Well guys, I want to hear what you think. I am considering the purchase of a handgun for informal target shooting, plinking, recreational shooting, etc. And maybe whacking a deer someday if he steps out in front of me at an opportune moment.

For me, self defense use is not a consideration. If that need arises, God forbid, I would use the 12 ga loaded with three inch BBB goose shells. If a threat is out of reach of that combination, and is a real life threatening problem, I am proficient and comfortable with several rifles. I am niether with a handgun.

I have never owned a handgun before, unless you count a bolt action Savage Stryker in 17 HMR

But I consider it just a shorter rifle.

I have a cousin who has always been into hand guns.
First a 6 inch Blackhawk in 357.
Then a Taurus ??? (do not remember the model number, but was a Baretta clone) in 9 mm
Then the Glock in 9mm
And an auto in 45 acp, maybe a Llama

And lastly I convinced him to buy an EAA Witness in 38 Super, based on what I had read in the gun rags. He was grateful.

I have shot all of these, though not extensively, maybe a box of shells to three boxes each.

I have also shot a Super Blackhawk 7.5 inch and a Virginia Dragoon (SA also) 12 inch with HOT 44 mags.

This meager experience leads me to believe that I want a 41 magnum as the best compromise between killing power and carpal tunnel syndrome.

But I think that revolvers are inefficient as a good share of the gas leaks between the cylinder and the frame.

A few decent autos are still made in 10mm, I have considered the Witness and the Glock. The Glock 9mm seems to fit my hand well and the sights almost come onto target of their own accord. But I wish they came with a six inch barrel.

While I have fairly large and strong hands, my fingers are a little on the stubby side. I once walked into a store fully intent on buying an Automag III on display. I thought the 30 carbine was the ultimate pistol target and plinking round, GREAT balistics with 110 gr hollowpoints. But when I wrapped my hand around the grips, I could barely reach the trigger with the very tip of my trigger finger. So a Desert Eagle is out of the question. Dam and double dam, Desert eagle in 41 is exactly what I want.

Hornady tells me that the 10mm will push a 180 gr bullet at 1250 fps and the 41 will push a 210 at 1400 fps from a 6 inch S & W 57.

Guess the revolvers are not so inefficient afterall.

Is there any reason for a fellow not to just go down and buy a new Stainless Steel Blackhawk with a 7.5 inch barrel in 41mag?

For my uses, is there any reason to pay more money for a DA?

Who makes a DA in 41 now, other than Dan Wesson? Are they even still around? Does Dan Wesson still make a decent revolver, or has their QC gone down the toilet with frequent changes in ownership?

Could anyone smaller than Brian Pierce hold onto and comfortably fire a Dan Wesson in 414 Super Mag? Are they even made anymore? Where would a fellow find a dealer in Dan Wesson or Wesson Arms around Idaho or Oregon?

To me, the Blackhawk just sounds better and better!

They do!
http://www.glock.com/g17l.htm

I'ld suggest starting out with a good single action 22. Once you've caught on to good pistol craft with it then slide on up to another single action that the caliber starts with the number 4 if you intend to slap a deer around.

Thanks T, but that is a 9mm and that cal has not impressed me, especially if a deer is on the menu. It is a very handsome weapon though. I used the 9 as an example for fit because that is the only Glock I have handled. Would not other models of Glock point and feel in a similar manner? I do not know so am asking.

My catalog shows the mod 20 available in 10 mm with 4.6 inch barrel and the mod 29 with 3.78 inches, definitely not my cup of tea.

Now if they would just add two inches to the twenty!!!

Please define good pistol craft.

As I stated, self defense is not an issue, and neither is combet preparedness, or combat specific target disciplines.

Metallic Sillouette might be interesting though.

Being able to hit the bottom of a pop can with the first shot at say 25 yds, the first shot, and then the next 5. Being able to continue that on out to 50-60 yds and beyond.
Or if you carry that 22 while hunting being able to snap the head off of a blue grouse or squirrel with it, and if you need more than one shot , you've got 2 or more peices of fresh meat for the pot.

I am able to repeatedly hit a three inch bull with a handgun at 20 yds with my cousins weapons.

