I need to stop making impulse buys, BUT I was always wanted a big revolver and this is what I ended up with, the 460V.
If you're making $1000+ impulse buys, you must have a way better job than I do.
Did I make a mistake buying the 5" over the 8"? I know you lose about 200 FPS with the 5", but I am sure it can still kill out to 200 yards, BUT now I don't think I want to scope this thing considering the lens will sit right above the ports and it puts out some flames, granted I can use the other comp without top ports, but I wonder how much more muzzle rise I will have?
This is a question only you can answer. In my mind, the 5" is the perfect length for most revolvers, and especially in the X frames. I am able to draw and shoot my 460V one handed, and since I bought it as a big bore angry critter gun for the trail, and as a mid range hunting gun capable of taking an elk, I think I chose the right one. However, animals are fairly easy to get close to where I live. Getting within 50 yards isn't that hard here.
So, if that type of scenario fits your needs, you made a good choice IMO. Now if you are looking to scope the gun and take some really long rested shots, or long hunting shots, then yes, you probably should have gone with a longer barrel. But that doesn't mean you can't kill a critter from far away with the 460V, it just means you won't have quite as flat of a trajectory is all. There's still plenty of umph in the cartridge to do the job, and I've seen factory loadings from 200gr up to 360 gr. Nothing in North America is going to walk away from that with a well placed shot.
If you are looking for a scope base, I found this one years ago, but never bought one as I decided to keep mine iron sights only.
http://www.jackweigand.com/sswhpmnts.html
Shooting the gun: I have many hundreds of 200 gr Hornady loads down the pipe with my specimen and I've enjoyed every one of them. I have hit my target out to 50 yards without tremendous difficulty, though my eyes are really not that sharp. So when I get past there, I have to really focus and concentrate. I have hit a 2 liter at 100 yards, but it took me all 5 shots to do it. I guess I don't really feel that bad though as a 2 liter is mighty small at that distance. It exploded like it was hit with a rifle round when hit. If you put a scope on yours, and really get it zeroed in, I think 200 yard shots would be perfectly doable for you.
454's are fun also, and pack plenty of wallop. They hit accurately enough to hunt with in my gun, and I'd have no qualms about shooting an elk with one.
I have read about accuracy issues with 45 colt ammo in 460 mag chambered guns before. I always thought it was BS, but two weeks ago I finally found a 45 Colt round my gun just didn't like. They were 250 gr FMJ's from a company called Northern Hills Precision Ammo. It was anything but precise in my gun, but it did go bang. I have to admit though, I hadn't shot my 460 for a few months, so I'm probably part of the issue there. I actually was having better luck shooting that gun one handed that day for whatever reason.
If you shoot 45 Colt ammo out of your gun, I recommend you shoot lighter bullets, like 225 gr rounds to start, and see how your gun likes them. Mine chucks those down range right where I want them.
Recoil: A lot of people complain about the recoil of a 460 mag. The bottom line is that if the grip fits you, it isn't bad at all. Just don't lock your elbows or your entire upper body will be beat up. Let the gun recoil, and let your elbows bend, and your shoulders shift.
The trigger in DA on my gun is wonderful and breaks really cleanly. The SA pull is a hair trigger on my gun, so, you know, watch out.
One thing to watch out for is the compensator. Mine tends to work itself loose after a few rounds. It is annoying, and I don't like needing an Allen wrench to keep it tight, but I don't want to put any thread lock on it or I'll be fighting with it when I clean it.
Not to mention you have to wear hearing protection, I don't think I have fired a louder pistol.
I guess I don't understand this one. The 460 mag, regardless of barrel length, is LOUD, and will do permanent hearing damage, very likely with only one shot, if shot without hearing protection. Personally I won't shoot ANY unsuppressed handgun without hearing protection. In fact, the 460 mag has made me realize I need to double up and wear plugs and muffs.
The more I think about it, the more it is going to be the occasional fun gun and not a hunt with gun.
If this is the intended use, then I don't think you'll be disappointed. I get a big grin on my face every time I shoot mine. It hits like a laser beam out to 70 yards or so. It's a really fun gun, and I think it has a lot of utility based on your intended use.
If you need more detail or clarification, let me know man.
