.41 Magnum; it is like 10mm Auto, but for adults with taste and class.

Miami_JBT · #1 10-12-2021, 02:24 PM

The S&W Model 57 and 58 are the best kept secrets. The .41 Magnum was the first real heavy duty cartridge that I cut my teeth on as a young pup and I still love it to this day. It is what 10mm Auto fans wished they had. Something of class, sophistication, culture, and grit. It was a cartridge invented and designed for one thing and one thing only. STOPPING BAD GUYS.

More so, it was designed by two men that actually grew up on the rough and tumble side of the 20th Century. A time period where the tranquility of modernity didn't permeate to the frontiers of America. An era where the gun was stillthe way of life.

Elmer Keith, the father of the Magnum Cartridge and Bill Jordan, the literal blueprint for the stereotypical gun fighter. Saw the issues facing both the .357 Magnum and the .44 Magnum. Both agreed that a .41 diameter cartridge chucking a 210 grain lead semiwadcutter to about 1,150 ft/s was ideal for general purposes.

The S&W N-Frame was more than capable. Its heft and stout made shooting the .41 Magnum to be an easy affair like .38 Special from a K-Frame.

A number of agencies adopted it. The police departments of San Antonio and Amarillo in Texas used the .41 Magnum in the Model 58 with great success. Along with San Francisco PD, yes, that San Francisco agency. They used the .41 Magnum while on the big screen, a certain plainclothes detective used a Model 29 loaded with .44 Special.

As I said, I grew up shooting the cartridge. First out of a flat-top Ruger Blackhawk and then the Model 57 you see here. I occasionally carry the Model 58 and do so because I know if push comes to shove, six rounds of .41 Magnum will settle most issues.

rubiranch · #2 10-12-2021, 02:29 PM

One of my favorite shooters.

I have two S&W M&P 45s, no reason for a 10mm.

scott1970 · #3 10-12-2021, 02:32 PM

I’m not an either or shooter. I enjoy both calibers immensely.

oldman10mm · #4 10-12-2021, 03:04 PM

I enjoy both.

rubiranch · #5 10-12-2021, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_JBT

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I wish I had an old box or two of .41 Magnums just for the nostalgia.

I have this box but its empty.

I sold my nice 6" M57.

My M58 and all of this reloading stuff came as a package deal about 4 years ago for $400.

I bought 250 new from LAX Ammunition before prices skyrocketed.

Then I bought 500 new brass casings.

A close friend loaded 400 rounds for me.

And then last year for Christmas my friend bought another 100 bullets and loaded the rest of my new brass for me.

So for now I'm set.

RCL-09 · #6 10-12-2021, 03:49 PM

IMO the .41 Mag. is the best revolver cartridge available while the 10mm is the best pistol cartridge available.

Hair Trigger · #7 10-12-2021, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiranch

I have two S&W M&P 45s, no reason for a 10mm.

There's always a reason for a 10mm. The fact you don't have one is reason enough to get one. Just don't get one made of plastic.
I've got more handguns with 4 as the first digit in the caliber than I have of any other. I count the 10mm among them, since its "little brother" is a .40S&W. My other passion (than revolvers) is 1911's.

WCCPHD · #8 10-12-2021, 04:53 PM

There is always room for a 10MM. It answers the question of .45 vs 9MM (said with tongue firmly in my cheek). Its also the best round for bear. I do have a .41 Model 58, but don't own a .41 round. Not because I don't like it, its because my Nickel 58 appears unfired from the factory and I can't bear to fire it.

I do like my 10MM's.

But, the Model 58 ain't nothing to sneeze at.

CH4 · #9 10-12-2021, 05:00 PM

.44 mag, it’s what the .41 mag wants to be when it grows up and for pansies who can’t handle a .44 mag.

Miami_JBT · #10 10-12-2021, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

.44 mag, it’s what the .41 mag wants to be when it grows up and for pansies who can’t handle a .44 mag.

I laugh in your general direction.

I also have a a nickel plated 6" Model 29.

Like the .41 Magnum more still!

Critch · #11 10-12-2021, 05:47 PM

I'm a big fan of the .41 Magnum, have been for many years..I also really love revolvers...I have a Dan Wesson 1911 10mm Razorback, a really nice pistol. I had a Glock 20, but it just didn't blow my kilt up so I sold it and bought the Dan Wesson.

