%2006c_zpsaudhsiky.jpg

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ruggyh · Sep 14, 2015

Hi all I have been looking at getting another X frame I have a 460V all ready... Samsonxd

I don't see where you said what barrel length 460 you currently have ... BLUEDOT37

460V is a 5" barrel length, V is Roman number 5.

I find it strange on the standard 5" and 8.375" barrel length production guns S&W includes the compensator in the barrel length measurement and on the 460 Performance Center guns they do not.

Both the compensated and uncompensated 460 below as an example

and a comparison of the 460V and a 460XVR 3.5" uncompensated, only about half inch more effective barrel length.

Note: this also true for the 500ES and the 4" 500, only a little less than half inch difference in actual effective barrel lengths.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Samsonxd · Sep 14, 2015

Hi ruggyh you have a awesome collection of x frame revolvers very nice my hats off to you.. I really appreciate the side by side comparison of the 3.5" 460 and the 460v not much difference at all...between your 500 and 460's what do you prefer and would there be a time or place that you would ever reach for the 500 over your 460 snubby? One thing I was thinking was as I get older I can step down to 45 colt in the 460 if the day comes the 460 recoil feels to much ..maybe one day take up reloading I bought a buddys dillon 550 couple years ago but have done nothing with it since then.Thanks again for your help..I really appreciate it.

ruggyh · Sep 14, 2015

I going after Grizzly - leaving for Alaska on the 21st and I taking a pair of 460s- 12" and 7.5"

I think the 460 is capable of anything with good shoot placement and the correct bullet.
I don't shot the short case out of my guys- I just load to level of power required.

For the wife I use a case full of TrailBoss, equivalent to 45 Colt.

Load all my 460 on a 550, they are very good press

Thanks for compliment on the guns - glad to share.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

roscoepc · Sep 14, 2015

Remember ruggyh: Pictures or it didn't happen!!!!

Samsonxd · Sep 14, 2015

Thanks again for all your help and cant wait to see some pics of your trip have a great time be safe

ruggyh said:
I going after Grizzly - leaving for Alaska on the 21st and I taking a pair of 460s- 12" and 7.5"

I think the 460 is capable of anything with good shoot placement and the correct bullet.
I don't shot the short case out of my guys- I just load to level of power required.

For the wife I use a case full of TrailBoss, equivalent to 45 Colt.

Load all my 460 on a 550, they are very good press

Thanks for compliment on the guns - glad to share.

Good luck and be safe
Ruggy

Neverhome · Sep 22, 2015

When in Grizzly territory a shorter barrel will allow a quicker draw from a holster. They walk very quietly and can come upon you like a ghost. I have the 500 with the 8 3/8" barrel and a friend of mine has the 460 with the 5" barrel. At the range there is a noticeable difference in the accuracy, the 500 coming out on top, but there is a difference in the recoil. The 460 offers the advantage of shooting several different cartridges, the 500 much heavier loads with greater foot pounds of energy. My suggestion is to go with the 500 in a medium length barrel. That will give you the maximum firepower in a handgun, yet allow you a faster draw from a holster than a longer barrel.

ruggyh · Sep 22, 2015

I have the 500 with the 8 3/8" barrel and a friend of mine has the 460 with the 5" barrel. At the range there is a noticeable difference in the accuracy, the 500 coming out on top...

I find this statement without merit, there is little to any difference in the accuracy of these calibers, I have shot many and I repeat many different X-frames, both 460 and 500 and find little if any difference between them.

My experience shows most shooters are not capable of shooting to the accuracy of these revolvers.

My few Ransom rest test show 5 shot touching groups with both calibers.

Well getting loaded and off to camp here in Alaska.

Oh and anyone chasing bears should able to shoot their choice of fire arm accurately and be able to follow up quickly as well.

Good Luck and be safe
Ruggy

460 xvr 3.5" vs 500 4"

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