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  #51  
Old 07-12-2021, 07:42 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
When I bought my .41, the dealer threw in a box of shells. I couldn't afford them on a cop's salary back then.

That's the last box of factory ammo I ever fired through a .41.

I'm like P@R Fan, The .41 mag and I may be obsolete, but we ain't got the memo yet.
Yeah, With handloads being so economical and versatile, I really think they prove their usefulness in cartridges like this one. Just had a Model 57 given to me by a best friend and am looking forward to doing some shooting with it. Feels like the perfect handgun for me.
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  #52  
Old 07-12-2021, 10:14 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I sure hope that the .41 Magnum isn't obsolete! I'd have to throw away all of the brass, bullets, reloading dies, etc. that I have in that caliber!
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Old 07-12-2021, 10:45 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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The .41 Magnum is a wonderful performer, but it was a huge mistake in one aspect from a marketing and practicality stand point.

That would be bullet diameter. It is simply too close to the .44 Magnum in size (.410 vs .429). It should have been a true .40 caliber Magnum from the start.

A six shot .40 Caliber Magnum in a medium frame/L frame sized revolver would have gone over much better. That would have also given the .357 Magnum a much better home 16 years before the L frame finally did show up. A six shot .41 Magnum is confined to an N frame sized revolver, and most folks (then and now) do not see why you should spend the extra coin, when you can get a six shot .44 Magnum on the same frame size.

The .401 Powermag is the cartridge that the industry should have gotten behind.
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Old 07-12-2021, 10:48 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Regardless of what could have been, the nicest workhorse revolver for backpacking and horse backing in remote country is the lowly Model 58 loaded with quality 210 grain JSP or JHP. My favorite is the current Federal 210 JHP.
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Old 07-12-2021, 10:51 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Not in my book.
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  #56  
Old 07-13-2021, 07:02 AM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Things keep going downhill when it comes to guns available in .41 Magnum...it is down to:
Ruger Blackhawk in two barrel lengths
Freedom Arms 97 and 83 in several barrel lengths
S&W 57 Classic in 6"
Henry lever guns in brass and steel in two barrel lengths..

...really sad for such a great round...

...and speaking of rounds...there is even MORE factory ammo available in both Magnum and now .41 Special than when I originally posted in 2010...


As to the comment above about a mistake being made over choosing the .410 diameter over the .401...would have to agree.

The .41 Magnum must still have something going for it...whenever Ruger makes a Distributor Special limited run, they sell off pretty quickly...and according to Freedom Arms one of their most requested calibers is .41...go figure...

Bob

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Old 07-13-2021, 07:38 AM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I've adopted the rule that I need to handload for every gun I own and I need to have enough components to keep the gun shooting for quite some time. I had the feeling when Biden was elected that I'd better stock up when I could and I did. True, 41magnum has never been as popular as the 44 magnum but in my opinion commercial success does not always equate to excellence. The 41 magnum is a exceptionally versatile to handlload for and the N frame Smith's from the 70's are beautifully made. I suspect that 41 mag will always have a loyal following just as many other classic cartridges such as 6.5X55 Swede and 300 Savage. We can't all be addicted to tactical Tupperware after-all ....
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  #58  
Old 07-13-2021, 10:51 AM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I like mine , shoot it a lot and shoot it often .
But I also cast bullets and reload ammo so... ammo isn't a problem .
From light target wadcutter loads to heavy hunting loads , not a problem .
Have taken several wild hogs with mine ... it will keall !!!
Gary
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  #59  
Old 07-13-2021, 02:26 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Default BACK to the original QUESTION

THE SHORT ANSWER IS NO.
THE LONG ANSWER is HELL NO.
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  #60  
Old 07-13-2021, 02:55 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Well, I will throw my 0.02 in, even though this thing is eleven years old. For years I’ve watched all the arguments about the .41 Magnum. I’ve always thought if you had a .41, you didn’t need a .44, and vice-versa. Of course I have both.