I remember seeing cops in Wyoming when I was stationed out there in the early 1970s carrying 41's, as best I remember they were S&W's.

If I can find one of those Model 58's I'll buy it...it's an addiction.

Took my new S&W Model 57 out just an hour or so ago and shot eighteen 41 Specials through it that I reloaded...the loads were not stout and I guess I don't see the real point in them. With Trail Boss powder it's easy to load light and and enjoy shooting the pistol. I bought 100 .41 Special pieces of brass...I will continue to use them till I don't think they are safe.

RCL-09 · #12 10-12-2021, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

.44 mag, it’s what the .41 mag wants to be when it grows up and for pansies who can’t handle a .44 mag.

You mean the .429 magnum....

At least the .41 is really a .41 and not a poser.

rubiranch · #13 10-12-2021, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

.44 mag, it’s what the .41 mag wants to be when it grows up and for pansies who can’t handle a .44 mag.

I have one of those too.

rubiranch · #14 10-12-2021, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critch

I'm a big fan of the .41 Magnum, have been for many years..I also really love revolvers...I have a Dan Wesson 1911 10mm Razorback, a really nice pistol. I had a Glock 20, but it just didn't blow my kilt up so I sold it and bought the Dan Wesson.

I remember seeing cops in Wyoming when I was stationed out there in the early 1970s carrying 41's, as best I remember they were S&W's.

If I can find one of those Model 58's I'll buy it...it's an addiction.

Took my new S&W Model 57 out just an hour or so ago and shot eighteen 41 Specials through it that I reloaded...the loads were not stout and I guess I don't see the real point in them. With Trail Boss powder it's easy to load light and and enjoy shooting the pistol. I bought 100 .41 Special pieces of brass...I will continue to use them till I don't think they are safe.

Full Magnum loads are the Big Bang Theory of the gun world.

I've never fired a .38 in any of my .357s and I never have and never will shoot .44 Specials with my M29-2.

I like the big bang I get from them.

oldman10mm · #15 10-12-2021, 07:43 PM

Just because I have 10mm and 41M doesn't mean I stop shooting my 629s'.
Mountain Gun and 3" unfluted.

heeter3 · #16 10-12-2021, 07:48 PM

What a great line for a thread starter.

Aemsl69 · #17 10-12-2021, 10:04 PM

3” .41 Magnum is the best magnum.

Drm50 · #18 10-12-2021, 10:09 PM

Most of us with old 29s have reserved manners and allow the 41mag fans to beat their gums.

Miami_JBT · #19 10-12-2021, 10:16 PM

gdogs · #20 10-12-2021, 10:40 PM

You can put me firmly in the "likes both" category.

rubiranch · #21 10-12-2021, 10:41 PM

I have two of these. I think they are kind of cool.

Different from all my other speed loaders.

Here's a picture of the M57 I sold.

rubiranch · #22 10-12-2021, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drm50

Most of us with old 29s have reserved manners and allow the 41mag fans to beat their gums.

At least we don't load them with .41 Specials.

cowboy4evr · #23 10-12-2021, 11:02 PM

My model 58 has never seen a 41 special round . It says 41 magnum on the barrel that's what it gets . My 357's get 357 ammo . I don't shoot 38 specials in them , K , L N frame revolvers . My guns today are just as tight as the day I bought them , years ago . I have a 38 special gun , a Colt Police Positive Special that is marked 38 special , and that is what it gets . Regards Paul

rubiranch · #24 10-12-2021, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboy4evr

My model 58 has never seen a 41 special round . Regards Paul

Do they even make them??

That was a tongue in cheek comment I made because soo many people shoot .44 Specials in their .44 Magnums because they either don't like the recoil of the Magnums or they fear prematurely wearing out their guns.

Birdhunter6 · #25 10-12-2021, 11:21 PM

Love my .41s.

Don't own a 10mm but have shot several and enjoyed them.