As for doing so at 50 yds and beyond, I can not do that off hand with my rifles. But I can take a grouse's head off at eighty yds with my deer rifles, and I often shoot ground squirrels up to 300 yds with my big game rifles. I do not do it offhand.

I have seen my cousin knock over several pop cans in a row with his blackhawk in 357 at 100 ydds. incredible shooting!

I have no dilusions that I could ever shoot a handgun nearly that well, if I shot 500 rds a day for the rest of my life.

Hitting a six inch bull at fifty yds will satisfy me, and I may use a rest to do that. That level of accuracy is lethal on any big game I would be interested in shooting with a handgun.

If the game is further than that, I will forgo the handgun and grab the rifle from the saddle scabbard.

Idaho I won't argue with you about how good you can shoot a pistol. Ranch is making a good point however and simply saying that learning the ins and outs of good pistol craft is a lot easier with a 22 than with bigger bores.

Evidently you like autos, that is fine but auto pistols in the bigger bores 40-45 are not touted much as hunting pistols.

You mentioned deer and 357. IMO the 357 mag to deer hunting is about the same as the 223. Can you kill deer with it, sure you can. Is it the best round going, no it isn't.

I am not a pistol deer hunter but have killed some with same.

I do not consider any auto pistol a good hunting pistol. They are harder to master, they do not pack as much oomph (technical term <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) as a comparable round in a revolver and they are even more unwieldy than a revolver with a scope sight should you go that route.

You could not go wrong with the S&W M29 in 44 Mag. Indeed any N frame S&W or the equivelent Tarui in 44 or even 44Special (if you hand load) or something modern in 45 Colt will do well by you.

I am not overly familiar with the 41 but there must be a reason nobody seems to like it much.


BCR

If you have real big meat hooks and like Ruger Blackhawks you might want to try a Bisley. I have bigger than average hands too and the Bisley Blackhawks just feel better to me. Here is a picture of my Accusport in .45Colt. I have a load that pushes a 300 Grain Hornady XTP at 1200 fps, comfortably.



JC

Hello
I am a Tad bit behind you in AGE but share some of your Blessings. My fingers are short and fat, and I find That S&W wheel guns fit them well & HOLD there value in the used market. Now reading your thread it appears that you are looking for not one but three hand guns. My suggestion is start with a K-22 S&W no shooter should be WITHOUT this model and they are the BEST rimefire I have owned in a handgun & Mine is a TACK driver. The next level is a good Target model although the K-22 would cover that fine. I would suggest a nice -N-frame S&W and am partial to the model 27 in .357 which could also be used to hunt Deer like you mention. The Big Dangerous game Wild Boar and such, should be addressed with a super handgun caliber as well, and for that I would Vote for the Model 57 which is a .41 magnum. Like I said once you buy a S&W you will not STOP buying them. It is a habit that I do not regret. See pictures and I am also a Nickel lover as well. Life is too short for ugly Handguns. Have fun, Be safe and KEEP buying those S&W revolvers..Regards, the general.

Idaho, the Glock 10mm DOES have a 6 inch barrel available from Glock. It drops right in with no muss,fuss or bother. I have one for my Mod 20 and it gives the 10mm a real kick in the ass. I have two 41 mags also. A S&W 58 and a Ruger Redhawk 5.5 inch. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Happy with all of them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If deer and target are your primary interests for a handgun, why would you go with a Glock, which has a trigger like a staplegun? Get yourself a nice Colt or Smith/Wesson revolver in any caliber .357 Magnum or above. A nice .44 S&W Special or .45 Colt would be a great choice, I think.

If you are giving your cousin advice why would you ask for ours?
Anyhow based on what you say ( I have had a dealers license for 25 years) I would get myself a good 22, whatever kind you want. I would shoot that every week. Then I would buy a 41 Magnum blackhawk or what ever you want. It is good to have both the same. I like double action because I am a big Bill Jordan fan. (Read, " No Second Place Winnner")
I shoot a Colt Diamondback in 22, I also have a Ruger Government Model 22. If I want to hunt deer I would use my S&W Model 629 44 Magnum. It kicks a lot so I don't shoot it to much. If bad guys were after me I would grab a 45 Colt 1911 Series 70. I don't shoot that much either because the brass is hard to find in the snow. I also like the 357 for an all around gun because you can shoot 38 for practice and magnums for social work. I would get the 22 first and get the deer gun after shooting a few cases of shells.
GWN

Boggy,
I just can not get excited about a 22. I have two 22LR rifles in the closet which have not seen the light of day in nearly ten years. I think it has mostly to do with rainbow like trajectories coupled with very little impact energy.

