Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 41 Magnum- revisited

Nice read here.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/the-all-purpose-41/

I have a Bisley .41 sitting in the safe since 2018. I have yet to fire it. A issue I plan to rectify as soon as Im mobile from knee surgery. There are a couple other Bisley models bought at the same time that suffer the same lack of use.

Nice to see Idaho on there.

One thing omitted in the article: one benefit to the .41 is manufacturers generally have throat tolerances in the .411-.412 range and the bullets in the .410-.411 range.
This is over decades of manufacture and in every make, which generally spells accuracy for the shooter.
No other revolver cartridge can claim that consistency and the common ones are all over the place compared to the .41.

Thanks for sharing the article.

I have one 41 Magnum and it's my S&W Model 57 Mountain Gun and it's a keeper.

I do keep my eyes open for another 41 Magnum when I hit a Gunshop or gun show.

StarchedCover

I bought a S&W 57 .41 Mag in 1984 and a new Marlin 1894 lever action .41 Mag in 1987. They became favorites of mine out in the mountains and forests. A wonderful combo. Because of a serious eye problem and physical problems, I no longer hunt or shoot, so I sold them to a good friend who had long admired them. He speaks often of how much he enjoys them. I am glad they went to a person who likes the guns and the caliber.

FWIW.

L.W.

I've always liked the .41 magnum and have several, all Smiths. Like all my guns, they don't get shot enough.

I have a 4" & a 6" M-57 in 41 Magnum, great cartridge

Been enjoying since 74

...favorite revolver round...

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?276144-41-Magnum-41-Special-Load-Data-Center

Same size gun as .44 Magnum usually bought by reloaders due to limited ammo availability and high cost. Reloaders can reduce .44 Mag loads or just use .44 Special ammo. To me .41Mag is worth a fart .44Mag two farts, zero appeal. I prefer .45 Colt to both.

^^^^
So what models of 41 mag have you owned? Loaded for and or hunted with ? Or is it just some preference based on someone else’s s regurgitation?
Im not saying your wrong
But with that philosophy there is no need for a lot of cartridges and guns.
I like them because they are fun … period
Just wish I had more time to play with them.

The .45 Colt checks all the boxes for me, no need to concern myself with anything else.

I love it also.
I have 3 left plus a 454.
My nicest is a Grover No 5 fully engraved.
I recently traded a Ruger 45 colt/acp. That was a difficult one to trade off. It went for No 1 375 HH.

Maser, When was the last time you held a handgun in your hand, hell, any firearm?

Your airsofts do not count.

Yes the 41 is easy to make shoot well. I load from 700 fps up to as much H110 as I can fit under the bullet. I use bullets from 165 gr cast, 210 gr cast, 250 gr cast, 170 Sierra, 210 Berry's plated, 210 Nosler HP, and 210 Hornady XTP. The cast bullets are powder coated.

Universal, Unique, Blue Dot, HS 6 for moderate velocity loads. Titegroup for low velocity, H110 for maximum loads.

I sold a six inch 657 a couple years ago. But still have a Taurus total titanium tracker (restricted to light loads only), a 657 Mountain Gun, a Ruger SBH bisley hunter, and a Marlin 1894.

The 165s at 700 fps shoot about like a 38 special, the 250s shoot like a 44 mag.

The gun shop in Emmett has a 41 Hunter. I don’t remember if it has a scope. If it was a Bisley it probably would be in my safe. I have a 44 Bisley Hunter

I just picked up a S&W M57 , basically to see how it compares with my M65 357, 629 44 Mtn Gun and Tisas 10mm

Not that I am buying. I blew my disposable fun money for this month on a package of rifles.

But, Momma is getting her foo-foo dog clipped in Emmett next week. I will have to go past the shop and drool on the merchandise.

You are such a retard.

Yes.Totally clueless. Any serious hunter/shooter that has owned both and studied it's performance, the 41 Mag out penetrates the 44 with hard cast bullets and at reduced recoil. While it may have been a bust as originally intended (Law Enforcement), as a hunting cartridge, it is in my opinion superior to the 44.

A local newspaper outdoor sports columnist once asked me the old, “if you could only have one handgun and why” question. I said it would be my plain vanilla 6” 657. With a 220 grain cast SWC at 1100 fps it would be cheap and easy to shoot, accomplish 90% of what any rational person would want to do with a handgun and last forever.

