Hello everyone,

I’m in the market for a big bore revolver that I can carry on western hunts and potentially for deer hunting. I already have Model 29, but am looking for something newer.

I am mostly interested in the 4” model 69, and the 5” 460. I would be taking it on future elk and hunts in Montana for bear protection. I don’t want to turn this into another bear gun thread, as I already know that using a handgun on a bear is a last ditch attempt at best.

I am not too concerned about the price as they seem to be within $300 of each other. I like the versatility of the 460 with the 45LC and 454 Casull loads for plinking. However, I’ve read that the point of impact is very different with these lighter loads, and the 45 LC also isn’t very accurate due to the long distance to the forcing cone.

As far as hunting goes, I likely wouldn’t do this very often, and it would be sort of a fun thing to do when deer get within 30 yards while bow hunting during the gun season or something of this manner. I am not interested in going longer in barrel length, as I want this to be a packable gun.

So, should I save on weight and go with the 69, or go up to the 460 for the most power and versatility?

Also, both of these will be handloaded for.

How much power do you want?
My M69 is a breeze to carry all day. Lights out accurate and handles book max magnums well.

I do not have a 460, bit it is a lot bigger. Bigger than me, almost.

I own a 460 X Frame, and Several .44Mag. Revolvers. My choice would be a 5" 460V. You can fire 45 Schofield, 45 Colt,454 Casull, or 460S&W from the same Cylinder. That equals, and Greatly exceeds the 44 Rem Mag in my opinion. Of Course the 460V weighs 61oz

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At 5'9" and 160lb, I would go with a .44 magnum. Some people like excess though, so whatever floats your boat.

Practical minded, the 44.
Either is overkill IMO for deer.
If you wanted a handgun PRIMARILY for hunting, then the 460.
But this will be back up to the bow.

Bang flop on buck, or at least a very easy to follow trail? 460.
Make sure to Wear electronic hearing protection no matter what you choose

I wouldn’t dream of taking an X frame along on a real hunting trip as a back up piece unless I had a gun bearer to carry the thing for me.

I’m not sure I could find a gun bearer who could be relied upon to hang around as the bear charged and hand me the X frame.

Due to the dearth of reliable gun bearer help, the choice is easy: get the M69.

The model 69 would be the last .44 mag I would consider for a hunting .44. One would be better off with a comparable 629. As for a backup gun, whether one wants a .44 or .460, it would depend on what one was intending to back-up and what against. If one is grouse hunting in an area where there are grizzlies, I'd want the .460 to back up my shottie with light loads. Iffin I was hunting elk in the same area with a rifle, even the .44 would be just extra weight. If I was looking at a primary hunting weapon for areas out west, I would first look at the .460 because of it's greater range and accuracy at those longer ranges. The model 69 would make for a EDC for the woods when one is not going to shoot it a lot with full throttle magnum ammo.

I own a 12" 460 XVR , and a DE44 and a GP100 357 mag. Normally I would belly right up and suggest a 460 mag, but where your considering the 5" you need to understand that first off a 5" 460XVR is going to pack some BRUTAL recoil. Secondly the 460 XVR's ammo is VERY expensive. I really think you would be more happy with a 44 mag at this time. Maybe down the road then have another look at a 460 , but I suggest the heavier 8-3/8" barrel as it softens up some of the felt recoil.

Seems like the real question is more about how much weight do you wish to actually carry. Since you stated that you would reload for either , the LC accuracy from the distance to the forcing cone doesn't matter since you could load a 460 case down to 45 LC specs . {using a different powder that would fill the case better for LC velocities} The main drawbacks to the 460 is carrying the weight and the noise. If you wish to go into the hunting area early and stay late and need a protection gun, You either need to wear electronic hearing protection or choose the M 69 or load the 460 down. A few shots from a 44 mag is doable with a 44 mag...not so sure about from a 460. I've been surprised with CC permits that bow hunters haven't all bought Model 69's with the 2 3/4 inch barrel since it's a lot of protection in a very small/carry-able package. If you go with the 460 you'll probably want a double D chest holster to carry the weight. The 69 is much more versatile for everyday woods gun. I have both a M69 2 3/4 inch and a 629 3 inch and prefer the weight and L frame package of the 69 for actual carry.{although I love the sound of the action on a 629 when cocking it} For hunting I would opt for a longer barrel. {some comes down to asking yourself the question of how often you would want to unleash the power of a 460 or is a 44 mag all you really care to hold onto. If you decide to always have the 460 loaded light for recoil management and noise, then the 69 makes more sense almost half the weight to carry but still manageable for recoil even in the short barrel. That 460 is a brutal beast for weight. I put night sights on both my 69 and my 3 inch 629 because going hunting and walking into or out of the woods at dark early or dark late...and they still function in daylight just fine.

