41 mag question

[pzlehr]

Hi,
I am thinking about buying a S&W 41 mag in 4" and would like to hunt with it. So far from what I read of the hunting regulations here, I can use a 4". I'll need to call to be sure. BUT, if it's a go...I saw a new S&W 41 mag in 4" drilled and tapped for a scope. Has anyone ever used a scope on a 4" 41 mag for hunting? I know of scopes being used on 6" and 8" barrels, not a 4".
I looked around the forum for 41mag and found everything but...I've never had a 41mag but I am assuming from what little I have read that ammo is hard to come by. Do most just reload?
Thanks,
Chuck

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

If you'r going to get a 41, you should invest in Reloading component as that maybe the only way you'll get the loads that you want.

Great gun and caliber once you get to know it.

 

[ACP230]

It's a bit easier to find commercial .41 ammo now than a few months ago.
I've seen it online at several ammo dealers recently.

Still, reloading is a good idea. My .41s have fired very few factory loads.

 

[kennyb]

you have certainly picked a great caliber...i have several 41's and just love em...the one i hunt with is a 7.5"with iron sights...i have seen 41 mag.ammo on line as well as the local gun store...i reload it however to get what i want,when i want and save a ton of $$
my most recent 41 purchase was a 6" model 57 circa 1971...it's minty and in the wooden presentation case....again congrats on your choice...

 

[BuzzardBilly]

I would recommend a minimum barrel length of 6" for hunting.
BB

 

[m657]

I'm past the age where I can hold a 4" to any reasonable hunting sight picture scoped or not.

From a bench I can do pretty good out to 50 yards given the time.

Reloading is the answer to getting economical performance out of a 41 mag IMHO.

I do have a RBH with a red dot & long barrel I'd consider hunting any non-carnivore on the continent.

I love 4" belt carry 41 mags; I just lack the steady hand for reliable longer hunting shots. If I were being swarmed by something up closer, it would be a comforting choice as well.

 

[mkk41]

I would recommend a minimum barrel length of 6" for hunting.
BB

110% in agreement!

 

[Adawi]

20 years ago I traded my 6" M57 for a 4", and have hunted with it ever since. My longest shot was a little over 70 yards on a tough old javalena, but most shots are at half that distance, and all except one only required one shot. I have never used a scope on a handgun, so I can't give you any advice on that.

 

[Doc Mark]

Hey, Chuck,

First, the .41 mag is my most favorite pistol caliber!!

Second, it's a VERY good idea to get into reloading for your .41. Doing that opens up tons of vistas to you, which would otherwise be hard to find.

Third, I've only scoped my Contender 14" .41 pistol, and it worked like a champ. Very accurate!!

I carry my 4" Smith 657, or 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk, or 5 1/2" Redhawk as belt pistols, and have never thought about scoping them. Ballistics from a 4" tube will be less powerful than with a 6"+ tube, for what it's worth.

Congrats on deciding to get a wonderful .41 Smith! You really can't go wrong, no matter which one you choose! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[mes227]

Aloha,
If you'r going to get a 41, you should invest in Reloading component as that maybe the only way you'll get the loads that you want..

Shopping on-line I don't have much problem finding a good selection at reasonable prices. Takes a little more poking around than for my 44Mag but not really that difficult.

 

[mes227]

Here's my only (so far) 41M: S&W Classic Hunter II Lew Horton 6-1/2" brl. I LOVE this gun and caliber! Now am in the market for a 4" or 5" 41M. I tend to agree with the posts that a 4" is a bit short for hunting, unless there are special circumstances (close range boar or backup gun, for examples - I carry a 44M 4" or 454C 2-1/2" as backup and will start carrying a 41M 4" when I find one I love).

 

[Combat_Diver]

I've owned about a dozen Smith 41 mags over the years. Its the cartridge that I also started handloading for (Uncle taught me with his 8.375" M57). Currently still have a M58, 14" Contender and a 20" Marlin 1894S. Only my Contender carries a scope, with a Williams reciever sight on the Marlin.

CD

 

[gto364cid]

Georgia Arms has some "practice" 41 Mag available at reasonable prices.

 

[22-rimfire]

Cheaper than Dirt has Bitterroot Valley 41 mag ammo for under $30/50-ct box. I also buy from GA Arms and have both their "cowboy" (800fps) and regular 41 mag ammo. Their prices are very hard to beat. I don't know about today, but they have been having difficulty buying components for their 41 mag loads, so they may not have any available.

 

[rayb]

BBL lengths

For Iron sights, I find the 4" is easier to use that the 6".

Have just recently tried the Red Dot type devices, wish I had done so earlier. You should be able to mount one on either a Smith or Ruger 4-5" revolver; I have not yet tried it.

I seems to me that one of the dot devices would work better than a regulat scope on a 4" revolver, but I have no experience to verify that.

The .41 with a good cast bullet is about all you really need for any game in the lower 48, in my opinion.

Others of course have different ideas.

rayb

 

[m657]

for those interested in 4" m57 in 99+ condition, I'll be posting mine FS soon.

 

[ISOM]

.41 Magnum

Go to Google and type in .41 Magnum
There is a wealth of knowledge about and the .41 Special.

 

[ko41]

for those interested in 4" m57 in 99+ condition, I'll be posting mine FS soon.

Nickel?

KO

 

[m657]

blue like gawd intended when she invented shot & shell....

will be taking a few photos this week end and posting in classified

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Go to "Ballistics by the inch" to see what you might loose
by going to a short barrel..
Ammo : Georgia arms, Bitterroot , Doubletap
And a new one in Ohio Kudu Kustom [I shot them and am impressed]
Most scopes are too long for a 4" but Freedom arms is making
a mount for a Micro-sized red dot that many say works.
As I am getting "old farts" eyes I have been thinking about this,
even on short guns.
PS. There is one that uses sunlight not batteries.