But a Taurus model 17 in HMR might be worth putting a few rounds through. I will have to consider that.

No, I would not want to shoot mule deer with anything smaller than a max loaded 41 mag either. I know it would hit and recoil just like a slightly downloaded 44. but I am a sucker for underdog cartridges. Witness that I hunt with a 264 mag and sold my 30-06 to buy a 7mmSTW.

You mentioned Taurus, I see that they chamber the 41 in the Tracker and in the Raging Bull. Something more to think about.

I would also intend to shoot the 41 with some mild handloads for a while; perhaps a 170 gr HP over ten gr of Unique. The 210 gr max power loads would come after some experience with the weapon.

Deputy,
As far as I can see, Ruger does not make the Bisley in a 41. Am I mistaken?


General,
I had always considered the Smith overpriced because they were so darned pretty. I have never known anyone who owned one. My crowd always carried Colts and Rugers.

Perhaps Smiths are also reliable, accurate, and durable. Many policemen used to carry them and compete with them. I will have to look at a couple and check prices next time I get into Sportsman's Whse.

Evil Twin,
Tell me more about your 6in barrel. Where does one go to acquire it? Does it come with a shroud or new slide to make it look like an original part of the pistol, or does the last inch and a half of barrel just hang out in the air?

Is it possible to see a photo with the 6 in barrel on the 20.

Hawkeye,
I am interested in comparing the Glock because the one I have shot felt so natural and pointed so well in my hand. It may be necessary to sacrifice that pointability to gain the greater knockdown of the revolver in 41.

Great White North,
"If you are giving your cousin advice why would you ask for ours?"

I only know what is in the catalogs and balistic charts, when it comes to handguns. I am interested in what you guys that have been shooting them have to say. I have already learned a lot from this discussion. And several posters have pointed out something which gave me reason to go to the net or paper references and learn something else.

And that is a good point about making them two of the same. The tracker is available in 17HMR and in 41.

Maybe I can figure out how to manage the cost of two weapons. A rimfire in 17 HMR or 22WMR could be a lot of fun and could be used to introduce my adult children or young grandchildren to handgunning.

Perhaps a Smith 648 in 22WMR and a 657 in 41.
Or a pair of Taurus Trackers in 17 HMR and 41.
Or a single-six in 17 and a blackhawk in 41.
Or the Glock in 10 mm with the six inch barrel.

I still don't know, guess that I will have to go over to Shooter's World and see how many they have of the ones I am interested in. Often you can shoot their used weapons on the range before you buy. We did that with the Witness in 38 Super.

Thanks everybody for the information and advice, and I will enjoy continuing this discussion.

Re: Dan Wesson Revolvers-

Dan Wesson has recently been purchased by C Z.

On the CZ USA web-page: Only 2 Dan Wesson 1911 auto-loader's are currently "shown" or "listed" as for sale.

References (how-ever), are made in their ad as : ..."today producing some of the finest most reliable Revolvers and Semi Automatic Pistols offered by any firearms manufacturer- anywhere." "Sources" close to CZ people say to- ..."stay tuned".

Used D W handguns in excellent condition (even NIB) can sometimes be found at gun shows (one should enquire if the dealer has one- sometimes a dealer does- but is not "displaying it- as the "demand for DW's is not strong.

Also DW's (even the super mags) can be found listed on "GunsAmerica" and in the "classified ad's" of "Shotgun New's" and "Gun List"- (These latter 2 "publication's" also post their listings "on-line".

I have 2 DW: da revolvers in 357 & 44 mag. They are beautiful, dependable, and extremely accurate.