The Remington 210 grain JFP will out penetrate the Remington 240 grain JFP in 44 Magnum also

Grasping for straws. Unlike 9x19 vs. .45 Auto here is not much diameter difference between the two, therefore penetration difference is not likely significant. Shooting 8 to 10 rounds per load what would be the difference in "ballistic blob"?

Theoretically speaking? again?

Pretty obvious that you have absolutely no knowledge of the subject, but are taking uneducated guesses.

Do you not experience "ballistic blob" (whatever the fugg that is supposed to mean) with your beloved airsoft?

41 magnum has been on my radar for some time now and I'm looking for a SS Bisley 5"

That was a limited rin if I recall.
I did the gold lines in this Fermin Garza front sight. It was the first sight I inlaid with 18k gold. The gentleman wanted three bars to go om his stainless Bisley 41 mag
picture uploader

That is a rare and coveted bird, StarchedCover. Congrats. I have 2 657's. A 4" and a 6" obtained after being programmed by our friendly local enabler.

For living in New England, that guy sure spreads his influence around.

My .41 Magnum dies arrived two days ago. 200 pieces of once-fired .41 Magnum brass will be here next week, as will 500 ea. .410" 210 gr. SWC's from Missouri Bullet Company. I consider this "dipping my toe in the water" since I haven't yet ordered a bullet mold and sizing die.

Oh, did I mention that I don't and have never owned a .41 Magnum? That will be corrected by next week when a 6 1/2" Blackhawk comes to its new home, I just have to decide which one .

We can conclude that value of this caliber is same size and weight in as .44 Magnum with less power potential but at higher gun and ammo cost, basically 🤡 proposition.

Might want to remove Blue Dot from your list of powders for the .41

https://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_started/safety/safety_notices.aspx

This notice has been around for a long time. I'm surprised you haven't noticed. Time to pull some bullets my friend.

My 657 is one of my favorites.

Never needed a 45 but had plenty of 22 thru 44’s in various rounds, short and long guns. Enjoy what you shoot, and shoot what will get the job done well.

Fwiw, many overlooked and underestimated perhaps the modest 6.5’s in rifles. Later, lots of folks discovered how effective they are and perhaps that is correlated to a good degree with shoot ability.

The 41’s might be more popular if that were the largest of the big bores. Many folks want the biggest. But lest anyone underestimate the capability of a 41, they should try one.

I know one shooter who enjoys a 41 and will admit that’s as much recoil as they want 😉 More recoil brings just that, but may not do anything more in the field on game. But again, it’s all about enjoying yourself. Good shooting folks.

I suspect majority of .41 Magnum buyers reload their own ammo, therefore, should be able to download .44 Magnum to realize lower recoil level. The .44 Special loads can also be used. From practical sense .41 Magnum is worth only 1 fart, or half fart more than 5,7x28.

You did notice that I listed Blue Dot as applicable in MODERATE loads.

I have been aware of the restriction on Blue Dot since it was advertised by the distributor. But as I never used Blue Dot over 900 fps with 210 gr cast or plated bullets, that has not concerned me.

Exactly. One can review my discussion on this forum twenty years ago asking about the purchase of a first handgun.

The 357 cracks too loudly and is obnoxious. The 44 is capable of producing more recoil than I want to deal with.

The arthritis in the thumbs and wrists has certainly not improved over two decades.

The 41 is the perfect compromise. I still do not own a 357 or a 44, or a 45 for that matter. Nor have I any regrets about that.

I shoot the aforementioned 250 gr over 20 gr H110. I know for a fact, though I have not done so, it would travel from the north end through to the south end of any Idaho elk.

I admit I am not tough enough to shoot it from the 657 MG. Though I have done so just to prove it could be done.

It is a comfortable load in the SBH bisley hunter. Especially with the scope mounted. The scope ALMOST eliminates muzzle rise.

What in the Hell would I want a 44 or 45 for?

To make Maser happy?

.45 Colt🤩🤠

I have been a fan and user of the .41 Magnum in several M57 no dash revolvers for 40 years. It is terrific.

But, I forgot who said it, but it’s worth repeating. If you don’t like the recoil of the .44, you won’t be happy with the .41 either. I like both, but find the .41 Magnum about the perfect size cartridge for the N frame Smith.

