ORIGINAL: stalkingbear
To me,the .460 and .500 is too much of a good thing,too expensive,too heavy,and really is another totally different level of "handgun". Why get something that weighs as much as a rifle? you can't call it handy by any means. A 4" .44mag is VERY handy,accurate and powerful enough to suit most needs at close ranges. I'm not saying there ain't a place for the handcannons,just that it ain't needed for 85% of handgun hunting.
Stalkingbear- I'll continue to play "devils advocate" for the .460, not because I feelthe need to argue, but just for conversational sake. Now these arguments are not all in favor of the short shot hog hunting that was the primary reason for this thread, however the idea of future use for a deer hunt was mentioned. (For the record I own and hunt with a SRH .44 Mag and TC Encore 7mm-08 Pistol topped with Burris 3-12ballplex(also have a .223 burris 3-9 pistol barrel) and plink with a .22 Mark III Hunter.)
You say the .460 is too expensive, but I say it's 3 guns for the price of two: .45LC, .454 & .460.
You say it's too heavy, I say what a great way to reduce recoil. 3 1/4 lbs vs 5 lbs
You say why get something that weighs as much as a rifle, I say I hunt in shotgun country and cannot hunt with a rifle, so I would choose to carry a pistol thatis as accurate or better than aslug through a rifled barrel.
You say I cannot call it handy by any means, I sayit wouldfitgreat in a holster across my chest so I can more easily climb into and out of my stand,keep it handy in a pistol case inthe back seat of my truck, ect...
You say a 44 is very handy, accurate and powerful enough to suit most needs at
close ranges, you are correct in my book; but ifthere isthe possibility of using the pistol for more than hogs at close range I would keep my mind open to all of the possibilities while making my decision.
You stated that a handcannon is not needed for 85% of handgun hunting, I won't comment on your statistical insight of 85%, but I willsay why limit yourself to a 4" revolver when hunting is your main goal. Now if you plan to use it asa self-defense gun in house or while traveling, I can see why you would want a shorter barrel (however, the .44 mag will go through all your walls and your neighbors so be sure of what you're doing before you pull the trigger). For hunting I prefer a little longer barrel than 4".
Iagree thata .44 will do fine for close hog hunting, but we live ina land of opportunity, don't limit yourself to one hunting opportunity when so many others exist.
Thanks,
J