460 5” vs 500 4”

[ShootMeStraight]

Just out of curiosity does anyone know why Smith & Wesson decided to make a 4" 500 but for the 460 they went with 5"?

 

[505Gibbs]

Specifically, I have no clue BUT they did offer the Survival Package in both chamberings which I believe were both 3". This was probably done for compactness of the entire package.
Additionally, the 460[depending on the bullet weight] is a higher speed[fps] offering and given the relative difference in bore dia.[expansion factor of the gasses] I'd speculate the difference was to maximize the fps of the projectiles in the 460.

 

[ShootMeStraight]

Well that definitely makes sense about maximizing the velocity in the 460 with the extra inch.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Just out of curiosity does anyone know why Smith & Wesson decided to make a 4" 500 but for the 460 they went with 5"?

The 4" 500 is effectively a 3" barrel & the 5" 460 is effectively a 4" barrel, considering the (unrifled) comps.

They used to make a 5" 500.

The Survival model's were 2-3/4" long. No comp/ports.

They make 3-1/2" PC versions of both. No comp/ports.

.

 

[ShootMeStraight]

I live in Canada so the shortest option for the 500 for me is 6.5". I love my 8 3/8" but it would be nice to have a 5" as well.

 

[ruggyh]

Specifically, I have no clue BUT they did offer the Survival Package in both chamberings which I believe were both 3". …

The Survival Package guns included the ES model (available separately) and have a barrel length of 2 3/4" (as stated by Bluedot)

The 5" 500 was produced for John Ross, total of 500 guns, 250 in stainless finish and 250 in two tone black finish. These guns are very different from other 500 offering. The twist rate is faster, the gun sports a half under lug and is not compensated.

Sad to hear you can't own any of these shorter versions in Canada

be safe
Ruggy

 

[Imissedagain]

Ruggyh,
What was made in 460 that does not have a comp?
Also, what size Nills are the ones in your picture?
Thx
RT

 

[ruggyh]

The John Ross 500 has not been replicated in the 460 cartridge.

Uncomped 460s include the

ES SKU 150152 2.75"
Carry SKU 170350 3.5"
Hunter SKU 170280 12"
and the seldom seen SKU 170280 14"

The Nill Grips in the photo are model SW038L.

be safe
Ruggy

 

[Imissedagain]

Ruggy,
Thx for the quick reply.

Nill shows those numbers as a left hand grip and I guess it's a normal and not an xlarge size, as I'm trying to determine what fits your hand.
Picture from Nill's site looks different than your pic.

When I get finished with a set that fits my hand, not a copy of Nills, I'll send you a set.
My 1:1 Marlin can carve in reverse..

We do appreciate your time and knowledge.