I would like to know does a S&W make an L frame .41 mag with a 3 inch barrel and if so when did they make it?
That is was it before the lock?

I think this configuration would be a good CCW for me to carry in my fanny pack.
Right now I`m carrying a 629 3inch and am just thinking a .41 might be better suited.
Any thoughts?

I don't think that they made one, but if they did...I would LOVE to have one....let me know when/if you find one...

...maybe there is a conversion 696 out there somewhere? Ask Whitecoyote...he probably has one or two

And yes, ditch the 629 and get a 657 in 3 inch...they are just dandy!

__________________
On the Oak Savannah

Thanks for the reply ,but a 657 is practically the same as what I have now.
I am lusting after a smaller frame with decent .41 caliber.
I have 2 629`s but only one 57 and it`s a 6 inch.
I like both calibers and reload both of them so ammo`s not a issue.
Just seems a L frame and .41 cal is a real good match.

Greetings, Jack,

The closest thing I've ever seen to it, is the Taurus M415, 5-shot .41 Mag that I bought quite a few years ago. It's about L-frame in size, but has a short barrel, is ported, and also has special "Ribber" grips, as Taurus calls them, to help absorb recoil. It's a snappy little thing to shoot, but does fairly well, actually.

I also have one of the 3" M657 Smiths, and it's a real screamer! Super accurate with Remington's 210 grain JSP load, it will put them in a nice ragged single hole at 25 yards, from a rest, if I do my part! Kicks a mite, with larger slugs, and hotter loads, but this little boomer has never let me down, and with a nice horse-hide holster, it carries very well, indeed. If you buy one, I'm sure you will love it. Shoots Winchester Silvertips very well, too, which is an outstanding self-defense load. Those are my thoughts, anyway, and others may have varying mileage. Good luck in your quest, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

__________________
Honor God, above all.

Is that enough steel for a five shot magnum in an L frame? The .41 is no lightweight when it comes to pressure...

Thanks for the reply Doc,
If my quest for a S&W fails I will look at that Tarus, I shot my friend`s Tarus Raging Bull last week and I was surprised at how good it was.
But I am a gun snob - I`m sure you know my type- S&W, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, Walther: in that order, but I`m 66 years old and have finally gotten a semi open mind, so I`ll look at other brands.

There are ".41 Special" conversions around that have been converted from L frames and from Ruger GP 100's. They are 6 shot. I guess a Python could be converted also. The "Special" is, of course, a lower pressure round, generally limited to about 1000 fps. The L frame sized gun does not have a large enough cylinder to handle full power .41 mags when opened up to that diameter. In the 60's some Pythons were converted to .41 mag. They are probably dangerous to shoot with full power loads. You see them pop up on GB every now and then, always claimed to be a "factory" conversion, but it didn't happen.

Morning, Jack,

You are most welcome, Sir. Like you, I have turned up my nose at what I have always considered "off-brands", and to some extent, I still do. But, I also LOVE the .41 Magnum cartridge, and by extension, all firearms manufactured to fire it! So, when Taurus came out with their little 5-shot .41, and after reading absolutely glowing reports by Dick Metcalf, and many others, I decided to give it a try. The only problem I have had, so far, is that when I first got it, one cylinder hole was too tight, and I had to return it to Taurus, where they fixed it for free. I've not had any problems since then. If you would like to see my little .41, I will be glad to take and post some photos of it later today, or tomorrow. It carries VERY well, and the only down-side I can see is that there are no really good speed-loaders made for it. I did pick up some rubber ones, and they "do" work, after a fashion. But, they do not fill me with unending confidence, if you know what I mean. In any case, the little M415 is a very nice little revolver, and worth your time to investigate, if you have interest in such a thing. Mine has a 2.5" barrel, and fills the need for which I bought it. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

__________________
Honor God, above all.

As has already been stated, S&W did not produce an L-frame sized 41 magnum revolver but Taurus did.

The 415 was available in 2 1/2" or 4" and it could be purchased in stainless steel or total titanium. I own both.



The stainless version weighs in at 29 ounces while the titanium is just 20 ounces.



The porting and ribber grips do a VERY good job at reducing the recoil and muzzle flip forces that are transfered to the shooters hand. The ribber grips also fit a wider range of hand sizes. The ribber grips kind of feel like one of those qoushy balls that you see in the kids stores.

The Taurus 415 locks up at the crane with a detent system similar to what the S&W Performance Center uses. It is a good system.



