Smith & Wesson Model 460
| Smith & Wesson Model 460XVR | |
|---|---|
 Customized Smith & Wesson Model 460XVR showing factory sights and barrel detail. | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 2.75" to 8.375" |
| Cartridge | .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, .45 Colt, .45 Schofield |
| Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
| Sights | Open with provision for a scope |
Smith & Wesson Model 460 is a large bore revolver by Smith & Wesson chambered for the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge. It was designed as a hunting and dangerous game defensive revolver for use in Africa and Alaska. The revolver is built on the company's largest and strongest platform known as the X-Frame and represents a joint effort between Smith & Wesson, Hornady and Cor-Bon.[1]
Design
The basic design of the Model 460 is based on the other X-frame revolver, its counterpart, the Smith & Wesson Model 500, a .50 caliber revolver.[2][3]
Aside from the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge, the revolver can chamber .454 Casull and .45 Colt ammunition.[1][4][5][2] Smith & Wesson states that Model 460 XVR (XVR stands for Xtreme Velocity Revolver) is the highest velocity production revolver, while being the most powerful .45 caliber production revolver in the world, launching a 200 grain bullet at 2,330 feet per second, generating 2,400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.[1][2][6][7][8]
The rifling in the barrel is unique for this revolver in that it starts with a slow twist of 1 turn in 100" and gradually speeds up to 1 turn in 20 to accommodate the high pressure of the round.[1]
The S&W Model 460 won the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Handgun of the year Award when it debuted in 2005.[9]
Variants
Smith & Wesson offers several variants of this revolver. Some with short barrels like the Model 460 ES are intended for use in survival kits in small planes should they crash land in Alaskan Bear Country[10] while others with barrels as long as 14" are intended as a primary hunting arm.[11][12]
- Model 460 OD Green Carry Combo
- Model 460 ES Emergency Survival Kit
- Model 460 V 5" Barrel, Muzzle Brake (the V stand for 5 in regard to the barrel)
- Model 460 XVR 8.375" barrel, Muzzle Brake (the XVR stand for Extreme Velocity Revolver)
- Model 460 XVR Performance Center 10.5" Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Sling Swivels, Picatinny rail top
- Model 460 XVR Performance center 12" Barrel, Sling Swivels, Picatinny rail top and bottom
- Model 460 XVR Performance Center 14" Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Sling Swivels, Picatinny rail top and bottom, bipod
References
- ^ a b c d Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (20 December 2006). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 353. ISBN 1-4402-2700-4.
- ^ a b c "Gun Review: Smith & Wesson's 460XVR Revolver". Outdoor Life. 2007.
- ^ Ramage, Ken; Taffin, John (16 November 2006). Handguns 2007. Gun Digest Books. p. 47. ISBN 0-89689-415-0.
- ^ Chumley, Cheryl K (January 21, 2014). "Smith & Wesson unveils monster .460 caliber gun: The 'Backpack Cannon'". The Washington Times.
- ^ http://www.gunsandammo.com/video/new-smith-wesson-460xvr-model-929-performance-center-revolvers/ New Smith & Wesson 460XVR & Model 929 Performance Center Revolvers. January 22nd, 2014.
- ^ Barnes, Frank C.; Mann, Richard A. (5 October 2012). Cartridges of the World: A Complete Illustrated Reference for More Than 1,500 Cartridges. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 362. ISBN 1-4402-3059-5.
- ^ Cunningham, Grant (2012). Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to Handguns. Iola, wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 84. ISBN 1-4402-3276-8.
- ^ Hutchinson, Gordon. "Beauty of the beast: S&W .460 XVR".
- ^ Huntington, Roy (2005). "Academy of excellence honors industry's best". Shooting Industry. 20 (5). FMG Publications: 98.
- ^ Radielovic, Marko; Prasac, Max (31 August 2012). "Survival Tools". Big-Bore Revolvers. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 225. ISBN 1-4402-2856-6.
- ^ Schoby, Mike (8 July 2008). Do-It-Yourself Dream Hunts: Plan Like An Outfitter And Hunt For Less. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 60. ISBN 0-89689-641-2.
- ^ Thurman, Russ (2005). "The Battle Of The Hand Cannons". Shooting Industry. 20 (2). FMG Publications: 35.