Never shoot anything but Magnums in my .44. (It IS a lever action though.)

cowboy4evr · #26 10-12-2021, 11:36 PM

The 10mm in a semi auto is a great package . Does it equal the 41 magnum , not even close . But it's a step up from 9mm , 40 S&W , 45 acp. I'm a revolver guy that really has a love affair with the 41 magnum so will never see a need to own a 10mm . Regards Paul

brendonjames65 · #27 10-12-2021, 11:47 PM

My recently acquired “shooter grade” Model 57, shipped April 1st, 1964, one of the first 150 shipped by S&W. One of my favorites now, and recoil is quite manageable with factory 210 JHP but I’m basing that after shooting my Ruger 454 Toklat, heck it’s downright tame!

rubiranch · #28 10-13-2021, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendonjames65

My recently acquired “shooter grade” Model 57, shipped April 1st, 1964, one of the first 150 shipped by S&W. One of my favorites now, and recoil is quite manageable with factory 210 JHP but I’m basing that after shooting my Ruger 454 Toklat, heck it’s downright tame!

That's awesome. Congratulations!!!!

Univibe · #29 10-13-2021, 12:11 AM

10mm: it's like .357 Magnum, for practical men who want to stay alive.

Scharfschuetzer · #30 10-13-2021, 12:30 AM

I experienced less than optimal performance from the .357 on the two way range as an LEO. As we could also carry the Model 58 (after we qualified with it) I grabbed a clue and moved up to it.

My old Model 58 and my Model 57.

StrawHat · #31 10-13-2021, 06:05 AM

Did S&W ever make a 41 Magnum, fixed sights and a tapered barrel?

Kevin

series guy · #32 10-13-2021, 07:14 AM

I really enjoy my .41 Magnum range time. Wether it's shooting my 57/58 mutt or my Performance Center Model 657 a good time will be had. Of course the same holds true for the Models 27, 29, and 25.

Neversink n Klapperthal · #33 10-13-2021, 08:21 AM

I had a few 41 Mags back when Model 29s were unobtanium. It was an easy cartridge to like

Hair Trigger · #34 10-13-2021, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiranch

Do they even make them??

.41 Special isn't a SAAMI approved cartridge, but there is brass available from Starline, and loads available for it in various places on the web.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

Did S&W ever make a 41 Magnum, fixed sights and a tapered barrel?
Kevin

No. M57 and M58 (and later, the M657) is all you get. There is a M520, a fixed-sight .357 Magnum with a tapered barrel and shrouded extractor rod; the originals are rare birds, a LE special order that fell through and then sold to the public.

Drm50 · #35 10-13-2021, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiranch

Do they even make them??

That was a tongue in cheek comment I made because soo many people shoot .44 Specials in their .44 Magnums because they either don't like the recoil of the Magnums or they fear prematurely wearing out their guns.

If you load and shoot a lot there is no point in using maximum charges and expensive jacketed bullets. Doesn’t have anything to do with any particular cartridge. I will say that full power magnum loads beats up you revolver, regardless of caliber.
There are those who are engaged in competition and expend thousands of rounds. They are shooting targets not Grizzly so there is no point wasting powder & lead.
Guys who don’t shoot enough to load, should by all means match what it says on barrel to a box of ammo.

lppd4 · #36 10-13-2021, 10:51 AM

The 57's look awesome but a 29 will do everything it will do and then some, especially for a handloader. I have never seen a real use for one although I'll admit I have never shot one

BigBill · #37 10-13-2021, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

.44 mag, it’s what the .41 mag wants to be when it grows up and for pansies who can’t handle a .44 mag.

I gather you don’t own a 41 magnum? Too bad. I fired just six rounds from my new m58 about 15 years ago and the love affair began. I been a 357 mag/44 mag guy for 50 years. Adding the 41 mag completes my magnums. Pansies I don’t think so.

It’s funny that the newer pistol wiz bang calibers come and get sent to the graveyard yet the 41 mag lives on.

BigBill · #38 10-13-2021, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lppd4

The 57's look awesome but a 29 will do everything it will do and then some, especially for a handloader. I have never seen a real use for one although I'll admit I have never shot one

They say the 41 mag has more penetration over the 44 mag. From the hunters who hunt with both dead is dead really cant tell the difference in stopping power.

biku324 · #39 10-13-2021, 11:29 AM

Just sold my last 44 Mag a few months ago. If my 41s and 40s won't do what I need done, I'll use a shotgun or rifle. Never fully bonded with a 29-2, 29-3, a Blackhawk, or an 1984 Marlin, all 44s.

