Looking at the 7.5 inch barrel
Anyone have a preference on the 2 cal

I’ve never owned either but the 460 would be a clear choice for me. I am a giant 454 and 45 Colt fan, the .460 will shoot both. That would make it much more versatile. The 460, if shot at extended distances, out performs the 500 as well.

The .460 can use multiple different cartridges and loads from mild to wild. The load options make it an obvious choice to me. It is a major step up from the .44 mag. Some full power .460 loads are close to some .45-70 loads as a reference point to consider.

The .500 is a major step up in recoil from the .460. If you really want a .500, check gunbroker, there usually are a few barely used for sale - for a reason. To me it is too much of a good thing and adds no compelling benefit over the .460.

I agree with the sentiment for the 460 being much more versatile. I've shot my son's 500 S&W and it was a hoot, but given the choice I would go with the 460. Like Jeffbird said, there's a reason you'll find so many 500's that include an almost full box of ammo. It's just too much for some folks.

I hunt with pistols some and I would really consider what I was looking for before I bought either one of those pistols. They are both not what I would personally buy for a hunting pistol, as I think they are much better options for 99.99% of pistol hunting. So my first suggestion really look at the purpose of the pistol before you buy one, if you still decide that an X frame is for you, then once again, end usage needs to be looked at. For me, I would go 500 (actually I would go with neither, but for this thread i would go 500), however your usage might be different than mine. Good luck, and if for hunting, consider some other handguns before you go with the BIG Smiths

I own the 460 and hunt with it every year. I shoot heavies (315’s) that are still moving over 2100 FPS. It is snappy with that load, but can be easily tamed. I absolutely love the gun.

The 500 seems cool for that wow factor, but I think the 460 offers more versatility in a hunting pistol that you can also plink with.

I agree with all above. I have shot both and prefer the 460 for the versatility (with 45 colt cowboy action loads it is almost like shooting a 22 as far as recoil). If I were buying a handgun to hunt big bears and moose the 500 might get the nod but for all other game the 44 mag would be my choice as I have never found it lacking in the game fields and is more friendly to the hunter IMO.

I'll just go ahead and jump on the 460 with everyone else for all the same reasons. When it comes to revolvers and lever actions, I love versatility and commonality.

I would love to have a lever gun in 460. But with a starting price of $2,900 it going to be a while

Get a legacy piece--- There are some great deals floating around on Freedom Arms .454s with some really nice touches... have a badass holster made up and that is a generational firearm right there!!

No idea what you want to do with it, really. I've taken lots of pigs and Texas white tail with .357 Magnum .I am a fan of the .41 Magnum, though. Look at ballistics and throw that in the mix. If you hand load that's a plus.

Of those two, 500.

Nobody buys a gun like that for the purpose of taming it down. If you can’t handle the recoil, buy a 454 or a 44, or a 45 ruger.

Well .. I had a BFR in 500 S&W and it was a lights-out shooter. The recoil wasn't all that bad, either. The reason that I ultimately sold it was because it was just too bulky and forward heavy. I came to realize that all of the long cylinder revolvers had the same basic problem, regardless of build quality or potential accuracy. If I'm going to carry something that awkward, I'd rather just take my Wichita 7mm IHMSA bolt gun, which is easily a 200 yard handgun. I'd suggest that you stick with one of the better balanced short cylinder handguns.

Just a data point.

This is going to be a pig and deer hunting revolver here in East tx

So it really comes down to what you want, since a 357 would do what you have planned.

+1 spot on.

For 99.99% of handgun hunters it is very hard to beat the 44 mag, I know it ain't the big dog anymore, but it has so much going for it it is still the best all round handgun hunting cartridge there is IMO, even if it is not as cool as it once was.

I have been a handgun hunter for over 40 years and have many different handguns which include: S&W 460XVR 8 3/8" with scope, S&W 500 8 3/8" with scope, S&W 500 4" open sights, FA Premier Grade 454 7 1/2" with scope, FA Premier Grade 454 6" with open sights, S&W 629 6", S&W 629 Mountain Gun, S&W 29 8 3/8", Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2", Redhawk 5", Super Black 7 1/2', all 44's, TC Encore 30-06. I hunt with all of these handguns but which is my favorite?? S&W 460XVR 8 3/8' with scope. It is much more versatile than the 500 so that just gives me out to 150 yards or so where I only feel comfortable with the 500 out to around 100 yards. The 460 is a great cartridge and the 460XVR can't be beat? Great revolver!