https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/x-frame-163460
The X-Frame Model 460 Revolver delivers the highest velocity of any production revolver, reaching speeds over 2,300 fps. You’ll find a 5-round cylinder that handles .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, and .45 Colt ammunition. The stainless steel construction features interchangeable muzzle compensators, Sorbathane grips, and precision-adjustable sights. With prices ranging from $1,249 to $2,099, this high-performance revolver’s robust design and versatility make it worth deeper exploration.
Key Takeaways
- The X-Frame Model 460 Revolver is the highest-velocity production revolver, achieving muzzle velocities over 2,300 fps.
- It features a 5-round cylinder and can fire .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, and .45 Colt ammunition.
- The revolver has interchangeable muzzle compensators, Sorbathane grips, and an optic-ready configuration with Picatinny rail.
- Available in various barrel lengths from 2.75 to 14 inches, with prices ranging from $1,249 to $2,099.
- Proven reliability through 15,000-round endurance trials, with a robust X-Frame construction and precision-adjustable sights.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 460 XVR stands as the highest velocity production revolver available, delivering muzzle velocities exceeding 2,300 feet per second through its 8.375-inch barrel.
This large-frame MODEL features a satin stainless steel finish and interchangeable muzzle compensators. You’ll find a 5-round cylinder capacity, with the single-action trigger breaking at 3.75 pounds. The revolver weighs 77.8 ounces.
Price Range
Several distinct price points exist across the Model 460 XVR lineup, ranging from $1,249 to $2,099 MSRP. You’ll find the high-velocity Performance Center model commands the premium price, while the compact ES variant with its shorter muzzle offers the most affordable entry point.
| Model | Barrel | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 460 XVR Performance Center | 5″ | $2,099 |
| Standard 460 XVR | 5″ | $1,599 |
| 460 ES | 2.75″ | $1,249 |
Specifications
The Model 460 XVR’s all-stainless steel construction delivers exceptional durability while ranging from 58.8 to 99.1 ounces depending on configuration. You’ll find the revolver chambered in .460 S&W Magnum with a 5-round capacity cylinder that’s also compatible with .454 Casull and .45 Colt ammunition. The revolver’s barrel options span from 2.75 to 14 inches, accommodating various shooting applications with available features like muzzle brakes and Picatinny rails.
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 58.8-99.1 oz | Configuration dependent |
| Barrel Length | 2.75-14 inches | Multiple options available |
| Ammunition | .460 S&W Magnum | Also accepts .454 Casull/.45 Colt |
Weight
Weighing in at 77.8 ounces, Smith & Wesson’s Model 460XVR incorporates substantial mass that proves essential for managing the powerful .460 S&W Magnum cartridge’s recoil.
The revolver’s weight is optimized through its X-Frame design, offering you better shooting control compared to the heavier .500 S&W Magnum. You’ll find this balanced weight configuration enhances the revolver’s shootability while maintaining practical portability for field use.
Barrel Length
Smith & Wesson offers Model 460 XVR with an impressive range of barrel configurations, spanning from a compact 2.75 inches to an extended 14 inches. You’ll find the 2.75-inch variant optimized for aircraft survival kits, while the 5-inch model features a muzzle brake for enhanced control.
For maximum velocity and accuracy at extended yards, you can choose the Performance Center variants with 12-inch or 14-inch barrels, achieving higher feet per second.
Material Made Out Of
Built entirely from satin stainless steel, the Model 460 XVR incorporates an X-Frame design engineered to handle the intense pressures of .460 S&W Magnum rounds.
The robust stainless steel construction contributes to the revolver’s substantial 77.8-ounce unloaded weight, while the X-Frame’s extra-large dimensions provide the structural integrity needed for multi-caliber compatibility, including .454 Casull and .45 Colt ammunition.
Chambered In
The powerhouse Model 460 XVR’s primary chambering is the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge, capable of launching 200-grain projectiles at velocities exceeding 2,300 fps.