If I had to choose one or the other, it would be tough - but I doubt that either way it would make much practical difference. If you load for the .41, it is wise to keep a good supply of brass. Brass for the .44 will always be more readily available. That’s the main difference, IMO.
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:00 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Obsolete, by definition, is something no longer used or needed. The 41 magnum may not be used by many nor may it be needed by most, but I do not consider it an obsolete cartridge. If fact, I consider it to be a rather useful handgun hunting number. It has a lot more oomph that the 357 mag but is easier to handle than the 44 Mag. I am comfortable shooting the 41 Mag. The 44 Mag sometimes make the arthritis in my wrist cry havoc.
Personally I don't care if most consider it obsolete or unneeded. and I know others out there agree with me. We are just marching to to sound of a different drummer.

John
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:19 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Of course I would agree that it is not "obsolete" by any means... But, if one already has both a 357 Magnum & a 44 Magnum is might be a bit superfluous, though?

Also, I do think the resurgence of the 10mm has given it more competition than it used to have...?

Cheers!

P.S. Were there ever any carbines/rifles chambered for the 41 Magnum?
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Old 07-13-2021, 03:41 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STORMINORMAN View Post

P.S. Were there ever any carbines/rifles chambered for the 41 Magnum?
Heck yeah!

Marlin has had several iterations over the years. I would bet that there are more
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  #64  
Old 07-13-2021, 03:46 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STORMINORMAN View Post
P.S. Were there ever any carbines/rifles chambered for the 41 Magnum?
Henry big boy series is currently shown chambered in 41. I’m holding out for a Marlin but I may have to lower my standards and settle for the Henry.
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  #65  
Old 07-13-2021, 04:11 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I hope it doesn't become discontinued I have recently bought 2 M57's. So far I like it much better than my M29. 4 inch barreled 41's VS 6.5 in the 44. Some of what I like about it is that it's a bit different than the norm but I like my 275 Rigby, 6.5x55 and the Savage's 250 & 300 as well
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  #66  
Old 07-13-2021, 04:24 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Large Pistol primers still fit in the pp. Unique still burns predictably, lead still melts at temp and solidifies desirably, lube still lubricates. What is the problem?
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  #67  
Old 07-13-2021, 04:27 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SAFireman View Post
Heck yeah!

Marlin has had several iterations over the years. I would bet that there are more
If Ruger would build a 77/41, I'd buy one.

Last edited by biku324; 07-13-2021 at 04:44 PM.
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Old 07-13-2021, 04:38 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Don’t think so, but have all the components in bulk to reload .41 mag till I die.
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Old 07-13-2021, 05:03 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I've been shooting .41 Mag since 1973 or so. I reload it and I enjoy reloading for it. I currently have a New Model Ruger Blackhawk and I'm looking for a double action .41, I just haven't seen any in my price range. When I'm on my farm I always have my .41 Blackhawk, always.

I've thought about a lever action .41 Mag, but I deer hunt with my old Ruger M77 257 Roberts most of the time..
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Old 07-13-2021, 07:15 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Love when a Lazarus post rises from the past,

Obsolete may be too subjective a term, unpopular yes.

41 had good numbers on paper but its name alone relegated it to live in the shadow of the .44 Magnum which sounds more powerful and has a baby brother that is easier to shoot at paper targets aka .44 Special.
The timing of .41 was not ideal either as many of my older shooting friends related to me that they wanted Dirty Harry's gun when the film came out, when offered a .41 instead they said no I want the .44 , after all Harry Calahan said it was "The most powerful handgun in the world and could take a man's head clean off".

I liked the idea that .41 should have been a .40 Magnum ..
I guess they kinda did make it a few years later but they called it 10mm and its rimless to go in the more popular autoloader.
On paper my .357 is close enough to 10mm so I'm good there,
the idea of .40 SW revolver does sound fun, so does a K frame 9mm .
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Old 07-13-2021, 07:24 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aterry33 View Post
Not trying to start a flame war here

Just curious what your thoughts are, as pretty much every shop where I live has stopped carrying it, because they feel it's an "obsolete" cartridge. It seems like it is easier to find .38 Long Colt here than .41 Magnum!
Not a chance in hell! What has always given me a chuckle is how the .41 Mag goes through ebbs and flows... it falls out of favor and people start reading psalms over the grave, and then suddenly it surges back to life and regains popularity among a whole new bunch of shooters.