As to auto loaders- take a look at CZ's: "CZ 97 B"- a big bore brother to the famous CZ 75. The 97 B is- all steel, wood grips, forged bbl, tight tolerences, great ergonomics,- and .45 ACP. This handgun would be my 1st choice- (someday) -for my Ist .45----------------

---------------------Weed

Idaho if you think the rainbow trajectory of the 22 is bad , just spend a little more time in the ballistics tables and carefully look at the bigbore handgun rounds. While you're there take note of the fpe figures, I think you'll be amazed to find most of the big bore handgun rounds develope less energy at the muzzle than the lowly 30-30 does at 125 yds.
You're 6 inch groups at 50 yds will do fine for shooting targets, but you'ld best leave the game killing to something you can shoot better.
Hope you're good at following bloodtrails, cuz it sounds to me like you're going to doing alot of it when you whip out your big ol magnum handgun.

Well let's just see about that, The Hornady manual shows that the 41 mag can launch a 210 gr HP-XTP from a six inch revolver at 1400 fps with many different powders.

This bullet has a BC of .182 and velocity of 1258 fps at 50 yds with a retained energy level of 738 ft/lb. And is 2 tenths of an inch high at 25 yds when sighted dead on at 50 yds.

Now let's consider a 30-30 with a common loading of a 150 gr RN bullet at 2200 fps muzzle velocity.

I know many people that have no problem harvesting deer out to 150 yds with that load in their 30-30. At that range the 30-30 has 860 ft/lb of energy, and is still moving at 1608 fps.

It sounds to me that the two rounds are darned similar in performance at the ranges I consider appropriate for their use.

Perhaps you can explain to me how placing a 41 cal bullet at 1250 fps terminal velocity and 730 ft/lb of energy into a six inch circle, centered over a mule deer's heart can fail to be lethal.

About bloodtrails, haven't had a lot of practice. I did follow a blood trail for over two miles on a buck once that I had placed a marginal shot with an 06. It became obvious that he was not wounded severely enough to catch up with and I had to harvest a different buck that day. With that exception, all of my deer have been one shot kills.

As long as a person recognizes his limitations and only takes shots that he is sure of, at the ranges he has become proficient at. There is no reason for hunting with a handgun to have any different success rate.

At any rate, I did not state that I intended to primarily hunt with a revolver. I am a rifle hunter and am quite comfortable with shots from prone or rested positions out to over 400 yds. But I have taken several deer with my rifles at ranges between 15 and 50 yds. If I were to stumble accross a mule deer at this close range, as I have in the past, and I was carrying a 41 mag, and had become comfortable in its usage, I would have no problem killing a deer with it.

Wether you are 50 or 20, the advice still holds, get a good 22 revolver like a smith , get some good private instructions. Learn the basics,and become proficient. Then go out and look for something in a bigger caliber if you want. But for plinking and target, you can't beat a good 22. The next step would be a good .357 with 38 special class loads.

If a longslide Glock 10mm pushing 200 grainers at 1350 fps intersts you, read this thread from the GlockTalk forum.

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=420858

Hey that is exactly what I had considered as my first choice, but did not seem to be available.

At 600 bucks for the new slide, and the cost of a six inch barrel, on top of the purchase of a new model 20.

It just looks like I am going to get a revolver. Unless Glock starts building a 20L, real soon.

Well lets just say that as some one your age and maybe just a bit older, I've shot handguns most of my life, have taken several deer and antelope with the 44 and 45 colt. I have yet to do it with the 41.
You're probably going to be severally dissappointed with the reaction of a deer hit with a handgun, assuming you've shot them with rifles.
I'll leave it at that.
Good luck with your handgun purchase.

Given that we are dealing with someone already very experienced with firearms, I don't at all see the need for him to start out with a .22. I am fairly sure he is not going to flinch with a normal weight magnum revolver, and even if the hot loads caused him to flinch, he can drop down to practice loads to deal with it. Just don't see the urgency some of you guys are seeing for him to start with a .22. My first handgun, back in '80, was a .357 Magnum. I had no trouble developing good form with that in no time. But, like him, I had been shooting rifles for years prior to that.

I'll have to take a pic. Barrel drops right in. The last 1.5 inch protrudes,but since I have full interchangeability it bothers me not. The barrel can be ordered from Glock in Smyrna Ga. Cost:125 bucks. As soon as I have pic, I'll post it for ya

Thanks for the support Hawkeye,

I do have just enough experience with a handgun to know what I can handle, and a max loaded 44 mag or larger is not fun anymore for me.

