Submitted for your consideration: two revolvers manufactured by the firm of Smith & Wesson. The Performance Center 460XVR loads three different calibers of ammunition (.45 Colt, .454 Casull and .460 S&W). Smith’s Model 629 loads .44 Magnum and .44 S&W Special cartridges. The $1609 XVR weighs-in at a hefty 59.5 ounces. The $1079 Model 629 tips the scales at a relatively light 39.6 ounces. Balance that against . . .
the fact that the XVR’s weight and three-finger rubber grip ameliorates even the .460 S&W’s stout recoil, whereas the 629’s two-finger wooden grips make it the more punishing firearm to bring to bear (no larger aftermarket grips available). Speaking of bears, if you were hiking in ursine country, which gun would you grab? (I grabbed both, but can only carry one. Barely.)