I've been a chief proponent of the .41 Mag for decades. It shoots flatter than the .429, and with comparable loads will do anything the slightly larger gun will do. It also does it with about 20% less felt recoil.
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Old 07-13-2021, 11:25 PM
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Love my M57 & M58. I haven’t searched for ammo for awhile as I have 1k plus that I purchase many moons ago when it was both plentiful and relatively cheap. Am a fan of the soft shootin’ big Boom in the N Frames 😁
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Old 07-13-2021, 11:43 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by biku324 View Post
the nicest workhorse revolver for backpacking and horse backing in remote country is the lowly Model 58 loaded with quality 210 grain JSP or JHP.
I wouldn't argue with that at all.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMan View Post
Things keep going downhill when it comes to guns available in .41 Magnum...it is down to:
Ruger Blackhawk in two barrel lengths
Freedom Arms 97 and 83 in several barrel lengths
S&W 57 Classic in 6"
There's still plenty of original M57's and the odd M58 around, although finding one that someone's willing to get rid of, and then being willing to pay what they ask, is another thing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by STORMINORMAN View Post
Of course I would agree that it is not "obsolete" by any means... But, if one already has both a 357 Magnum & a 44 Magnum is might be a bit superfluous, though?

Also, I do think the resurgence of the 10mm has given it more competition than it used to have...?
Not superfluous at all, it's the logical progression, and shooting the .41 half a day at the range is much less painful than the same with a .44.

And 10mm, good as it is, doesn't quite approach .41 Magnum; it's more akin to a hot .357M. I have all three to compare.

Quote:
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Love my M57 & M58. I haven’t searched for ammo for awhile as I have 1k plus that I purchase many moons ago when it was both plentiful and relatively cheap. Am a fan of the soft shootin’ big Boom in the N Frames 😁
That's the sad part about .41M; it's a reloader's caliber, not much choice or availability with factory loads. Starline so far as I know, is the only company now that makes empty brass for it. It's good quality. I bought 500 cases just before the bottom fell out, hope I can keep finding LMP's and bullets for it. Even when available, I rarely buy factory ammo for any of my guns except .22LR and .22MRF.
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Old 07-15-2021, 05:38 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Eleven years later and while it’s not obsolete, I’m not sure I’d call it thriving either.
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Old 07-15-2021, 05:54 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Hard to tell with the comparative lack of ammo out there today. I don't know that I'd call it obsolete, but merchants tend to stock what they sell. I expect it will be a while before we see it - after they catch up on more "common" cartridges.

A great excuse to handload.
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Old 07-15-2021, 06:45 PM
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uh.....what was the question ???



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Old 07-15-2021, 06:51 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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It's not obsolete here.

Relative popularity is not important. I esteem the .41 Magnum and enjoy the Smith & Wesson Model 57 kept on hand here.