At the range both of the 41 Magnum revolvers have been shot with Winchester 210 JHP, Winchester 175 Silver Tips, Remington 170 JHP, and my own cast hand loads (215 SWC over 7g of Unique). The cast load was a pleasure in both firearms. However, when it came to the factory Magnum ammunition these little powerhouses did produce some recoil. The all stainless steel model 415 was controllable with all loads. The combination of the ported barrel and the soft ribber grips put this firearm on par with a medium frame 357 snub nose. The Total Titanium model 415T is not for the novice shooter. At a mere 20 ounces, recoil with all factory loads was stout. This firearm can be easily handled by anyone used to the big magnums or handgun hunting.

Greetings, colt_saa,

Lovely photos of your pair of Taurus .41's! I had a chance to order the Ti version, but decided I'd rather have a bit more steel/weight in that little cannon, and was glad I did so. How as the extraction on both of your guns? As mentioned, I had to return mine to Taurus with one sticky cylinder hole. They did a fine job of getting it right, and returned it very quickly.

Like you, I very much enjoy the "Ribber" grips, and think they should be offered for other manufacturers guns. Don't think Taurus is interested in that, however.

Have you ever found a proper speed loader for your little 5-shot .41's? I'm using the rubber ones that can be found online, and only feel mildly OK with them, if that. I worry about the rounds falling out the side, in carry.

Again, great photos of your pair of little .41's! Thanks for sharing them! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

P.S. I've found my M415 to make an outstanding revolver for backpacking, especially where black bears might prove to be a problem.

__________________
Honor God, above all.

Doc,
Both of mine extract just fine.

I purchased the stainless 415 from my LGS but the 415T was shipped to me from Taurus for an article that I wrote when they came out.

I never looked for speed loaders. You might want to check out one of the loaders intended for the S&W 696. They might just work.

Civilian CCW is there to extract ourselves from a bad situation, not to engage an opposing force. I figure if 41 Magnum rounds from a 2 1/2" barrel does not get them running scared, then I need to be seeking cover and calling 911.

Hi, colt_saa,

Very nice, indeed. Where was your article published, if I may ask? As I read just about everything I could find, to learn more about this neat little boomer, I may well still have my copy of whatever magazine published your offering, and would love to dig it out and read it again! As to speed loaders, I agree that, as civilian CCW, we're not going to try and win a war with our firearms. But, I also believe that Mr. Murphy likes to pop his head up, now and then, and mostly when you least would like to have him pay you a visit! So, I always use at least one speed loader, and when backpacking, a few more than one. That's worked for me, for quite a few years, and I'd love to continue doing that. I'll try the 696 speed loaders, and see if they might hold those slightly smaller .41 cases tightly enough to make them useful. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll post back, if indeed that does work. I do have some speed loaders for my old Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special. Might give those a try, too, just for giggles and grins. Talk to you soon, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

__________________
Honor God, above all.

I thought about getting some of those rubber speed loader strips , not so much for speed loading but to make carrying extra ammo more conveniently. That would be a thinner package than a round loader.

I found an excellent Pistol Smith in Tenn: his name is: Hamilton Bowen of: Bowen Classic Arms Corp.

Mr. Bowen states that in his opinion the L frame is not strong enough for .41 magnum , but he will re chamber one to .41 special and keep it a six shooter. I am too lazy to readjust my loading dies ,so I want to stick to .41 mag.

The Tarus is starting to look a whole lot better to me now.

Evening, Jack,

I've never heard of anyone offering rubber speed loader strips for the .41 Mag. If you have a source, I've love to hear about it, please. Thanks, very much, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

P.S. If you would prefer to PM me with the magazine that published your article, that would be wonderful.

__________________
Honor God, above all.

https://www.tuffproducts.com/product...cat=265&page=1

Try Tuff products...they make the strips for 41 mag and lots of other calibers as well.

__________________
On the Oak Savannah

I know John Taffin had Bowen Arms make him a .41 Special in a 586 a few years back, and it was a five shot revolver. I would wonder if they could make the .41 Magnum on that frame due to the pressure. To me the closest thing would be getting a .41 Magnum Mountain Gun.

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Vaya con Dios

Evening, SAFireman,

First, many thanks for the job you, and our other Firefighters do, in San Antonio, and everywhere!! MUCH appreciated, Sir!! Second, outstanding info on the quick strips for the .41 Mag. I will be ordering some tomorrow, and look forward to receiving them soon, and giving them a try!! Thanks, very much, for that information! I've looked long and hard, and come up dry. So, your helpful info is gratefully accepted. Thanks, again, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

P.S. Sweet Bride and I offer up prayers, every single night, for our LEO's, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical responders. Special folks, each and every one of them! May God Bless them always!