"Fun" and packing an X frame seem to be mutually exclusive. Sure, they are versatile, but so is a 120mm Rheinmetall tank cannon.

I think you want a 69 or a shorter barreled 629. A Mountain Gun sounds perfect but would be tough to find for less than a grand. A regular ol' 4" 629 perhaps.

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I would recommend the 69. From what I got out of your post it sounds like you want a gun that would be carried more than shot in the field. I personally don’t like the x frames. They are huge and heavy and only shine if you are serious about handgun hunting for big dangerous game. I like 44 magnum a lot and I really like the L frame 44 magnum concept. I think it’s one of the best ideas Smith & Wesson has came out with in a long time.

Don’t think the excess weight of the 460 would find much holster time while hunting. I recently picked up a 4” 629 with a bianchi thumb break holster for what you describe. I’ve fired around 200 reloads and factory loads from it. It’s not quite as light as the 69 but there’s only a little more than 4 oz. difference.

I’m planning to use mine the way you’re describing.

Best of luck with your decision.
Rick

If you are going to be hunting elk in the Montana rockies, go with the M69. At 5000 ft +- elevation and some seriously challenging terrain, every extra ounce feels like a pound at the end of the day. The handgun is a good idea when your rifle isn't close at hand and when field dressing you harvest.

You should have no problem taking a deer at 30 yds with the 4 1/4" M69.

FWIW,

Paul

...Super Blackhawk...

...from my trail cam in bear country...

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There's bear country and then there is BEAR country -- LOL. Love trail cam pics.


Paul

I had a 460 and couldn't imagine packing one around all day. My 69 is a airweight in comparison. The 44 magnum will handle your needs just fine.

...the Colorado Division of Wildlife says there are no Grizzlies in Colorado...

...I was above Lake City a few years ago without a camera...

...I beg to differ...but alas...no proof...

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No offense intended -- FWPs seem to have different agenda -- lot more griz in MT than officially admitted to.

And, from what I've heard, wolves.
Here there are definitely more cougars and close encounters with them then they'll admit.

OP, you already have a .44. For bear protection go with the .460 and find a quality chest rig that fits.

From the outskirts of Denver the main concern, as told to me last night, are cougars and hitting them with whatever you’re carrying is to be practiced..... paper punchers on notice!!!

Salmon etc etc fishing with a rod in one hand and a sidearm..... while a 45LC Blackhawk is great and all I had...... a DA/SA is my choice then and now.
Chest holsters with a 629 4” and for me a 460..... will make a holster as soon as Smith gets one back to me from the PC shop.

Crossdraw for the fields/woods, chest when fishing wet, for Florida fishing.....boat/bridge ... M59 in back pocket and kayak fishing ....LCP in my vest..... handloads of course.

A 45-70 presence in a revolver works for me as possible hand to claws/teeth or rifle to antlers to limit penetration and getting tossed into the Sequoia canopy.....when that Muley dropped out of the sky .....is prudent.

We hunt with fishing rods in South Florida as scuba gives fish a fighting chance.

You're considering either the 69, or an X frame. Why not compromise and go with a good ole N frame? a 4" 629 is easily carried on your belt, and has more than enough power however, is much more manageable that the little 69 with magnum loads. Strictly speaking, price an availability gives the .44 the edge. Look at prices of 460 ammo. Even if you reload, brass can be tough to score.

I don't get all these posts about how heavy the X-Frames are and what a burden. I don't hunt but I do have an Uncle Mike's chest holster for my 500s. They make carrying a 500 very comfortable.

For the one hiking/hunting in steep mountain terrain, I can understand any obsession over weight. In flatter terrain, no, carry it if you want the capability.

And, anyone saying a full snort 500 Mag is a last ditch caliber is silly, we have no depleted uranium armored bears out there. The 500 is more like a .338 Win Mag or .375 H& H in peformance on big animals.