Hey, if the .41 Long Colt isn't considered obsolete here with two .41 Long Colt revolvers, ammo, and loading dies on hand, then the .41 Magnum is certainly in my personal limelight.
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Old 07-15-2021, 10:43 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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No, I have several. Shot my 57 8http://portal.criticalimpact.com/vm2/c71f00ab9af091593947229f28c3afba/27261/deb684a7c512e880a6473c7b9fa19141 3/8 very well. accurate, of bad recoil. Ammo is out there. I got some from a loader in Montana. 44 mag off of gunbroker.
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Old 07-16-2021, 12:28 AM
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My 2 cents on the 41 Mag as I do own one. This is a CULT caliber.......mainly kept alive by gun mag writers.....Dick Metcalf comes to mind. The fans of the 41 Mag will tout that it shoots flatter and recoils less than the 44 Mag. They are always comparing apples and oranges. A 210 gr bullet from a 41 Mag does shoot slightly flatter than a 240 grain bullet from a 44, but that goes away when a lighter bullet is used in the 44. There is no significant difference in recoil between the two unless you launch 300 grain bullets in the 44. Whatever a 41 Mag can do, a 44 Mag can do better.......PERIOD!
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Old 07-16-2021, 04:57 AM
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I hope not….. had a Marlin lever and a Ruger, sold both but still have tons of ammo and brass…..
someone needs to sell me their obsolete handgun!
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Old 07-16-2021, 08:04 AM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I think it fits in nicely between the 44 and 357, All three guns have presentation cases.
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Old 07-17-2021, 06:15 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I would like to have a inexpensive single shot break action like the Rossi .
A set with three barrels : 22 LR , 20 ga. & 41 magnum would be a lot of fun . 22 LR for small game , 20 ga. for flying game and 41 magnum for deer / hogs etc. ... I would buy a set like that in a New York Second !
Gary
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Old 07-17-2021, 06:55 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gwpercle View Post
I would like to have a inexpensive single shot break action like the Rossi .
A set with three barrels : 22 LR , 20 ga. & 41 magnum would be a lot of fun . 22 LR for small game , 20 ga. for flying game and 41 magnum for deer / hogs etc. ... I would buy a set like that in a New York Second !
Gary
Good idea..........
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Old 07-17-2021, 07:44 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I am a long time fan of the 41. My first one kept me from being "eaten" or worse by a grizz. I only have 2 right now...the original bought (and sold) in Alaska in the 60's and a New Model 4 5/8 Ruger. I re-bought the original 57 at a little gun show here in Wyoming in 2013...from the fellow I sold it to in Fairbanks. Yep I have 44s 357s 45s but that ol 57 is my favorite. Less recoil...as accurate...flat shooting and much less pressure wave when you touch 'em off. And with the right load will shoot clear through a moose chest to rear. How much deader can you kill 'em?? My load isn't real fast out of the 4 inch bbl at about 1050-1100 with a 250 gr WFNGC bullet but it gets the job done easily
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Old 07-17-2021, 08:09 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian41 View Post
I can find ammo but it's costly. My last box of 20 Win Platinum Tips ran $30.00. That pretty much makes it a handloader's cartridge and there are plenty doing just that myself included.
Like the .44 Special it has followers and won't go away but likely will never be real popular either. The 44 special got a shot in the arm with popular cowboy action loads but don't see anything similar with the .41 any time soon.
How about the .41 Special , been around for a while and Starline makes the brass , but , like the .41 Magnum it is not high demand. I hear it is a great cartridge and wish Ruger would make it an offering in their Flattop .
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Old 07-17-2021, 08:32 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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No, it's not obsolete . Smith & Wesson still makes the model 57 and ammo manufacturers still load the cartridge.
When nobody chambers for it anymore and they quit loading the cartridges it will be obsolete . .41 RF , that's obsolete.
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Old 07-17-2021, 08:33 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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.41 FOREVER!

Load your own and shoot 'em.

Bullets, primers and powder:

Stacked 'em deep when they were cheap.
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Old 07-17-2021, 09:24 PM
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Default .41 mag

Over the years,I have never seen a lot of .41 mag in the stores.OI still think that it is a good round.
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Old 07-18-2021, 01:22 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdan View Post
…There is no significant difference in recoil between the two unless you launch 300 grain bullets in the 44.
I agree with most everything tdan said in his post, but this statement in particular. I’ve never been able to tell much difference. Until the really big blasters came along, the world champion meanest, nastiest revolver I had ever fired was a Model 58 (with the small stocks) firing Remington 210 gr. JSPs. I ran the risk of flinching one into the chronograph. 1410 FPS average of five at fifteen feet. How folks shoot .41s and .44s with magna pattern stocks will always be beyond me! You got your money’s worth with those old Remington .41 loads, and they were accurate, too!
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Old 07-18-2021, 02:42 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I think the issue is the .41's practicality. Sourcing ammo without having to hoard it (even in normal times) when you stumble across it is a big deal.
The 9.3x72 is a good round for large and dangerous North American game but it loses practicality points for being hard to find.