The revolver’s gain-twist rifling pattern transitions from 1:100 to 1:20, optimizing stabilization for high-velocity rounds.
You’ll also find versatile compatibility with .454 Casull, .45 Colt, and .45 Schofield ammunition, making it a multi-caliber platform.
Capacity
Packing five rounds in its robust cylinder, the Model 460 XVR’s capacity strikes a balance between power and control. The revolver’s top-break design enables quick reloading when you’ve expended your five shots.
While some may consider this capacity modest, it’s purposefully engineered this way – the X-Frame’s construction prioritizes handling the immense pressures of the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge safely and effectively.
Trigger Pull
Moving from cylinder capacity to control characteristics, experienced shooters will appreciate the Model 460’s refined trigger mechanism. You’ll find the single-action trigger pull measures a precise 3 3/4 pounds, while the double-action operation delivers smooth engagement.
The trigger pull exhibits crisp, clean break characteristics, enhancing your accuracy and shot placement. This mechanical precision is integral to the revolver’s superior performance.
Safety?
Safety features on the Model 460 XVR rely primarily on its double-action/single-action trigger mechanism rather than manual safety. This design, combined with the revolver’s robust X-Frame construction, helps you maintain secure center control during firing.
The substantial 77.8 oz weight and optional muzzle brakes enhance your ability to hold and manage recoil, providing practical safety through controlled handling.
Action
Built around a robust double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, the Model 460 XVR delivers impressive performance specifications that showcase its engineering precision. You’ll experience a crisp 3 3/4 pound trigger pull in single-action mode, while the double-action capability provides versatile operation.
The 5-round cylinder pairs with progressive gain-twist rifling, transitioning from 1-in-100 to 1-in-20 for optimal stabilization.
Optic Ready?
The Model 460 XVR’s optic-ready configuration expands its capabilities beyond its impressive action system. You’ll find Picatinny rails on many variants, especially Performance Center models, allowing you to mount your preferred optics.
The versatile platform accommodates scopes, red dots, and FIBER OPTIC sights, enhancing your long-range accuracy. Whether you’re hunting or practicing self-defense, you can customize the sight system to match your needs.
Review
The Model 460 XVR’s versatility in handling three different cartridges (.460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, and .45 Colt) stands as its primary advantage, while its significant weight of over 4 pounds might challenge shooters during extended field use.
You’ll find the revolver’s Performance Center features, including the effective muzzle brake and precision-adjustable sights, contribute to exceptional accuracy and manageable recoil despite the cartridge’s substantial power. The X-Frame’s robust construction and Smith & Wesson’s tight manufacturing tolerances ensure consistent reliability, though you’ll need to maintain proper torque on the barrel-mounted compensator to prevent loosening under recoil.
Pros
Boasting unprecedented power and versatility, Smith & Wesson’s Model 460 XVR dominates the large-frame revolver market with its 2,400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and blazing 2,300 fps velocity.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Interchangeable muzzle brake | Recoil management |
| Gain-twist ECR barrel | Superior accuracy |
| Multi-caliber compatibility | Hunting flexibility |
You’ll appreciate the high-performance sights and customizable muzzle brake options while the Sorbathane grips tame this powerhouse’s substantial recoil.
Cons
Despite its impressive power, Smith & Wesson’s 460XVR comes with notable drawbacks you’ll need to consider. The heavy 77.8 oz weight affects handling, while muzzle brakes create significant blasts. You’ll find challenges when shooting off improvised rests due to forward balance.
| Limitation | Impact | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Difficult offhand shooting | Affects carry comfort |
| Muzzle blast | High noise/concussion | Enhanced ear protection needed |
| Limited capacity | 5-round cylinder | Less rounds than semi-autos |
| Cost | $2,099 MSRP | Premium price point |
Reliability
Through rigorous endurance testing and real-world use, Smith & Wesson’s .460XVR has proven itself exceptionally reliable. You’ll find that Performance Center testing verified the revolver’s durability through 15,000-round endurance trials, with special attention to frame integrity under proof loads.