But with a hot loaded 357, there is still a little room for a bit more punishment. That is what has led me to choose a 10 mm/41mag.

I have handloaded thousands of rounds for the 357, and 9mm. Also more than a few rounds of 38 super and 44 mag. I am well versed in how to manage the recoil of a magnum handgun through loading techniques.

I am experienced enough as a shooter to know when enough is enough; to know when it is time to quit shooting a weapon before the tendency to flinch presents itself.

I can't argue with that, I have always been a little disappointed with the reaction of deer to the 30-30 or 30 Remington at ranges over 100 yds. But the deer were brought to table anyway.

It isn't listed on the Ruger website, so probably not. They have made them in the past, though. If you can find one, I'm sure it would be a sweetheart to shoot. And they do make a .22 Bisley to match, should you get the urge. I just bought one of those, myself.

I think the Bisley in .45 Colt would be a keeper, too. They make such nice, big holes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Versatile cartridge in this gun, and usually very accurate, too. Its on my short list.

Idaho Shooter - as long as you've settled on a revolver (good choice, IMO), is there any reason why you wouldn't consider a Ruger Redhawk in .44mag? You wouldn't have to shoot full-power loads in it, and since it's a little heavier than the Smith, it would soak up a little more of the recoil. Put a set of Hogue grips on it and it should work for your short fingers. The DA trigger isn't quite as good as a Smith - but you likely won't care, for your use.

BTW - speaking of short fingers...the Glock 20 has a thicker grip then the 9mms. I find it to be too much of a handful.

Real Hawkeye. It's not the recoil , talking about starting with a 22 and not a bigger handgun. It is mastering the techniques of grip, trigger control, sight aquisition, breath control etc. Shooting handgun is not like shooting a rifle., no matter how experienced one is with shooting a rifle. With shooting a.22 ,you can forget all about over coming any recoil and flinching., and you can shoot 500 rounds for less than $10

Being a certified NRA instructor, I have taught over 500 folks the basics of handgun shooting, mostly for CCW permits.You would be amazed at the number of guys that have shown up with many different bigger caliber swho couldn't hit squat with them . After running then through the course and with 22's they usually came around. Many go out and add a .22 to thier arsesnal

Idaho
It seems that ya don really need a handgun, you pretty much just want one.
Think you outta go out n find the one that best fits yer mitts n comes up to point of aim most natural.
Where you r runnin into trouble is that you want one gun thats gonna do it all.
Autoloaders r real nice, but aside from a few of the 10mm, assorted other weirdos like the desert eagle, yer gonna have a big handicap in the huntin woods. Dunno bout idaho, but sum places have min energy standards n lots of autos can't muster up.
Dunno why you want a 41 so bad.
Dunno why anyone wants a 41.
41 dont do nothin bettern the 44. If you want less recoil from yer 44, download it, r choose lighter bullets.
Don care what anyone says, havent noticed significant diff in trajectories tween 41 n 44.
Get one if you want, but its a waste of time n energy.
Sumbody told you yer lookin at gettin more n one gun.
Think that guy is right.

I think if you want a .41 RM you ought to go get one and let the chips fall where they may. It's a fine cartridge and, like the .44 Mag and warmly loaded .45 Colts and such, does a good job on deer at sensible ranges if decent bullets are chosen for the job. Loading it down with what you suggested makes good sense and would be a great way to get used to it.

BCR's comment to the effect that the .41 isn't all that well liked is simply puzzling to me. I know of many people who think the .41 is terrific stuff and they also very much like the .44 Mag and the .45 Colt in its many flavors and loadings. I use the .41 as a general tool, finding it does about all I need to do with a handgun. I don't give a whoop if others like something else. Follow your well-developed hunch.

After lurking around the other pertinent threads in this forum for a couple of days, I have made an interesting discovery.

Davidsons, and their sale of limited edition revolvers.
They show a Ruger Super Blackhawk in Hunter configuration as well as in Bisley Hunter and both are chambered for 41 mag.

I will have to run over to Sportsman's Whse and handle the S Blackhawk in both configurations to see which feels best in my hand.

They show a few other models in this caliber, but the Ruger is by far the least expensive (with the exception of the Tracker), and the larger frame size of the Super blackhawk compared to the Blackhawk should make it and my hand deal with maximum loads better when that time comes.

