W&A Wesson Arms

S&W 500 vs. 460: Magnum powerhouses compared

The S&W 500 vs. 460 choice pits two exceptionally powerful revolvers against each other. Both deliver extraordinary handgun performance, but the 500 favours heavy .500 Magnum projectiles, while the 460 S&W blends high velocity with a larger frame and more barrel options.

The model names often cause confusion. “S&W 500” means the revolver chambered in .500 Magnum. “S&W 460” identifies the larger Model 460 family, normally chambered in .460 S&W and sometimes supplied with a .44 Magnum conversion barrel. The cartridges are not interchangeable.

For Australian buyers, the decision extends beyond ballistics to permits, customs, specialist ammunition and servicing. Wesson Arms stocks S&W revolvers, Performance Center models, M&P products, blemished guns and accessories, while phone and email support can help clarify specifications before a purchase.

Power, velocity and recoil

Both revolvers use five-shot cylinders and fixed barrels, but their dimensions and recoil character differ. The 500 normally uses the R-frame, while the 460 uses the larger X-frame. A .500 Magnum bullet is approximately .510 inches in diameter; the .460 S&W bullet is approximately .452 inches. That difference affects ammunition selection and the revolver’s balance.

Feature S&W 500 S&W 460
Platform R-frame, fixed-barrel, five-shot revolver X-frame, fixed-barrel, usually five-shot
Primary chambering .500 Magnum .460 S&W
Additional chambering None in the standard model Suitable conversion or aftermarket barrels may add .44 Magnum or .454 Casull
Typical barrel options Approximately 3.5 to 6.5 inches Approximately 4.5 to 7 inches, depending on model and barrel
Typical performance 350–450 grain bullets at roughly 1,900–2,100 fps 200–300 grain bullets at roughly 2,200–2,400 fps
Recoil and blast Exceptionally heavy, depending on load and barrel Very heavy, though the larger frame can make it steadier
Australian supply Specialist, but generally more available than .460 Very limited, with model-specific parts sometimes difficult to source

Velocity figures need context. A heavy .500 load may produce more momentum and energy than a light .460 load, while the 460 can launch lighter bullets at higher speed. Muzzle energy depends on bullet weight and velocity, so model, barrel length and the exact ammunition matter more than the cartridge name alone.

Neither revolver is automatically more accurate. A stable, heavy platform can tame the 460, while the shorter, lighter 500 can be demanding. Barrel support, ammunition consistency, sights and the shooter’s grip all influence practical precision.

The S&W 500 in practical terms

The S&W Model 500 is built around .500 Magnum and is available with several barrel lengths, including compact and longer configurations. Heavy bullets in the 350–450 grain range suit users seeking the cartridge’s substantial momentum. Its appeal is straightforward: one large-bore magnum platform with factory support and a broad selection of Performance Center accessories.

The trade-off is severe recoil, muzzle blast and weight. A longer barrel can improve velocity and balance, but it also adds length; a shorter barrel makes the revolver easier to carry while giving up performance. Ported or compensated versions exist, although changes can affect balance, heat and local legality.

In Australia, .500 Magnum ammunition is generally easier to locate than .460 S&W, though it remains specialist retail rather than general hardware-store stock. A discounted blemished Model 500 can offer value only if wear is cosmetic and a qualified gunsmith confirms the bore, cylinder, barrel and action. A description such as “factory refurbished” should not be treated as equivalent to a new firearm.

The S&W 460 in practical terms

The Model 460 takes a different approach. Its heavy X-frame and standard five-inch barrel make it larger than most magnum revolvers, yet many shooters find it steadier than the 500. Typical .460 loads use 200–300 grain bullets and can reach roughly 2,200–2,400 feet per second, depending on the barrel and ammunition.

Barrel options broaden the 460’s role. A suitable barrel can also chamber .44 Magnum, while aftermarket barrels are offered for .454 Casull. Fitting and headspacing require an appropriately qualified gunsmith. These alternatives change weight, balance and velocity, so they should be treated as separate configurations rather than casual ammunition conversions.

The 460 still produces punishing recoil and blast. Its extra mass can control the shot, but it is not a light everyday pistol. Accuracy can also be expensive: accurate .460 ammunition may be scarce, while extra barrel options increase the need for model-specific maintenance. Comparing specifications, ammunition supply and parts availability before ordering is especially important for this platform.

Buying and owning in Australia

Australian firearm ownership is governed by state and territory law, not simply by the seller’s shipping policy. Licensing, registration, storage and permissible use vary across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. Licensed dealers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide can confirm the local process, but interstate transfers and private sales have separate legal conditions.

Imports add another layer. A firearm or ammunition shipment generally needs the appropriate Australian approvals, a licensed importer or broker and customs clearance. Duties, GST, freight and insurance can materially change the landed price, and international shipping advertised by an overseas retailer does not replace those obligations. A watch can help log a range session, and a product such as a Lunar smartwatch can time rests, but it belongs outside the firing line and action area.

The local market also shapes availability. Australian dealers in major cities may stock .500 Magnum more readily than .460 S&W, while rural buyers outside Sydney, Melbourne or Perth may face additional transport options, freight charges and gunsmithing travel. A local dealer can also identify an appropriate range and confirm which cleaning equipment, grips, sights and storage accessories are needed.

Purchase checks

Ownership and range checks

Choosing the magnum that fits the purpose

For maximum large-projectile energy in a relatively conventional magnum revolver, the 500 is the simpler choice. For higher velocity, greater carry weight and the option to change cartridge platforms, the 460 offers more flexibility. Neither is a substitute for a modern service pistol, and both demand more experience, space and discipline than ordinary handgun shooting.

If the intended role is compact personal protection, a comparison of very different handgun sizes may be more useful than either magnum. Wesson Arms’ compact pistol comparison sets the S&W 380 Bodyguard against the Ruger LCP, showing how barrel length, capacity and carry weight change the practical decision.

The final choice should follow the ammunition and intended role, then the law and landed cost. The next concrete step is a written quote and permit check from a licensed Australian firearms dealer covering the exact model, barrel, ammunition supply, freight, taxes, accessories and pre-arrival clearance.