The only reported issues were two instances of primer flow with Cor-Bon 200-grain loads. The revolver maintains consistent accuracy and shows no leading with hard-cast bullets.
Similar Models
Several X-Frame revolvers complement the Model 460, each engineered for specific cartridges and shooting applications. You’ll find the Model 500 X-frame revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum for maximum power, while the Model 350 handles the .350 Legend cartridge.
Like the standard 460XVR, these variants feature varying barrel lengths and weights from 58.8 to 99.1 ounces, with Performance Center editions offering enhanced components.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
While Smith & Wesson’s X-Frame dominates the large-caliber revolver market, other manufacturers offer comparable high-power revolvers.
You’ll find Ruger’s Super Redhawk and Freedom Arms’ Model 83 in .454 Casull, while Magnum Research’s BFR handles both .460 and .500 S&W Magnum rounds.
Thompson Center Arms provides their Encore Pro Hunter pistol in .460 S&W Magnum, and Taurus offers their Raging Bull series in multiple large calibers.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the X-Frame Model 460 revolver is essential for optimal performance and reliability.
As the highest velocity revolver in its class, this powerful .45 caliber revolver requires thorough cleaning after each use. You’ll need to clean the cylinder and barrel with appropriate solvents and brushes to remove fouling.
Apply light oil to moving parts, and always store it properly to prevent corrosion.
History
The Smith & Wesson Model 460 revolver emerged in 2005 as an innovative advancement in large-frame handgun design. Building on the success of their X-frame platform, S&W developed this versatile handgun specifically for dangerous game and handgun hunting applications.
You’ll find it’s engineered with gain-twist rifling and interchangeable muzzle brakes, earning the prestigious Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Handgun of the Year Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 460 the Most Powerful Handgun?
You’ll find the .460 S&W Magnum is the world’s most powerful production handgun in terms of velocity, though not absolute energy. Its 2,416 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and 1,600 fps velocity make it ideal for big game hunting applications.
While the .500 S&W Magnum has higher energy, the .460’s superior ballistics and recoil management through the X-Frame design give you better shooting control and accuracy at longer ranges.
What Calibers Can a 460 Revolver Shoot?
Like a medieval crossbow on steroids, your .460 revolver can handle four distinct calibers. You’ll be able to shoot the powerful .460 S&W Magnum with its incredible bullet velocity of 2,300+ fps, the robust .454 Casull, and the more manageable .45 Colt and .45 Schofield rounds.
This multi-caliber capability allows for excellent recoil management – you can switch from high-powered magnum loads to milder rounds depending on your shooting needs.
Is a 460 More Powerful Than a 500 Magnum?
No, your .460 S&W Magnum isn’t more powerful than the .500 S&W Magnum in terms of raw energy (2,416 ft-lbs vs 2,840 ft-lbs). However, you’ll find the .460’s superior recoil management makes it more practical for most hunting applications.
While the .500 claims the “most powerful” title, your .460 achieves higher velocities (1,600 fps) with its 395-grain bullets, making it the fastest production revolver cartridge available.
What Is the Best S&W Revolver of All Time?
When you’re considering the greatest Smith & Wesson revolvers, you’ll find the Model 29 .44 Magnum stands out as arguably the best all time. Its reliable performance characteristics, introduced in 1955, set the standard for magnum revolvers.
You’ll appreciate its perfect balance of power, accuracy, and durability. While modern offerings like the 460 XVR and 500 Magnum are more powerful, the Model 29’s historical significance and proven track record make it legendary.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Model 460 revolver stands as Smith & Wesson’s powerhouse hunting handgun, delivering supersonic performance with its unique X-Frame design. When you’re maintaining this precision instrument, remember it’s engineered to handle massive .460 S&W Magnum pressures while offering backward compatibility with .454 Casull and .45 Colt rounds. You’re holding a technological evolution in wheel gun engineering, combining modern metallurgy with time-tested revolver mechanics.
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