They show that the Bisley model is currently out of stock. Is anybody here familiar with this supplier? Is there a chance that they will get in more of a limited edition arm of this nature? The website tends to indicate: Just order it and we will let you know when more arrive. I would hate to miss out on the Hunter model, becouse I was waiting in vain for the Bisley.

This Smith Performance Center Hunter model is a real beauty, but at this price I can buy the Super Blackhawk and the companion Marlin lever action

$811 to $879



The Super Blackhawk with 7.5 in barrel is priced between $467 and $541


This is the Bisley



Some of their other alternative are:
the Smith 657 @ $642 - $685


The Taurus Tracker @ $425 -$465


and the Taurus Raging Bull @ $515 - $568
[img]http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y83/Idaho_Shooter/416ss6.jpg[/img]

I am beginning to think that I might also be in the market for my first lever action rifle. That Marlin in 41 would be a lot of fun for the grandkids in a few years. It would kill pop cans deader than heck.

I would hate to miss out on the Hunter model, because I was waiting in vain for the Bisley. ~ IS

-----------

So would I. The Bisely grip is truly nice, but in the standard grip style the .41 is still very nicely managed and in the Hunter variation (with the added weight up front) ought to be a keeper. You may only be purchasing your first .41, you know, not your last.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The first .41's I shot were Blackhawks of the normal stripe. They rolled back smartly but nicely. The N frame Smiths I like with either a smooth grip or the Pachmayr quasi-Jordan type. The Redhawk I keep playing with and tend to get along with okay whatever the grips, but I haven't yet found anything quite to my exact liking -- ask me after another couple thousand rounds, just like you could have asked before the last couple thousand.. I just don't know yet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />)

There isn't a gun you've pictured that I wouldn't greatly enjoy spending time with. Likewise, the .41 thread and the pictures of guns those good fellows posted nearly had me in a ready to go berserk and buy it anyway mode.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

41 I wasn't saying that the 41 mag wasn't a good round. I was going by the last sales figures I saw. Lots more 357/44/45 are sold than 41s. Like the 32 Mag only those that have them love them <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BCR

Bingo!

Just like the 264 mag! I oughta get along fine with a 41.

The .41 Magnum has a flatter trajectory than either the hot .45 Colt or the .44 Magnum, and hits just about as hard with the right loads. Many used to argue that had it come along first, there probably wouldn't have been a .44 Magnum, but today, with the .454s and .500s, that seems unlikely.

The Bisely grip is truly nice, but in the standard grip style the .41 is still very nicely managed and in the Hunter variation (with the added weight up front) ought to be a keeper. You may only be purchasing your first .41, you know, not your last.... ; [/quote]

Oh but that is why I am considering this purchase so carefully!
I may very well buy a 32 mag or a 30 carbine revolver someday. And I still want one nice auto pistol. And a rimfire magnum would be nice to have around. But unless I encounter some problem with this first revolver, I am sure it will be the first and only large bore revolver I ever own.

I had to sell my rifles and shotguns right after I got married twenty some years ago to meet the expenses of caring for a family. But since then I have only turned loose of one firearm in order to buy another, I was just too bored with loading for the 30-06 and needed some new challenges.

I can only budget for a new firearm once every year or two, so my choices must be wise ones! I have been wanting a nice rifle in 204 Ruger, but I already have a 22-250. So the 204 can wait and I will get the handgun this year.

I really appreciate all the advice I have recieved here over the last couple of days. It has aided in the decision making process.

I happen to own both a 41 and a 44. Both are fine rounds. If you are not planning on reloading, then I would definatley go for the 44. Factory 41 is extreemly limited.

I do intend to reload, as I mentioned on the 41 lover's thread. I got the dies and components today. I am just waiting to hook up with a 7.5 inch Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter SS now.

Gee whiz, your last post was at 11:46 last night, you know. Do you have it yet? I hate waiting. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> How're you doing? You can take a nap later on, you know, after you get the good work done...

(Gee, I hate waiting ... sometimes I just can't stand it ...)

I can't pay for it if I don't go to work. I Just walked in the door from work, with a slight side trip to hug and kiss the darlin 3 yr old grandaughter on the way home. Ya gotta forgive a guy that slight delay.

