S&W 460v & 460XVR... anybody got one to comment on?

[medicstimpy]

OK, now that the AR in 9mm has arrived, time to start putting away for next on the list.

My buddy has been looking at and saving for the 460's and trying to convince me too. Maybe he can get a deal on two, I dunno.

Anyways, like him, I like the fact that it shoots 3 different rounds unlike the Ruger in SA/DA models. The reason he is looking at it over the 500 is that he claims it is more powerfull with the smaller bullet over the 500.

The main thing I was thinking about is they use 0.452" bullets which we already cast anyways. Although for the lighter 45ACP bullets we are going to have to find reloads that would work as the 45C, 454Caskill and 460S&W use heavier, completely different design bullets.

I also like the fact that it shoots 45 and those three cartriges don't need a stoopid moon clip unlike my Taurus and the S&W 625. 45Auto-Rim is hard to find here. No more pulling out the cleaning rod to get cases out.

I'm not against S&W, just their semi-autos and I don't like the pricetag or how some (not all) owners are. (Like $900CAN for a .22? Cummon, eh!)

Any comments on these two models? Basically it's use will be a FUN hand cannon for the range for both of us. Would only be used on occasion at first until one of us gets set up for reloading and we both get enough brass. That's why, unlike him, I usually don't stray and buy different calibers since the start up costs are so high, especially with those rounds being so pricey.

[bigun]

A friend has the custom shop 460 I was not impressed with the quality of manufacture. The muzzle blast in impressive, more like distracting, with 45 colt it was a pussy cat, even full bore loads felt like .38 wadcutters. Recoil was quite manageable with the full bore .460 loads but that compensator directed the blast straight back in my face, even blew the hat off my head. Ear plugs alone are no match for this cannon the first shot had my ears ringing like a .357 without hearing protection. You also feel a pressure wave, I dont really know how to describe it but you feel pressure on your eyes and cheeks all in all I didnt care for the experience I fired it 3 times with the full bore loads and a couple of cylinders with the 45 colt loads. Unless you are planning to use it as a hunting gun I wouldnt waste my money, If you do get one get the best earmuffs money can buy, yess it really is that loud.

[medicstimpy]

Interesting. Thanks for the comments. I didn't know those things as we are just looking into the reviews and such now. I should copy/paste that for my buddy. He really wants one. I'm surprised too that it sounds like it's not up to S&W's usual quality for round guns. And I would have thought they would have researched better the pressure wave annoying the shooter with the compensator. Are they going the way of Colt and just going on their name now? I know the exact same Colt manufactured 20 years ago is not the same quality of the exact same gun manufactured in 2006/7.

I'm going to look at the Ruger, too. No compensator. $600 cheaper. Doesn't shoot 460 but does 45 Colt and 454 Caskill. I read somewhere the Super Blackhawk can be painful to shoot a lot of rounds with but it wont be used for that purpose. Just something fun to bring out once in a while. That might be an option for a FUN gun.

44Mag is an option, too but personally, I'd like to stick to 45 caliber even if more casting and reloading stuff will be needed.

Obviously we don't annoy people with HOT loads or our Magnums when the range is busy, but when it's empty and just me and my shooting buddies....

[bigun]

His is a custom shop gun with the round compensator that sticks about 1 1/2" past the front of the funky barrel shroud, Black Finish and a Leupold scope. The cylinder had a lot of play even when locked up hammer released not to mention end shake. It already went back to Smith once and I'm trying to get him to send it back again. This gun is a brute and weighs about 6 pounds, it looks tough as hell but the issues I cited make it a no go for me. If you get a chance and your nerves are up to it give one a try and make your own decision but its definately not my style.

[medicstimpy]

Thanks, guy. There's a gun show this weekend. I'm not in the market for that gun right now but my buddy is. I will pass on the comments for him to ponder. Hopefull we can at least handle both that one and the Ruger.

But... For the price of the Smith, I can get both the Ruger and 3/4 an XD9. I like Ruger better anyways, so maybe... If they have one at the show, I'll know if I put another coffee can in the corner of the gun locker or not.

Even better if my buddy does go for the Smith. Then I will still have one to play with at the range!!!

Even if some say both those guns are painful to shoot, the intended purpose for us both is an occasional fun gun so we can handle it because they won't be a competition/practice gun or our weekly range shooters. I had the opprotunity to handle a Freedom Arms and I can't remember the make/model of another .50 and a couple other cannons. They were big, noisy and needed to get used to controlling them but they were fun. Have to watch the front sight hitting the electric motor above, though.

Makes me wonder how some of those guys can afford to come once or twice a week and fire off several boxes of factory ammo and those are their primary or only range guns.