First Look: Smith & Wesson Bone Collector

by
posted on June 24, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sw_bone_collector_f.jpg

Smith & Wesson captured the title of “World’s Fastest Handgun” when it introduced the 460 S&W, built on the company’s X-frame revolver. With 200-grain bullets the gun generates muzzle velocities greater than 2,200 feet per second, depending on barrel length. With hard cast bullets of almost 400 grains, the big revolver gives 1600 fps and, with Corbon’s 395-grain slugs, has successfully demonstrated its capabilities on Australian buffalo weighing 2,000 pounds. At this year’s SHOT Show, the S&W Performance Center showcased their newest 460, appropriately called the Bone Collector. This limited edition (only 1,500 units will be built) was developed in connection with the Outdoor Channel’s hunting show of the same name, and it’s everything a hunting handgun should be.

1. It's just plain fun to shoot.
With its 7.5-inch barrel, Performance Center tuned action and glass-smooth trigger pull, this handgun is a joy to shoot. Between the gun’s mass (just under 5 pounds) and the factory muzzle brake, you won’t believe you’re shooting one of the world’s most powerful handguns unless you forget to wear hearing protection. The Performance Center’s iron sight system (adjustable S&W rear sight combined with a fiber optic front) presents a crisp, visible sight picture from slightly before dawn to sometime after dusk. If you prefer optics or would like to extend your shooting time, the Bone Collector has a rail for mounting optics on top of the barrel. The gun is even equipped to mount a sling swivel up front in the event a holster doesn’t work for you.

2. There's ammunition variety.
The variety of ammo available is excellent and fulfills many different needs. The lightweight bullets—traveling at over 2000 feet per second—are devastating on thin-skinned game and extends your effective range by dramatically flattening your trajectory. Heavy weight penetrators rival the power of the big 500 S&W without administering “big brother’s” level of punishment.

3. It feels like a classic.
Except for the 5-shot cylinder capacity and extra long cylinder, the Bone Collector feels much like the classic “N” frame S&W you probably used earlier in your hunting career. Single action firing allows for precise shot placement while the double action capability facilitates any last minute actions where it’s unclear who is the hunter and who is the hunted. The two-tone finish is extremely corrosion resistant, and while dual colors are perhaps unnecessary for the serious handgun hunter, with a price tag of over $1,600, one is entitled to a little extra pizzazz from the Performance Center.

The downside of the Bone Collector is that it’s a limited production run with attendant limited availability. Casual shopping and aggressive price negotiations are not recommended, because this looks like one of those “if you snooze you lose” guns that won’t be around long. Nor does waiting for a good buy in the used gun market make much sense. Yes, you may find other S&W 460s, but they won’t be “Bone Collectors.”

undefined

 

Latest

SPD Ptototype
SPD Ptototype

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.