No I have not heard back from Wildman's yet. Thought I would give them another day to search and then check in.

I could have brought home the same revolver in 44 mag last night, just could not get excited about that caliber, prejudiced I guess.

I may have to learn how to use gunbroker and go that route if I have no success with other avenues.

I am beginning to entertain the idea of picking up the Marlin now and just patiently waiting on Davidson's to e-mail me that they have gotten more of the Bisley's in stock.

After handling the two, the Bisley is definitely the one I want.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Pal, ! was beginning to worry... and when I wait AND worry... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

(Keep me posted, I'm runnin a bit low on some meds... okay? I'm supposed to "take it easy" when that happens.)

I found one!!!!

Well actually four, Davidson's, NIB, SS, Ruger Bisley Hunter Super Blackhawk. Thanks to RJM and a local dealer who helped me find them through gunbroker.

I am a happy camper.

Congratulations!

Now, you just need a few dozen more... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Crap!!!!

You guys probably know what this means:
The selected item [38143068] is not valid or has been removed from the system due to age.



Ah, there we go, this is more like it!



Congratulations! Your BuyNow! purchase was successful for this item.
Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter Bisley Stainless 41
Item # 38286142

Sounds to me like you already know what you want. You have spent a little time shooting a few pieces and have decided that you want something in a .41 magnum. You also asked if there was any reason that you shouldn't just go buy a stainless super blackhawk hunter chambered for the .41. I say NO. You aren't looking for a personal protection piece. the piece you have in mind is an excellent handgun chambered for a tremendous caliber. Buy it. Enjoy it, and when you feel like purchasing handgun number 2, make it a single six hunter. I can't imagine a better way to become a superlative handgun hunter.

Add my Congratulations to the others! I believe there are some good times ahead for you....

Congrats! And, we are (of course) expecting pics and range/field reports ASAP. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As soon as I lay my grimey little mitts upon it, I will post photos of revolver and targets, I promise. Even if the targets look like they were shot with a 12 ga and 00 buck from fifty yards, I will post them. I have no shame. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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............... WOW!!! ...Good going! --------------------------------
--------------------------------------- ...going ...Going ...GONE!

...SOLD! ...to Idaho Shooter!

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Congratulations- Weed

Progress Report

The check is in the mail! along with my local dealer's FFL as of last Friday.

I have acquired a 12 in Sinclair cleaning rod, jag, and brushes of suitable diameter for a 41 cal in order to degrease the bore, upon arrival.

I have loaded 100 rds of 170 Sierra JHC over 10 gr of Unique and a CCI 350 primer, roll crimped gently into the canalure.

Have also loaded 100 rds of 210 gr Hornady XTP over 21 gr H110 and a CCI 350 primer with a slightly firmer roll crimp. Hornady's newest manual lists 22.7 gr as max load with this bullet.

Danged if I haven't run the Boise Sportsman's Warehouse out of 41 cal bullets, and I only bought the two boxes. And nobody has any in any of the towns closer to my residence. I guess I will have to visit the Midway USA website soon.

Hopefully I will be firing my first revolver by the end of the week.

May the Force be with you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Idaho Shooter, have you tried calling "Cliff's Reloading" on Five Mile Road, for .410 bullets??


Also, I suggest you eventually get into using good hard cast LBT bullets in your .41 Mag. Work great for hunting bigger game. Either Beartooth Bullets or Cast Performance are great.

Good luck. L.W.

I haven't been into Cliff's for a couple of years, it is a good outfit. Perhaps when I get done with some of this overtime I can get in there again.

For now I intend to stick with jacketed bullets, I am familiar and comfortable with their use and the the bore cleaning processes used after shooting jacketed.

Perhaps after getting used to the revolver, I will delve into casting, swaging, lubricating, gas checks, and all the other voodoo (to me) of shooting cast bullets.