__________________
Honor God, above all.

While not a L frame but a GP-100, Gary Reeder makes a 5 shot .41 Mag on a medium frame. Ain't cheap.
Skorpion

CD

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De Oppresso Liber

L frame .41 Magnum
I have a 3 inch and a 4 inch L frame that I bought in the late 80's. Both are 657's. I have seen several magazine articles recently "advertising" their existance.

657's are N frames.

I just received another Email from Mr Bowen answering my question about a 5 shot, and his answer is in his opinion the L frame is not strong enough for .41 magnum period.

So I believe my search is over. I found a used Tarus 415 offered at $350 .

What do you think is that a fair price?

Morning, Jack,

Well, I'd say that's a more than fair price, if the gun is in great condition, and nice and tight. Is it stainless steel? Can you actually hold the gun and test it's condition? If yes, or if the seller will offer a return policy that would protect you if the pistol turns out not to be very nice, I'd say go for it.

I'm going to order several of the .41 Mag quick strips for my M415 this morning, and very much appreciate the information that was posted here, to lead me to them! Thanks!

Jack, please keep us posted on how your situation turns out, and if you do end up with that little Taurus, let us know how you like it. As for me, I've carried my own in several inside the waistband holsters, and even in an old Bianchi Bellyband that I like, and it carries very nicely, indeed. I like Winchester 175 grain Silvertips as a regular self defense load, and my little Taurus shoots them quite well. In any case, let us know how it all turns out for you. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

__________________
Honor God, above all.

Like some of the others here I have acquired the Taurus M415 and really like it. I purchased mine with no porting but it's at Mag-na-Port and should be back in a week or so. I also have a 4" and the 3" Tracker in .41 Magnum. I love em' all!

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Old thread......
41 Mag in an L frame....no problem.......model 69 does fine in 44........mine is being rechambered to 45 colt.

Charter also made/makes a .41......

Review: Charter Arms .41 Mag Pug | An Official Journal Of The NRA

I figure even if you miss at close range you'll probably set them on fire.

Not much metal left after rechambering. It should be an interesting conversion.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

On a Gun auction site a curiosity. Shoulda saved it.
I just saw a vintage Colt Python … customized to simulate a factory .41 magnum. Rebored, rechambered, Roll marks, reblue.
Guessing it was okay to shoot lower pressure handloads.
The pics did not show any damage.
Colt only made a few, maybe only 2 prototypes . More “gunsmith made” examples exist, but not many.

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Dino in Pittsburgh's Rat Pack

Cpo never did come back and tell us how the Taurus worked out for him...

I have two of the Titanium Trackers with a 4" and 6" barrels...and one stainless 4" as well as a 4" stainless .45 ACP...all have been great shooters.

Have been looking for a 2" Titanium but the prices have gone well over a grand...

They make the perfect .41 Special... Most of my loads run between 975 and 1150 fps and are quite manageable.

Bob

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Well......like any revolver......44 to 45 means using lower pressure loads........I was surprised how thin the wall thickness was on the 69..........have to measure the chamber this weekend with Intermics......I chamber a tight 45 chamber. Dave Manson reamers
I’ve done 6 shot 475 by rechambering a 45 colt BlackHawk......ya just can’t be stupid.......
I may chamber to 45 S&W........seems appropriate doesn’t it......do a failsafe that way though the extra boiler room would be nice........I’ll be doing it end of next month.....doing a 329 at the same time......one light.....one smaller. And cuts for moon clips....30-06 for full length shotshells
A 480 Redhawk is in the plans at the same time. With the same cuts to use 284 Winchester for the short shells......looking forward to it.
With full moon clips

Done out of Texas if I remember correctly........

How did the L frame turn out?

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I checked and measured my 696 and my model 69 and there is no way I would ream a model 69 L frame 44 magnum cylinder to 45 colt and fire any of my 45 colt loads in it. Most of my loads are in the 23,000psi range.

aciera I will be interested in your results also. On a light 45 colt why not start with a 325 and use a 45 colt cylinder? I also like tight 45 colt chambers with .452 throats and got most of my colt cylinders by reaming 44 mag cylinders

But, I do not see why anyone would believe an L frame would not handle 41 mags when the factory produces them in 44 mag. I would go with a 69 frame as it uses a bigger barrel shank than the 696 or 686 frames. Just turn a 41 barrel blank to fit the frame and sleeve. You would have to make the cylinder from the ground up unless you could somehow get S&W to let you have a 5 shot blank or a complete blank.

I’ve seen the Python .41 magnum.

Peebles Gun Shop in Arlington Texas turned them out back in the mid 80s. They were a small run of new guns, like Jovino did back in the day. That’s probably why some people thought they were factory.