Edited to say, the rub is placing your shots under stress. Place the shot and Herr Bruin is going down. Having never been in such a situation, I'm certainly not saying I could effectively deal with it. Don

OP says he already has a 29 but “is looking for something newer”. Is the gun tired, or something you want to keep more as a safe queen? I don’t have a 460 yet, although I have thought about it, have handled them (not fired one), and could see myself wanting one if my interest in hand-gun HUNTING continues to deepen. If all you’re really thinking about is back-up, or trail defense (depending on types of predators you’re likely to encounter), or an occasional shot at 30 yards from a bow stand, i’d say .44 mag is what you want. The 69 is lighter and smaller if heft/weight is a detriment, otherwise I’d just bring along the 29 you have. If you want to actually reach out and target deer size or much larger game with a handgun, 460 I think is the clear choice.

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.......4” 69

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So the 460V is almost 61 ounces ( pushing 4 pounds).The 69 is 37.4 ounces ( slightly over 2 pounds ). That 2 pounds will wear on you after a full day in the field.

2 questions to ask yourself. Are you a younger man that has no issue with weight?Or at least an older man in very good shape?

I agree with others that electronic muffs are necessary for both guns,and even plugs in addition with the 460.

I think that with the right holster both are a viable option.If it was me, I'd probably go with the 69.You won't be using it much and it'll be easier to carry.

I think the 460 definitely has it's place as a hunting gun.The performance and power is amazing.But I think it's better suited to sitting somewhere as opposed to walking around.

Others have also said a 629 would be a good option and I agree.An extra round over the 69 and a little more weight to help with recoil.

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Maybe just get the 460 and try it...if you find it works then you win....if you decide it is a novelty hefty burden....then sell it and you are back to the 44....or keep them both and enjoy life more��

Groo here
What is the minimum barrel length where you hunt?[Ohio is 5in}
If you want more power but not a lot of weight,at distance, a 454.
If you want more power at close range , a 480 ruger.
If weight is no object, go with a 500 S&W...
The 460 is better as a rifle or single shot long barrel gun.
The 454 is almost a 460 AND in a smaller lighter gun.
The 500 is a pile-driver as far as you can hit with it.
The 480 is in the middle.
As you said bow hunting , 75 to 100 yds will work.
The 460 is a true LONG range pistol up to 200 yds.
But few can take advantage of that...

Me personally, I would go with an X-Frame, either the 460V or the 500. I carried a M-29, 8-3/8" in a vertical shoulder holster along with a Browning Auto-5 12ga 3"mag while walking the dogs in Ocala for Years and while I got tired at the end of the day, I never really noticed the weight of the pistol..

Fast forward to today I'm back in Fla., will most likely go hunting in Ocala again and will be using my 500 8-3/8" in an Uncle Mike's vertical shoulder rig while hunting. Don't have the Browning or M-29 anymore but I might get another Auto-5 or a BAR..

I might even have to git me another Basset Hound fer a Hunting Buddy!!

I'll second this! I'm God blessed with good hearing to start with. I got a pair of Howard Leight's electronic muffs a couple years ago. In the woods with them cranked up... I feel like my hearing is upgraded to super human status. Definitely an advantage on a hunt and when worn for outdoor shooting they are more than adequate to quiet down/make comfortable any of my hand-cannons and 7mm Remmy Magnum hunting rifle. When indoors wear them with plugs for hours of comfortable pistol practicing.

As to the OP's question, the .44mag or the .460. They are both more than adequate popping even the biggest of deer. 50 yards and less the .44mag is capable of taking down anything in continental North America.

I really like the .460 as well. But I think it would be overkill for most situations. I borrowed one from a friend for the weekend with .454 Casull, 200 grain Hornady's and Buffalo Bore (forgot the exact grain/load), in .460S&W. The POA/POI was so drastic between the three was remembered for sure. But if you are reloading I'm sure you could tailor and dial up whatever is consistent. But you can do that for the M69 as well.

Lastly, I can shoot 100 rounds of full house .44mags before I'm ready to move to something lighter. I certainly cannot do that with full house .460's. Something to consider.

Oh hell, just get both! That deer or bear won't know the difference!!!

I've been waiting on this one!!!!!!!!

Get a 5” 460 if weight is an issue.
If weight isn’t a problem the 8.38”

Isn't there a box to check on the 4473 that a 44Mag Smith has been mastered before any attempt
to purchase a 460Mag Smith?

Weight wise:
Recurve vs Wheel Bow
44 vs 460
One of each sounds right..... for a start.

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...22 long...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Well, I'm not a hunter, but I sure do LOVE shooting both my 629 and 460...





Recoil “ᴙ” Us! LOL

~A~
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Derek45... Can you expound on the ball detent on the crane of the 69 please? That looks interesting and I haven't seen anything like it on any other revolver. Is this custom work or factory? Thanks in advance!

That's factory stock on the new 69

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And the new 66 and 19 as well.