Currently Alliant doesn't list Blue Dot for .41 magnum loads.
They do state Blue Dot is a good powder for magnum handgun loads. That probably doesn't mean reduced loads either .
I think they know more about their products than other handload data by others

Stars in your eyes? I bet! You just keep fantasizing. Maybe someday, you will be able to buy a hand gun? Or, are you a "disqualified" individual?

One might suspect your multiple personality disorder would trigger a "Red Flag" in California.

I doubt Alliant recommends Blue Dot for ultra reduced loads in bottle necked big game rifle cartridges either.

But it sure works well.

Fwiw, I always felt many folks overlooked Universal Clays for light to mild loads. Meters like water. Far cleaner burn than Unique. And used about 1.5 grains less for the same velocity as Unique loads.

I can happily live with UC and H110 or W296. Just me. Like to K.I.S.S.

Slavek. I’m happy that you are happy with the LC. It’s a fine round in modern guns and loads.

GF1. Max 41 loads may be similar in recoil as Max 44 loads. But for some shooters, the diff is between‘Tolerable and shootable’ and flinching. Perhaps not all, but some.

Good shooting folks whatever your flavor.

I’ve had a 41 magnum longer than any other handgun round. Others have come and gone through the years, but the 41 has always been with me.

When we moved to Alaska it was my only centerfire handgun for several years. Now I have revolvers in everything from 32 H&R to 480 Ruger. The 41 is still my favorite.

I have two. A fluted cylinder Bisley and a 657 Mountain Gun. Neither have seen a jacketed bullet. The same can be said for all my revolvers.

My primary bullet for 30 years has been a 265 grain WLN bullet from an LBT mold. I now have a similar mold from Mihec with hollow point options. It might usurp the old LBT bullet. I seem to turn to Unique, HS6 and 2400 for the majority of my loads. I keep a couple boxes of full throttle H110 loads on hand.

The 41 is not a .429 magnum but gives up little to it. Had to throw that little quip in there. I tease my friends with 44s about their .429 magnums and remind them that neither the 41 or 45 need to lie about their girth.

LOL, Truth

.41 Remington Magnum, is a great round. All landowners on the Broder should have two; one for each hand.

I bet Bill Jordan and Elmer would agree

I’ve only been shooting the 41 for about 7 years now. I happened to run across a new Blackhawk with a 6.5” barrel around Christmas time for $300. I couldn’t turn that kind of a deal down. I replaced the grip frame with the gunfighter style and a custom set of grips. I bought a bunch of Starline brass and have been enjoying the heck out of it ever since. I later picked up a 7.5” Redhawk. Like some others have said, I just never saw the need since I have 44s and 357s. IMO it strikes the perfect balance in a large revolver. If you haven’t tried one, do yourself a favor and do so.

I agree....the .41 Magnum is too big to be small, and too small to be big. But I have a 6 1/2" Blackhawk on the way and I have all the components for loading ready to go!

Used to shoot local cast 293 GR loads in my 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk was a handfull.

Good posts folks, I agree.

KK - that 293 - should handle Moose and Grizz if the need or opportunity arose.....

The short OMBH are handy, light frame and overall weight, but giving the ability to handle heavies, something say a Taurus Tracker with short cylinder is handicapped, as I am sure you know. Those short Rugers are very handy, good shooters and easily managed with full 210 loads. Shot an unfluted SS BH, with steel frame in 44, and it's alot of gun. No doubt also very capable but not in such a portable package...being heavier.

This is how I see it. I can shoot full house loads in my .44 mags okay, but find the same level loads in my .41's (in essentially the same revolvers, N-frame Smiths) more enjoyable. The recoil is definitely different.

The one exception to the above is my 357 PD (scandium .41 mag.) With full house .41's that thing rivals my .500 S&W for unpleasantness.

I briefly had a Model 28 that was converted to 41 Magnum - 4” barrel. Loved that revolver. My brother-in-law had to have it. One of the best revolvers I’ve owned.

A 4” model 57 would replace it pretty well.

This Savage 99 was rebarreled to 41 mag and had a feed ramp added. I don't know who did the work but it shot great.

That would be sweet! A Marlin 1894 in this cartridge is WAY up there on my grail list.
I'm a huge fan of the .41 and finally found a model 58 recently to keep my other ones company.

Nice looking 58 you have there.

Back in the day, 1983, my Sgt. was carrying a S&W 58, 4 inch, on the street. The load was 210gr. Win silver tip hp's. Prior to my start there, he had shot and killed an armed on a burglary. It was a one shot stop. DRT, Game over.