The gunsmiths told me they had been thoroughly vetted and were safe. Peebles was no jerkwater LGS.

Dave Clements did .41 Special conversions of GP100s and L-frames, but I’ve heard he’s retired or in the process of retiring.

He did 10mm conversions on GP100s before Ruger started offering them. I inquired once about doing it with an L-frame. He replied that the forcing cone on an L-frame .357 barrel couldn’t handle 10mm pressures.

A medium-frame, 6-shot big-bore has always been mission for me as the perfect all-around handgun.

My GP100 10mm Match Champion 10mm comes pretty close. I just wish there was such a thing as 10AR brass.

The model 69 L frames with the shrouded barrels have a considerably larger barrel shank. They handle 44 mag pressures. The barrel isn't the problem as much as the cylinder if you want 6 rounds.

But. with a scandium N frame you dump a pile of weight over a steel L frame and the cylinder which is the fat part, is only .161 wider that is just a bit over 1/8" (.125)

I have 3 L frame 44 specials a 696, a 296, and a 396 as well as a L frame 44 mag mode 69. I carry a N frame 325 6 shot 45acp

John Taffin had the story on his website many years ago.

However he referred to the gunsmith as "Bubba" and not in the manner that we call a unskilled gunsmith by that name today. It was just meant to protect his identity

In this more than decade old group photo of my 41 Magnum firearms a 6" version of the "Bubba Python" is at the bottom

I have owned this revolver since 1995. It shoots great

Colt did manufacture and advertise the 41 Magnum Python. Back in 1965 several prototypes were produced, I was told 5. I was offered one but the price was out of my reach at the time. The Python was advertised in several calibers that never came into production. In addition to the 41 Magnum, there was the 256 Magnum, 22LR and 22 Magnum

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"Acta non verba"

Yeah, I assumed the shank on the 69 was a lot more robust than a regular .357 barrel.

I don’t know exactly why the conversion isn’t feasible, but when a master revolversmith says it’s not, that’s good enough for me.

Charter Arms was mentioned above as having 41 Magnum in the Mag Pug, but that was an old post, as I think I noticed this thread was from '21. The post was from 8/17/21; Post # 26.
I would not pass one up if I saw a used one while looking for a 41 caliber handgun, but their action is kinda different compared to S&W's; for instance on one I own and a couple I've handled, you really gotta cock the hammer back for single action before it locks in place. Double action is okay, just a little stiff. Seems a little stiffer than a new Ruger, but I suppose it works out. Need to get that one out. I forgot I bought it a few months back.

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There's a Monster on the loose

At one point I was actually curious enough to buy and measure a model 69 barrel. The standard L frame one piece barrel uses, .562-36 threads and the 2 piece 44 mag is .638-36. Just .032 less than an N frame.

I believe he is probably correct using a 686 frame or an L frame 6 shot cylinder. I don't own an L frame 357 so I can't measure the cylinder wall thickness between chambers or outside wall.

But, here are a few things to ponder.

Colt Pythons have been made into 41 mags. Pythons have a 1.550 OD cylinder and L frames a 1.559

Plus, an L frame cylinder is .113 larger than an K, which would give you an increase of .0565 to the outside and the radius of a 41 case is just .0275 larger than a 357 case, so a 41 chamber on an L frame should be thicker than a 357 on an K frame ON THE OUTSIDE WALL, depending on the radius pattern of the chamber centers between a K and L frame. But. how much metal would remain between each chamber would be just as critical and the thickness between 2 side by side 357 chambers on a 686 would be reduced by .055. But then they make a 7 shot L frame 357. A 357 chamber is .379. that extra .379/6 is .0632. So in theory there should be enough metal

There is no reason in the world a 5 shot L frame 41 mag would not work built on a model 69 frame. Getting a 5 shot cylinder you could ream to 41 mag would be difficult

All interesting to think about, but as I am probably going to turn my lone 41 mag into a 45 colt because I have lost all interest in the 41 caliber, plus the fact I have no 6 shot L frame cylinders nor a 41 mag reamer, I doubt I will explore the possibilities farther that this discussion.

I have built several 41s on L frames and one Colt. My thought was to always use the factory lead load {we were required to use factory ammunition} and be able to use the high pressure load in an emergency. It worked well until I sold one to an officer with the caution about ammunition. He ignored the advice and put several boxes of jacketed loads through it. Interestingly the cylinder showed no damage but the barrel extension finally cracked. Good advice to chamber short for the special ctg.

I have had this Taurus 425 with 3" barrel for some years now and love it. I sure would like a blued S&W version of this gun.