No question the .41 is a good round but it languishes in the .44's shadow. It's ballistics aren't obsolete but the lack of popularity driven by ammo availability and the .44 taking the limelight could drive it further to obscurity.
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Old 07-18-2021, 02:50 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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I must admit I did not like the magnas on the 58 and sold it. It was an accurate shooter though. I also did not like the Remington loads. I still maintain the 41 has less felt recoil...and to be honest physics are still physics. Most loads have been toned down to Lawyer Levels these days so neither the 41 or 44 are quite as robust recoil and velocity wise. No matter though as both are good cartridges for hunting especially. I would not hesitate to shoot an elk or another moose with either. Heck I knew a fellow in Alaska that shot his yearly moose with a 357 M-28. I must admit he shot younger ones as they were much better eating.
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Old 07-18-2021, 04:04 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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"Until the really big blasters came along, the world champion meanest, nastiest revolver I had ever fired was a Model 58 (with the small stocks) firing Remington 210 gr. JSPs. I ran the risk of flinching one into the chronograph. 1410 FPS average of five at fifteen feet."

...have chronographed almost every factory made 210 grain load from a 4" barrel and not a one ever made 1300 fps... The Remington 210 JSP only runs 1250+- from a 4" barrel.

As to the number of current manufacturers of .41 Magnum ammo, take look over on the MidwayUSA ammo page for .41 and there are a ton of manufacturers of .41 ammo...and there are several more out there that are not listed.

Remington
Winchester
Federal
HSM
CorBon
Reed's
Georgia Arms
Underwood
Buffalo Bore
Grizzly
Hornady
Barnes
LAX
FREEDOM MUNITIONS
PMC
Double Tap

...and Reed's Ammo also makes .41 Special...

Weights run from 175 to 265 grain...if you get it done in that range, get a bigger gun...

Bob
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Old 07-18-2021, 04:13 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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How often do you see .41 Magnum on the shelves at the local store?
It matters.
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Old 07-18-2021, 04:46 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Obsolete, not at all. The caliber never got the recognition it was intended for. When you want that step up from the 357 magnum more people should go to the 41 and less to the 44. Ever notice how many 44 safe queens there are? How many barely used 44's are traded in?. If more people went to the 41, the ammo would be more plentiful.

Don't get me wrong here!! Too many 44's exist for the wrong reasons. Clint Eastwood, testosterone, bragging rights, and on and on. If reason were to enter into the equation, there should be a lot more 41's and a lot less 44's

Just my .02
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Old 07-18-2021, 06:09 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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If Clint would have had a 41 this discussion wouldn't exist. I see a lot more 4 inch 41's than 44's.
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Old 07-18-2021, 07:02 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkk41 View Post
I love asking the nitwits at the Walmart ammo counter if they have any .41 Magnum ammo. Some have even informed me there was no such thing.
Their eyes would really glaze over if they received a request for the .41 Long Colt.

Could be worse. You could be asking them for .45-60 WCF or .455 Self-Loading. That's .455 Self Loading and not .455 revolver. Got a Webley Mark IV from the Boer War years and can easily feed it.

I can make .45-60 easily enough from .45-70 brass, but that .455 Self-Loading has proven a surprisingly difficult customer to round up. It's the obsolete cartridge that has come closest to stumping me.
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Old 07-18-2021, 09:28 PM
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Quote:
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How often do you see .41 Magnum on the shelves at the local store?
It matters.
...rarely see .44 Special in many shops or Walmart but****ger sells lots of .44 Specials...

Half the real gun stores I go to carry at least 1-2 types of .41. It was one of the last calibers left on the shelf in 2008 and 2020....

Bob
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Old 07-18-2021, 09:30 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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..I've heard of the 351 Self Loading and the .401...but never the .455...what gun does it go in?
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Old 07-19-2021, 08:45 AM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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When I think of an obsolete cartridge I think of the 44 rimfire .
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Old 07-19-2021, 02:54 PM
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Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge? Is the .41 magnum an "obsolete" cartridge?  
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No, obsolescence by definition is something that has been replaced or fallen out of use, .41 Magnum hasn't been replaced, nor has it fallen out of use.
Nothing has ever been proposed as a replacement for .41 Magnum, the cartridge is still in production, and so is the Smith & Wesson Model.57.

So no, it's not obsolete, not by a long shot. Not 11 years ago, not today either.

An obsolete cartridge would be something like Volcanic Rocket Balls, neither Volcanic Pistols, nor Rocket Balls are in production, and they've both been replaced. Rocket Balls were replaced by Metalic Cartridges, the Volcanic Pistol was replaced by Revolvers.
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