686 in 41mag

jigen_daisuke

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I've been thinkin about getting a model 57 in 41 mag but prices for older pieces are through the roof. On top of having an L-frame, I wanted something a touch slimmer than an N-frame for holster carry. If SW can make a model 69 to load 44 mag it seems like the logical thing to do would be to chamber the 686 in 41 mag is a no brainer. I know the 41 mag doesn't get any fanfare but from a hunter's/reloader's perspective that's the best of both worlds. A lighter frame with plenty of power at hand
 
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I like the idea too. 3" in. would certainly be welcome in my revolver family.

I could adopt a 4" L frame with a slight twist of the wrist.

Although I fear that S&W has extended their efforts enough in that area with the 610 in 10mm. ★★ Let us ask and keep pestering about a .41 in L size.
What else should I do , at near retirement age ? Watch reruns?
 
There is no doubt that they could bore the holes in a 5 shot L frame Model 69 smaller and get a .41 Magnum but whether they could do a 6 shot is a good question. They did make 6 shot L frame Model 646s that operate at nearly the same pressure. David Clements and other gunsmiths used to convert 6 shot L frames to .41 Special but specified only use low pressure cartridges. This would be a good question for steelslaver to comment on.
 
I'd like a 686 in 41mag with a 6" barrel, I usually carry a side arm in bear and cougar country. I love my model 29 but it is a touch on the heavy side and I'd like something still packing a punch but nice enough for holster carry
 
There is no doubt that they could bore the holes in a 5 shot L frame Model 69 smaller and get a .41 Magnum but whether they could do a 6 shot is a good question. They did make 6 shot L frame Model 646s that operate at nearly the same pressure. David Clements and other gunsmiths used to convert 6 shot L frames to .41 Special but specified only use low pressure cartridges. This would be a good question for steelslaver to comment on.

Wasn't the model 69 a K frame?
 
I like the idea too. 3" in. would certainly be welcome in my revolver family.

I could adopt a 4" L frame with a slight twist of the wrist.

Although I fear that S&W has extended their efforts enough in that area with the 610 in 10mm. ★★ Let us ask and keep pestering about a .41 in L size.
What else should I do , at near retirement age ? Watch reruns?

Ruger has made quite a few of the GP100s in 44special and 10mm, which I hear is comparable to the 686. So I see a 41mag isn't too far out of the question.
 
Wasn't the model 69 a K frame?
No. It's the relatively new L frame 5 shot .44 Magnum made with 2 3/4" and 4 1/4" barrels. You implied that you are a reloader. I do not want to discourage S&W from offering more .41 Magnums but the practical solution is to cut back the .44 Magnum powder charge until it kicks like a .41 Magnum. Neither the bear nor the cougar will complain that it is not a real .41 Magnum.
 
Although I fear that S&W has extended their efforts enough in that area with the 610 in 10mm.

While I'm a fan of the 41 Magnum, & have three currently, I'm thinking a L-frame in 10mm Auto might be more justifiable to S&W?

I don't really know why the 10mm went in the N-frame anyway but it'd be even sweeter in a 2-3/4" barrel L-frame like on the M69.

And then if you wanted even more power from your L-frame 10mm Auto you could ream the chambers out to 10mm Magnum & go full blast. :p

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I heard a rumor once that an L-frame (model 69) in 41 magnum was made by S&W with a 3" barrel . It was a custom job , " one of a kind " for one of the exec's . I have no definite proof though , Regards, Paul
 
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No. It's the relatively new L frame 5 shot .44 Magnum made with 2 3/4" and 4 1/4" barrels. You implied that you are a reloader. I do not want to discourage S&W from offering more .41 Magnums but the practical solution is to cut back the .44 Magnum powder charge until it kicks like a .41 Magnum. Neither the bear nor the cougar will complain that it is not a real .41 Magnum.

cutting back on a 44 mag would just mean reloading 44 specials. reloading for both 44 special is a slight different ballpark due to burn rates and different powders as the 44 special doesn't take to slower burning powders where as the 41 and 44 mag use almost identical burning powders
 
I’m a fan of the m29/44 mag, m57/68/41 mag & the m27/357 mag.
I’m looking at the ruger redhawk in 4.2” barrels in 357/ mag, in 41/ mag and in 44/44 mag. If s&w doesn’t offer it ruger will. I’ve jumped off the s&Zwingli ship before. Life is short no time to waste and wait any longer get it?
 
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