S&W Performance Center 460XVR .460 S&W Mag 7.5″ 5-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Integral Picatinny scope base provides a rock-solid 0 MOA mounting platform for long-range optics.
- Factory muzzle brake reduces perceived recoil by an estimated 30-40% compared to an uncompensated .460 Mag.
- Performance Center trigger breaks at a crisp 3.5-4.0 pounds in single-action mode, straight from the box.
- Multi-caliber capability (.460 Mag, .454 Casull, .45 Colt) allows for flexible and cost-effective practice.
Trade-offs
- Substantial weight of 72 oz unloaded makes it strictly a field-carry or range pistol, unsuitable for all-day belt carry.
- Ammunition is expensive and specialized—expect to pay $60+ for a box of 20 premium hunting rounds.
- The synthetic Hogue grip, while functional, lacks the premium feel of wood; an aftermarket upgrade is a common $100+ expense.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 460XVR is a large-frame, long-barreled revolver purpose-engineered for long-range handgunning and taking the heaviest big-game North American species. It's built on S&W's massive X-Frame, chambered for the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge which can also fire .454 Casull and .45 Colt, and includes Performance Center tuning for a superior out-of-the-box trigger. This 7.5-inch barreled configuration comes optics-ready with an integral scope base and a factory muzzle brake to manage substantial felt recoil from its potent chambering.
What is the 460XVR used for?
The primary use case for the 460XVR is long-range handgun hunting for large, dangerous game like bear, moose, or elk from distances where a rifle is impractical. Its .460 S&W Magnum cartridge, when loaded with hot, heavy-for-caliber bullets, delivers over 2,000 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, which is more than sufficient for ethical one-shot kills on big game. The 7.5-inch barrel and integral scope mount allow you to effectively mount a magnified optic for making precise shots beyond 100 yards, a distance unthinkable with most traditional revolvers. This makes it a specialized tool for advanced hunters in grizzly or brown bear country, not a general-purpose sidearm.
How does the 460XVR compare to the Taurus Raging Hunter .454 Casull?
The 460XVR is decisively more powerful and better-suited for true long-range handgun hunting than the Taurus Raging Hunter chambered in .454 Casull. While the Taurus is a capable big-bore revolver, the 460XVR's ability to fire the .460 S&W Magnum, which produces roughly 25% more muzzle energy than .454 Casull, puts it in a different performance tier for taking the largest game at extended distances. The S&W's integral scope base is a more robust mounting solution than the typical top-strap drilling, and the Performance Center trigger out of the box is generally smoother and lighter than the factory trigger on the Taurus. However, the Taurus is a more affordable entry point to the big-bore revolver category.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the 460XVR with its 7.5-inch barrel weighs approximately 72 ounces, which is just over 4.5 pounds—a significant mass that aids in recoil mitigation. Its overall length measures 15 inches from muzzle to the back of the grip frame, making it a handgun that requires a dedicated holster or sling carry. The five-round cylinder has an unfluted diameter of about 1.73 inches, contributing to both its visual presence and its rotational mass for smooth cycling.
Who is this NOT for?
The 460XVR is emphatically not for new shooters, casual plinkers, or anyone seeking a concealed carry or home defense firearm. Its size, weight, and substantial ammunition cost (often over $4 per round for hunting loads) make it a poor choice for anything other than its intended hunting role. The recoil, even with the muzzle brake, is punishing and can quickly develop a flinch in inexperienced shooters. Stick to a Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester for a more manageable and cost-effective hunting rifle if long-range handgunning isn't your specific pursuit.
What's in the box?
As shipped from Smith & Wesson, the package includes the revolver itself, a synthetic Hogue Monogrip installed on the frame, a spare set of rubber/synthetic finger-groove grip panels, a padded gun rug for transport, and a leather sling for field carry. You will not find any optics, rings, or ammunition included; you must source a scope, low-profile rings that mount to the integral base, and .460 S&W Magnum ammunition separately. The Performance Center certification paperwork and owner's manual are also in the box.
Is the 460XVR worth it at $2,092.99?
At just over two thousand dollars, the 460XVR commands a premium price that is justified only if you require its specific niche capability—long-range, big-bore handgun hunting. For this price, you are buying a hand-fitted, Performance Center-tuned firearm from Smith & Wesson's custom shop, which includes features like the integral optics base and muzzle brake that are essential for its role. If your hunting needs can be met by a less powerful revolver or a traditional rifle, such as the Stevens 334 bolt-action, you will save a significant amount of money on both the firearm and the ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188870220 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 11626 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 7.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .460 S&W Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 15.2'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 460XVR |
| package height | 5.0 |
| package width | 14.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 7.45 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a vortex scope?
- Yes, it works with any scope that uses standard 1-inch or 30mm rings, provided you purchase the correct base rings. The integral scope base on the 7.5-inch barrel is a Picatinny-style rail section, so you need low-profile Vortex rings designed for a Pic rail mount. I recommend Vortex's own Pro Series rings or a quality set from Warne for a secure hold under heavy recoil.
- Can I shoot .454 Casull and .45 Colt in it?
- Yes, the .460 S&W Magnum chamber is designed to safely fire the shorter .454 Casull and .45 Colt cartridges. This gives you flexibility for lower-cost practice or lighter-recoil loads. Always clean the cylinder chambers thoroughly after shooting shorter brass, as carbon rings from .45 Colt cases can impede the seating of full-length .460 Magnum rounds.
- What kind of holster fits it?
- You will need a specialty holster designed for the S&W X-Frame revolver with a 7.5-inch compensated barrel. Standard large revolver holsters will not fit due to the integral muzzle brake. Brands like Diamond D Custom Leather, Simply Rugged Holsters, or the Galco K-frame shoulder rig (modified) are common starting points. Expect a lead time of 4-6 weeks for a custom leather order.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- For in-stock firearms like the 460XVR, Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder within 2-3 business days after your background check is initiated and approved. The final delivery time depends on your FFL's receiving schedule and your local state's mandatory waiting period, if applicable.