Description
I was on a hunt in the Missouri Ozarks, tracking a big boar that had been tearing up a friend’s property. The dense brush meant any shot would be close, fast, and require enough power to anchor the animal immediately. That’s the exact scenario the 460 S&W Magnum Black 6.75 in. was built for. It’s a purpose-driven, no-nonsense revolver designed to deliver the maximum possible energy from a handgun cartridge, making it a top-tier choice for hunting large game or as a formidable backcountry defense tool.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a range toy. It’s a specialized instrument. The 460 S&W Magnum cartridge is a ballistic marvel, capable of launching a 200-grain bullet at over 2,300 feet per second. That translates to energy figures that rival some rifle rounds. The 6.75-inch barrel is the sweet spot for this cartridge, providing the necessary length for powder burn and velocity without becoming overly cumbersome. I’ve put a variety of loads through this platform, from lighter 200-grain screamers to heavy 300-grain thumpers, and the performance is consistently impressive. The revolver itself is built on Smith & Wesson’s massive X-Frame, the strongest production revolver frame they make, so it’s engineered to handle these pressures day in and day out.
Key Features & Handling
The first thing you notice is the heft. This is a substantial handgun, with an unloaded weight right around 72 ounces. That weight is your friend. It soaks up a significant amount of the formidable recoil, making the 460 far more shootable than its raw power would suggest. The black finish is a durable, matte coating that stands up to field use, and the synthetic grips are designed to help manage the gun’s kick.
One of the smartest features of this revolver is its chambering flexibility. The cylinder is cut to fire not just the .460 S&W Magnum, but also the .454 Casull and the .45 Colt. This gives you an incredible range of options, from the earth-shaking power of the .460 for hunting, down to mild .45 Colt loads for inexpensive plinking. No gunsmithing required to switch between them—just drop in the appropriate cartridges. The price for this capability sits at $1016.49, which, for a hand-cannon of this engineering and versatility, is positioned squarely in the realm of serious hunting tools.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .460 S&W Magnum (Also fires .454 Casull & .45 Colt) |
| Barrel Length | 6.75 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 12.6 inches |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel (Matte Black Finish) |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Weight | Approx. 72 oz (Unloaded) |
Pros: Unmatched handgun power for hunting medium to large game. Incredible versatility with triple-chambering (.460, .454, .45 Colt). The X-Frame construction is overbuilt and supremely durable. The 6.75″ barrel manages recoil and optimizes velocity effectively.
Cons: It’s big, heavy, and not meant for concealed carry. Ammunition for the .460 is expensive and can be hard to find locally. Recoil, while managed, is still substantial—not for novice shooters.
Who This Revolver Is For
This is a tool for a specific user. First and foremost, it’s for the handgun hunter pursuing deer, bear, or boar at reasonable distances. It’s also an ideal companion for anyone working or recreating in remote areas with large predator concerns. Finally, it’s for the ballistic enthusiast who appreciates the engineering and wants the most powerful production revolver available. It’s not a first gun, and it’s not a casual plinker—though with .45 Colt, it can play that role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the recoil as brutal as everyone says?
A: It’s serious, but often overstated. The gun’s significant weight and well-designed grips make it manageable. With proper technique, most experienced shooters can handle it. Shooting .45 Colt through it feels like a .22 in comparison.
Q: What kind of effective range does it have for hunting?
A: With practice and a good rest, ethical hunting ranges out to 150-200 yards are possible with the .460 cartridge. The flat trajectory is a key advantage over other large-bore revolvers.
Q: Can I use standard .45 Colt ammunition in it?
A: Yes, you can. The cylinder is designed for the longer .460 case, so shorter rounds like .45 Colt will chamber and fire safely. It’s a great way to practice affordably. Just ensure the bore is clear of carbon rings when switching back to .460.
If you’re in the market for the pinnacle of production revolver power and need a tool that can handle anything on this continent, the 460 S&W Magnum Black 6.75 in. deserves your full attention. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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