Quote:
Originally Posted by IdahoDoug
Flint - nice rec on the 460V. Did some reading up on it. That's in the consideration set for sure. A chunk of change, to be sure.
DougM
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Both the Ruger Alaskan and the S&W .460 are going to set you back bit.
The Alaskan (new) runs about $700.00, the S&W (new) about $950.00
Personally, I'd watch for a nice used unit of either one. I can't help but think that lightly used pistols in either offering are available at substantial savings.
If you really like the short barrel of the Alaskan (I wouldn't), then the .460 is available with a 2-3/4" barrel as well.
Just be aware...you give up probably 150-200 fps using the short barreled version of either. Perceived recoil is increased too.
You can shoot .45 Long Colt out of the Alaskan (just like the S&W)....but if we compare "heavy" bullet weights available the Casull falls behind in factory offerings when compared to the .460. Plus ...you get the choice of shooting any of the three rounds with the Smith.
I'm just saying....while I think the .454 is a good round, I would rather have the .460 if I truly thought
"One Shot" stood between me and a bear mauling.
Spend some time looking at the best penetration tests of both rounds and then decide which is most suitable for your purposes.
I will double check, but I believe I read one such test that showed a particular .460 load shooting 50" into wet paper (that is incredible).
I don't care how "pumped up" a bear was, he/she is gonna feel that!
Ideally, a reasonably placed shot on an attacking/threatening bear would "persuade" it to break off the encounter. I wouldn't expect ANY pistol cartridge to "drop" a large determined bear in it's tracks...unless you made a Central Nervous System hit, or broke major bones (spine, shoulder, pelvis).
The idea is not necessarily to kill the bear....but to make it stop its unwanted actions. You'll most likely have just one opportunity to this, so for my money....I'm going big!