I haven't found a reloading recipe to try that the 41s do not shoot well. Same-same 40. But I do love 357s as well.

BigBill · #40 10-13-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboy4evr

My model 58 has never seen a 41 special round . It says 41 magnum on the barrel that's what it gets . My 357's get 357 ammo . I don't shoot 38 specials in them , K , L N frame revolvers . My guns today are just as tight as the day I bought them , years ago . I have a 38 special gun , a Colt Police Positive Special that is marked 38 special , and that is what it gets . Regards Paul

Exactly my m24 sees 44 specials.

rubiranch · #41 10-13-2021, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hair Trigger

.41 Special isn't a SAAMI approved cartridge, but there is brass available from Starline, and loads available for it in various places on the web.

No. M57 and M58 (and later, the M657) is all you get. There is a M520, a fixed-sight .357 Magnum with a tapered barrel and shrouded extractor rod; the originals are rare birds, a LE special order that fell through and then sold to the public.

Thank you for the info.

Model 520.

I had both the M58 and the M520. I thought they made a nice pair.

I sold the M520 last year.

rubiranch · #42 10-13-2021, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biku324

Just sold my last 44 Mag a few months ago.

I'll keep my 29-2 just because I like it.

And its the big brother to my 6.5" M27.

robrossk · #43 10-13-2021, 11:55 AM

I really enjoy my 10mm Semi-autos. Don't have a 41mag and don't see one in my future.

stansdds · #44 10-13-2021, 12:05 PM

Years and years ago I really wanted a Model 57, 6 inch barrel, blued. I could not find a Model 57 in any barrel length or finish. I settled for a Model 29-3, 6 inch, nickel finish.

Drm50 · #45 10-13-2021, 12:12 PM

I presently have no 58 or 57 S&W. Don’t particularly want a 41mag. Why? They are like a 16g shotgun. Not enough smaller than 12g or bigger than a 20g to fool with. Same with 41mag in relation to 44mag & 357 mag. Also bullet and ammo choices are a lot fewer than 44s.
The 41magnum is dying, it just doesn’t know how to depart gracefully.

Mike0251 · #46 10-13-2021, 12:52 PM

I like em both! Hand load my 10mm for 1230 fps, its no slouch either. Both beautiful in their own right.

BigBill · #47 10-13-2021, 01:32 PM

Don’t like the 41 mag, it’s the Dirty Harry syndrome with the 44 mag.?
The 41 mag wasn’t in a movie yet.

biku324 · #48 10-13-2021, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drm50

I presently have no 58 or 57 S&W. Don’t particularly want a 41mag. Why? They are like a 16g shotgun. Not enough smaller than 12g or bigger than a 20g to fool with. Same with 41mag in relation to 44mag & 357 mag. Also bullet and ammo choices are a lot fewer than 44s.
The 41magnum is dying, it just doesn’t know how to depart gracefully.

I had to laugh. Dad just gave me his 16 gauge bought new in 1951 - he's taken pheasants, ducks, geese, deer, and all kinds of varmints with it and never needed more.

When 38-40 ammo and components are getting discontinued the 41 mag will only have 85 years left.

Hair Trigger · #49 10-13-2021, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubiranch

Thank you for the info.

Model 520.

I had both the M58 and the M520. I thought they made a nice pair.

I sold the M520 last year.

I wish I'd known that, the M520 is my Grail Gun. To me, it's perfect. The tapered barrel doesn't make it look "chunky", but the extractor shroud gives it some elegance. The fixed sights are all business. I sort of wish the M58 had been given an extractor shroud.

Birdhunter6 · #50 10-13-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biku324

I had to laugh. Dad just gave me his 16 gauge bought new in 1951 - he's taken peasants, ducks, geese, deer, and all kinds of varmints with it and never needed more.

When 38-40 ammo and components are getting discontinued the 41 mag will only have 85 years left.

Agree completely! I Shoot 16 ga., 41 Mag and 8mm Rem Mag. They perform and components are readily available. I shoot more with more popular calibers but those are favorites.

I also had to laugh at the spellcheck goof. What's the limit on 'peasants' in your state?