460 Barrel Length ?

[davemuzz]

I'm beginning to seriously look at getting a 460. I already own a DX Classic 44 and a M29 PC 44 mag. Now, Smith offers the 460 with with several different barrel lengths. A 10.5",12.0",8-3/8",5",2-3/4". Now, anything 5" or less for me I think will be too short. I plan on using this gun for hunting mostly whitetail (maybe a groundhog or two if the mood strikes) and "shooting holes in paper" with 460 loads and probably 454 loads. I do reloading so I'll shoot it a bunch.

So...does the barrel length make a significant difference in this gun? Since I've eliminated two of the barrels already....what are the thoughts of the current 460 owners?

Thanks

Dave

 

[davemuzz]

I'm beginning to seriously look at getting a 460. I already own a DX Classic 44 and a M29 PC 44 mag. Now, Smith offers the 460 with with several different barrel lengths. A 10.5",12.0",8-3/8",5",2-3/4". Now, anything 5" or less for me I think will be too short. I plan on using this gun for hunting mostly whitetail (maybe a groundhog or two if the mood strikes) and "shooting holes in paper" with 460 loads and probably 454 loads. I do reloading so I'll shoot it a bunch.

So...does the barrel length make a significant difference in this gun? Since I've eliminated two of the barrels already....what are the thoughts of the current 460 owners?

Thanks

Dave

 

[505Gibbs]

Originally posted by davemuzz:
I'm beginning to seriously look at getting a 460. I already own a DX Classic 44 and a M29 PC 44 mag. Now, Smith offers the 460 with with several different barrel lengths. A 10.5",12.0",8-3/8",5",2-3/4". Now, anything 5" or less for me I think will be too short. I plan on using this gun for hunting mostly whitetail (maybe a groundhog or two if the mood strikes) and "shooting holes in paper" with 460 loads and probably 454 loads. I do reloading so I'll shoot it a bunch.

So...does the barrel length make a significant difference in this gun? Since I've eliminated two of the barrels already....what are the thoughts of the current 460 owners?

Thanks

Dave

Dave - I have a PC model which has about a
7 3/4" bbl. and with a scope I think its a pretty good package! You wouldn't go wrong with the 8 3/8's while the other two might be a bit barrel heavy IMO.

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

I have the 5" 460v (actually 4" barrel + 1" compensator). I've shot "unnamed" large 4-legged critters @ 50' with no problem...well the only problem was the huge exit hole!!

 

[Pinger4186]

Obviously if you want more velocity, longer is better. I was looking at both the shorties when i decided i wanted the 8 3/8. They are all good for making a lot of noise and flash, but the short ones especially.

8 3/8 is kind of the middle of the road and a great choice. I love mine!!!

 

[davemuzz]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking the 8-3/8 barrel will fling a chunk of lead at enough velocity to knock 'em down at 200 yards.

At least....that was my thinking. You guys have confirmed you like the 8+" barrels. I'm just guessin they will do the job between 150 to 200 yards.

Dave

 

[H Richard]

I recently had the opportunity to fire a 5", a 8 3/8" and a 10" PC model. All with full house 460. The longer barrels are very heavy (soaks up the recoil) but will need a rest of some kind when hunting. The 5" (with muzzle break) did not have any worse perceived recoil than the longer heaver models. I am impressed with the accuracy of these models. My choice would be the 8 3/8".