[freedom475]

I don't mean to confuse you...I meant recoil of my load of 1050fps w/450gr cast is easier to shoot than the factory loaded 44 mag....Just so you know the 500 with full house DoubleTap,BuffaloBore,etc. is quite intense, to put it mildly

But this is the idea:, to be able to have enough power to penitrate a griz lengthwise and still have a chance to break his hips down on the way out, in case you missed his head on the way in. In order to do this, you need a heavy, hard, bullet. So the best way to move a heavier bullet with some amount of "control" we need a bigger gun. With the bigger caliber ( and case capacity) we can move a bigger bullet easier.

[ponder]

Originally Posted by smedori

Hunting a S&W .460 with 2 3/4" barrel for a trip to Alaska's backwoods. Does anyone know where I can buy one new or used?

I have a NIB S&W .460 in 2.75" and 5". Either one is $1400.

[ponder]

Originally Posted by smedori

Also, any thoughts as to this revolver vs. the Ruger Super Red Hawk Alaskan .454 also with very short barrel and the Taurus Raging Bull .454 also with very short barrel for use in Alaska for large animal protection?

I like the ability of the .460 to shoot - .45 Schofield, .45 Long Colt, .45 Long Colt shot shells, .454 Casull, .460 S&W and many of the .410 2.5" slugs/buck/shotshells.

[Hookeye]

Shot a 329 with hot 265's. Whip was FAST and fairly large, so shot recovery aint super quick
Recoil was OK though (but am used to .44 mags hot and N frames fit my hands well).
It had the wood grips on it, when i get mine I'll go Hogue rubber.

[75370]

Originally Posted by Hookeye

Shot a 329 with hot 265's. Whip was FAST and fairly large, so shot recovery aint super quick
Recoil was OK though (but am used to .44 mags hot and N frames fit my hands well).
It had the wood grips on it, when i get mine I'll go Hogue rubber.

You can get replacement grips that were designed for the S&W 500 directly from S&W.
They have a mushy texture where grips hit the web of your hand.

[locutus]

A snub nosed .460?

Sure glad it won't be in my hand when it goes off!

[smedori]

Thanks again to all who replied. For economic and other reasons I purchased a Taurus Raging Bull .454 with 2 1/4 inch barrel. [I would have gotten the Ruger .454 Alaskan but, 1) I couldn't find one since apparently the folks up in Alaska buy about as many as are produced and, 2) The short Ruger is not ported and maybe the ported barrel on the Taurus will lessen recoil a bit without sacrificing too much in terms of power]

Let me quickly point out that, although a neophyte when it comes to firearms, I understand that longer barrels are better in terms of power, accuracy and probably other things. For my use however, a longer barrel would be uncomfortable when hiking, backpacking, fishing etc. and therefore I would be more likely to leave it in the vehicle or at home and I think everyone agrees that having an excellent weapon safely locked up at home or in the vehicle is not as good as having a pretty darn good one where you need it.

As for caliber, I now better understand that bigger is better but, in my case, wanting to use the revolver for enjoyable target shooting as well as self protection, pointed me in the direction of the smaller, lower recoil caliber.

Hopefully I'll never have to fire it in self defense but, if I do, maybe, just maybe the .454 Casul out of that short barrel will be enough to get the job done. If I do use it on my 3 weeks in Alaska trip I will tell the tale on this site assuming I survive well enough to blog........

[Cattledog]

Ive fired a ported 2-3/4" .460 and the shock isnt the recoil, its the blast of wind that blows your hair back . The ported 454 should handle just fine and still have decent accuracy out to 80+ yds

[downsouth]

Originally Posted by Cattledog

Ive fired a ported 2-3/4" .460 and the shock isnt the recoil, its the blast of wind that blows your hair back . The ported 454 should handle just fine and still have decent accuracy out to 80+ yds

80yds, wow, thats some shooting with a snubby.

[ga41]

Having shot a 3" Model 29 (K rd butt with a N frame) with full house 240 gr, I cannot imagine a 454 or a 500 in the 3" ... Just in case you were wondering, I have a 12" TC in 45-70 that is not a problem, the 1" bull barrel does wonders