Would love some advise on the 460V (or XVR in general)

[endiun]

Hey guys! I'm interested in buying a 460V, and I'm looking at used guns as well as new.
I would like to know what is the general opinion on the older 460s vs the most recent ones. Are older or newer models generally considered better? Did anything change between the introduction and now?
I read some conflicting opinions on the matter, some people saying the the "first generation" ones were better, others that there were issues that were fixed on the newer guns, etc. So I figured I would ask the fine gentlemen here!

 

[nipperdog]

I have owned my 460V for a couple of Months now, and have put quite a few rounds of 460, and 454 Casull through it. I bought 250 pieces of Starline Brass, and have made up some Loads with H110 Powder and Hornady 240 grain bullets. I have a Vortex Venom Red Dot sight on order and should have it in a few Days. I have no Complaints with this Revolver, and Recoil is not bad with full power loads. The only Problem I've had is that Fellow Shooters at the Range Complain about the Noise. If you like Big Revolvers you will Love the 460V. Scope Mount is an EGW. I cant advise on the early models as this is my 1st 460 but from what I see, there is little difference in cost between new and used I would go with a new gun.

 

[BW460]

I have had a 460 XVR 5" barrel for about 9 years now. I love the gun.... but, if you are going to get a 460, get the 8" barrel. You lose a lot of velocity out of the 5" barrel. My Ruger Super Redhawk 454 Casull 7.5" produces the same velocity as the 5" 460.

 

[endiun]

Thank you guys for the replies! Lucky the range where I shoot is outdoors and each shooter (or party) has a dedicated bay surrounded by the berm on 3 sides, so I don't think I will annoy the other shooters too much.

Also as far as the 8" vs the 5" I know there's a velocity loss, but the 8" is a bit too nose heavy (I shot an 8" 500 and I know it's the same weight) for my taste, so unfortunately I had to write it off...

Another option I considered is the 6.5 500mag (which I also borrowed form a friend and shot) which is the same weight as the 460V, just slightly longer and doesn't suffer as much from velocity loss. But being that I would be reloading but not casting bullets, the lower cost of 45 vs 50 bullets makes the 460 more appealing, plus I like the look a bit more.

 

[Dan Christopher]

I have owned both, and have since gone back to 44 Magnums. At my age, it just made sense to consolidate and simplify.

That said, both the 500 and 460 have their merits. To own either, reloading is an absolute must unless you're quite wealthy.

IMO, unless you're planning to buy the 8-3/8" version of the 460, there's no reason to pick any of the other 460 models over a 500. The 460XVR has an insanely flat trajectory, but unless you're using the 8-3/8" barreled version of it, that advantage goes out the window. And when you start using full powered loads in the 500 Mag with 400-440 grain bullets, the 500 really starts to spank the 460 in terms of energy.

It really just boils down to what you want to do with it. All that said, a 44 Magnum will do all for me that I could conceivably ask a handgun to do. If I lived in Alaska, I would probably go with a 454 Casull. Whatever you choose, have fun!

 

[vipermd]

IMO, unless you're planning to buy the 8-3/8" version of the 460, there's no reason to pick any of the other 460 models over a 500. The 460XVR has an insanely flat trajectory, but unless you're using the 8-3/8" barreled version of it, that advantage goes out the window. And when you start using full powered loads in the 500 Mag with 400-440 grain bullets, the 500 really starts to spank the 460 in terms of energy

My thoughts exactly- I have no use for the 460 since I shoot very little 45 Colt, or 454. The 460 does have outstanding velocity, very flat, but I am shooting under 100 yds with the handguns and I prefer the power of the 500 to the velocity of 460. My 2.5, 4, 7.5, 83/8, and 16" barrels provide me with all the options I need along with superior energy. If you plan on scoping it and using it for hunting or target, great gun, But if you want a large amount of energy in your hand for sub 100 yards, the 500 may be better for your needs/wants.

Which ever way you go: Enjoy!!! Be Safe,

 

[sw282]

l have a 460PC 10 1/2'' barrel.. lts big, noisy, and l love it... Hard to find

a range that will let you shoot it too. l bought mine off the net USED a

few years back... l was told it had been to the factory due to some recall.

Oddly enough, lts not the first 5 shot 45caliber of this size to be exposed

to the public.. Colt Walkers are almost ldentical in size and reputation for power..

The Colt Walker was also made to kill big animals. Comanche horses to be precise...

Texas Rangers back in 1847 had a bit of an lndian problem. The Colt Waker

was designed to stop an lndian horse at speed... l'm pretty sure a S&W 460

would NOT have any problem taking out a Chevy Silverado or an F-150 with the

right bullet.. l feed my 460 with a reduced load from Speers' Number 14 manual..

Not a punishing load with a 260gr Gold Dot and 30gr of 2400@1600fps.

But powerful enough to get noticed by what you are shooting AT or noticed

by others around you... My fellow shooters didn't exactly welcome my 460

at our monthly BIG BORE IHMSA match this past Saturday.

Bottom line.. A 460 is great fun to shoot.. lt also has traits that make it

uncomfortable for those around you... lt ALSO makes those silly wettes

JUMP off the rail like you wont believe

 

[cladd1]

I just traded off my 460XRV with 8 3/8" barrel for the 460V model with 5 inch barrel. I went to the range yesterday and touched off a few rounds and really like it. The XVR was fun to shoot however I found it too nose heavy. The 5 inch V model is much better balanced for me. I use my S&W 629 44 mag for deer hunting so my new 460 is pretty much a range gun only.

 

[ruggyh]

Are older or newer models generally considered better?

I find no difference in production quality over the years
It should be noted there was a recall of the early Performance Center Guns with regard to the Lothar barrels, a list of effected guns can be found on S&W web site. I have owned/own many of these and no had a issue.

Did anything change between the introduction and now?

There have been a variety of models produced over the years but no engineering changes

I read some conflicting opinions on the matter, some people saying the the "first generation" ones were better...

I find nothing to back that up. I currently own at least one of just about every 460 model produced.

Threads you might find of interest
460???
460XVR. Should I?
44 Mag and 460-real world comparisons
Offical S&W X-Frame picture thread

be safe and good luck
Ruggy