I have a 10mm Glock and have found it to lag slightly behind my 6 inch barrel Model 57 S&W, about 100 fps, but this is just my experience. If you reload and cast your own bullets, you don't need a .22 to learn the ropes. If you can tolerate the extra cost, around $3 a box, you can shoot a centerfire handgun. It sounds like you just aren't into .22 RFs. I will say, get to know one gun and practice lots with it and a .22 won't be missed. Since your interest is deer, a good accurate .45 ACP is more than sufficient and you can get a .22 conversion kit, getting the advantage of the same trigger, sights, frame and so on, if you change your mind later. All this talk of muzzle energy is pretty much bunk in game shooting, there are only three rules: location, location, location, just like in real estate. Of course, adequate penetration and bullet construction are significant. I've found only one problem with light for caliber pistol bullets, they tend not to leave much of an exit hole. I like this feature of somewhat heavier for caliber loads, but realize the deer are just as dead with a double lung shot which takes out the vessels over the heart. I plan on trying a .45 Colt load using 250 grain Hornady XTPs, after using 185 grain Remingtons and 200 grain Speer JHPs successfully. If that seems OK, I may try 255 grain cast bullets too. My favorite .41 Magnum factory load is the Winchester Silvertip 175 grain. In hand loads a 210 grain cast SWC with 10 grains of Unique is my practice load. The good .41 Magnum can still be had out there and has a good balance of power and economy of components. Some bullets are more expensive in .41 Magnum in nearly the same weight in buying cast bullets. Of course, the same large pistol primer and less powder is the benefit compared to the .44 Magnum or the .45 Colt. Enjoy your new purchase, but be warned, you deer rifles may stay in the closet on occasion when you are woods hunting and your revolver or pistol makes the trip.

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Enjoy your new purchase, but be warned, you deer rifles may stay in the closet on occasion when you are woods hunting and your revolver or pistol makes the trip.
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Not much chance of that, there just is not a lot of close quarters woods hunting in this desert we call home. Often game is spotted at 400 yds or much further.

Occasionally though a dumb deer jumps out from under a sage brush at close range and just stands there and looks you in the eye.

I have killed several in this manner early in the season with my rifles. That type of target of opportunity is the one that I might someday kill with the revolver.

Such a dumb deer needs culled from the gene pool anyway; and placed into my freezer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

At this time I am thinking that the Hornady 210 XTP at 1400 fps in the 41 will do the job.

Idaho Shooter, I have the S&W M657 in 41 Maggie and I love it to death. I haven't reloaded for it yet, but I have enjoyed putting the Federal 210 grainers, Remington 210 Grainers, Speer 210 grain Gold Dots, and Winchester 240 grain Platinum tips down it. The fireball is a sight to behold. It is all the magnum I ever want. I intend to hunt white tails with it this year.

Good shooting!!

Dogger, the .41 is just a nice, sweet, powerful item, isn't it?

Mighty good stuff!

(This is a promotional post -- your mileage may vary, but the above shouldn't be too far off ... IMHO) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wow, eighteen years ago.

This thread led to Bob stopping at the house for a few days on a couple different trips out west.

I certainly miss contributions from BCR, 41Keith, Vanimrod, Saddlesore, Eviltwin and others. May those who are gone RIP.

Get a used, pre-1982 (at least a pre-1997), six inch S&W Model 19 in good condition.

Crap, this is an old thread.

Doesn't time fly.

These guys guided me to the Ruger SBH hunter in 41 mag, which lead to a Taurus Ti tracker, and then a 6 in 657, and then a 657 MG, and a Marlin 1894 in 41 mag. Then I got started on the 327. Two single sevens, an SP101, an LCR, and a Henry big boy.

And then Bob sold me a Kimber 1911 with three barrels, which also seems to be breeding. 3 Kimbers and a Colt in 1911 form in the safe now.

Plus casting for all of them now.

You've sure got a nice group of .41 Magnums!

Yes, pretty satisfied. A few years ago Bob suggested I get in on the available Davidson's 4.2 inch Redhawk in 41 mag. I regret that I failed to heed his advice.

I think Gen Stuart had some legal troubles??

General Stuart passed away about that same time.

He had some cool guns. Nice, classic, S&W revolvers.

Seeing your list, I thought you might get a kick out of these.

I have been working on a project, one that involves one of Bob's guns, a .327 Ruger GP100.

These are 32 H&R mags. 100 grain Poly-Coat full wadcutter.






Meant for both target shooting and for carrying in snubbies like the LCR, J Frames, or whatever.

The recoil is like shooting a .22 mag. Just a "Pop-Pop".

Things are super fun!