I passed years ago on a nickel as new, model 58........another 'got away' to regret........

I've seen a couple decent deals pop up on 57's recently. Actually, was kinda surprised.

Been shooting the 41 Magnum since 1979, 10’ T/C Contender and a Ruger Super Redhawk. Both wear scopes and have never failed me when I do my part. The T/C prefers the 210 XTP and the Ruger the 210 Nosler HP, both sitting on top of H-110. They also will shoot a variety of cast bullets equally well. Took a nice 9pt. this past season a
@ 90 yds according to the range finder, he went about 20 yds and piled up.

Regards,
Keith

Long ago had a 10 and 14" TC, 10 handled nicer and very efficient. Congrats on that buck. Was that with the TC or SRH? Nice shot and clean kill. The XTP has a reputation, but I am sure the Noz does as well.

Local dirt - Long ago I failed to appreciate the Blue S&Ws, they were nice, pre-MIM, high polish, very well made. Sold a 4" I had....

Lots of good links and posts here:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?276144-41-Magnum-41-Special-Load-Data-Center


It is too bad that there are so few manufacturers who still make .41s today...Ruger, Freedom Arms and Henry are the only ones I know of...yet there are more ammo manufacturers and loads than ever before...go figure.

FA make some great .41s...

S&W still offers the model 57, too.

Tried to buy a 57 in Tulsa. I ended up with a 97% in the box 29. I also picked up a 15 that had been bead blasted and re-blued. Tried to pick up a 57 at an auction. Bid on three different ones - I’m just a cheap skate, I guess. I think there was a time when 58’s and 57’s were inexpensive, not so much anymore.

Bugger, I think you'd be very lucky to get one for around $1000-1100 these days.

The 41 has long been a favorite of mine. I have a Mountain Gun so chambered and a Ruger Bisley fluted cylinder in 41. Both are wonderfully accurate. I’m selling a few guns to fund some gun projects and the Bisley is one of those projects. Hope to get the barrel clipped to 5.5”, Fermin Garza front sight, action job and I have a set of unfinished Rob Rowan Dall sheep horn grips to be fitted.

Remarkably easy, you can order one from places like Buds, Grab a Gun,..... it we be close to $1100 to get one in your hands. You do not have to use child safety lock if you do not want to, simple yes?
Big upside is you will not loose lot in resale if you choose to carry and shoot it, but it might take little longer to find willing buyer due to caliber, most want .44 Magnum.
Old pinned and recessed stuff is best left to internet "show and tell" collector guys, unless you do not mind big depreciation in value from use. You see "show and tell" pics all the time, a revolver with shot target, ammo, empties no signs of use like famed cylinder ring.

Ah, such "expert" advice. Whoever told you that the classic pre-locks would depreciate in value by shooting them (unless they're unfired in the original box, perhaps) doesn't know much about guns.
Unless I abuse/neglect them or blow them up, my pre-lock 57's will always be worth more than the Hillary guns, even though I choose to shoot them. And yes; mine have that "famed cylinder ring".

Jcon, thank you. I wasn't even going to answer this guy. Lol.

.41 Blackhawk is my favorite revolver, this morning I ordered 100 rounds from the classifieds. Thought I might give them a try. I have had mine for thirty years. I have only killed one deer and one black bear with this weapon. Worked great. It’s the revolver I cary while hiking and playing in the mountains. I carry it with the confidence it will work if needed.

Used to love the 41 mag and loaded tons of them but despite the best plans years ago it was just too much gun for law enforcement. Then here comes the 10mm Colt Delta Elite another possible solution except nope too much. I bought one of the first Delta Elites when the only ammo I could get was Norma. Hell I thought the slide was going to shear off the frame lug it was so hot. I loved the Blackhawks in this round as frankly more accurate and much more manageable and like all good SA’s the grip let’s the thrust roll instead of traveling in the web of your hand. Never liked the Smith 57’s anymore than I did the 29’s. With big hands and upgraded grips plenty of guys like Elmer and Bill Jordan could shoot daisy’s with them but they are the exception. Smith’s grip angles have always been problematic for lots of shooters. I can shoot my 454 Casull for hours with little orthopedic affect. Myself I’d compare a 41 in the 57 to a hot 357 in the K frame with factory grips. But only handloaders can get full performance out of this fine round today

Rick

I handled a Smith & Wesson Model 657-4 in 41 magnum today.