I have a 6" model 657-3 that I like very much. I do not reload, so therefore don't shoot it a lot, but it is a great gun. I have had several over the years. I have traded a couple of them off, only to eventually come back to it again. I think it is the perfect size cartridge for the Smith and Wesson N frame. It seems to be a very accurate round. Those that have them seem to really like them. Those that don't usually don't know much about it. Many have never heard of it when I have mentioned it to them. I do think there is a little better selection of factory ammo for it than in years gone by. wyatte
.41 remington magnum popularity???
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jonbondave
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I have a 4 inch 57-1. It's a ton of fun to shoot, and i would like to get a 4 inch 65 moutain gun to go with it someday. or a shooter grade 58 even!
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I have owned a 4 inch m57 since '78.It was a high school graduation gift from my father. I enjoy the gun and the caliber greatly. Recently, a local pawn shop in my area put a m657 up for sale. A past owner had the barrel cut to 4 1/2 inches and installed polymer ivory grips with a steerhead on the right side and silver s+w medallions.(Some kind of Elmer Keith thing, i guess.) The owner of the pawnshop said alot of people had looked at it,but when they found out it wasn't a m629,they lost interest in it. He had a price tag of $475 on it. I, as a joke bid him$300 for it. His reply was "I won't go a penny under $350". After I realized he was serious, i got out my debit card, filled out the paperwork, and gave it a new home. Its a wonderful gun, but i have to hide it when my father visits,because i'm afraid he will try to take with him.
SuperMan
Member
Shooters keep...
..calling it "a reloaders caliber". When it comes to anything over .357 Magnum what isn't a "reloaders caliber". If one owns a Model 24 .44 Special where does one find decent loads? Not at WalMart. And .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt loads are all about the same price...then you get into .454, .475 and .500s and who can afford a dollar+ a pop...
Now it's true you can't go to WalMart and get .41s but when is the last time you saw .45 Colt or .454 there? So at least to me .41s don't loose anything when it comes to be called a "reloaders caliber" because to me they all are...
I've also never once ordered .41 components and had them out of stock any more regularly that ordering .45 Colt brass or bullets and look how many more .45 Colts and Colt shooters there are in this world...
I both collect and shoot .41s...I must because I have way too many to shoot on a regular basis and ware one out.
As to the poster who was looking for a Taurus Titanium Tracker, they are GREAT guns. I have both the 4" and the very rare 6". Two 4" guns just sold on GunBroker over the last few days. The fisrt one had an opening price of $900.00 and a BuyNow of $1100...and someone hit the BuyNow! Last night another LNIB one sold for $688.00.
Have never had an inaccurate .41...just a great caliber...
Bob
..calling it "a reloaders caliber". When it comes to anything over .357 Magnum what isn't a "reloaders caliber". If one owns a Model 24 .44 Special where does one find decent loads? Not at WalMart. And .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt loads are all about the same price...then you get into .454, .475 and .500s and who can afford a dollar+ a pop...
Now it's true you can't go to WalMart and get .41s but when is the last time you saw .45 Colt or .454 there? So at least to me .41s don't loose anything when it comes to be called a "reloaders caliber" because to me they all are...
I've also never once ordered .41 components and had them out of stock any more regularly that ordering .45 Colt brass or bullets and look how many more .45 Colts and Colt shooters there are in this world...
I both collect and shoot .41s...I must because I have way too many to shoot on a regular basis and ware one out.
As to the poster who was looking for a Taurus Titanium Tracker, they are GREAT guns. I have both the 4" and the very rare 6". Two 4" guns just sold on GunBroker over the last few days. The fisrt one had an opening price of $900.00 and a BuyNow of $1100...and someone hit the BuyNow! Last night another LNIB one sold for $688.00.
Have never had an inaccurate .41...just a great caliber...
Bob
Brian41
Member
I finally bought myself a NIB M-57 for my 50th birthday 8 years ago. I now have 8 of them and likely more to come as I find them. I too feel they have less felt recoil than a .44 mag although I mainly download both rounds for my plinking.
I've since sold/traded 3 .44s as the .41 does all I need from target shooting, deer hunting to a sometime conceal carry weapon.
I do think they are more popular today as I see less and with higher prices now. It used to be I could find them at better prices as they were an unpopular caliber here.
I saw a NIB M-57 the other day for $1250. They never commanded prices like that just a couple years ago.
I've since sold/traded 3 .44s as the .41 does all I need from target shooting, deer hunting to a sometime conceal carry weapon.
I do think they are more popular today as I see less and with higher prices now. It used to be I could find them at better prices as they were an unpopular caliber here.
I saw a NIB M-57 the other day for $1250. They never commanded prices like that just a couple years ago.
LC '92
Member
Heres my big, ugly bruiser! This model 58 is well used but still the finest combat/utility revolver I own. Tough as nails, powerful enough for any chore whether it be hog hunting or home defense yet tame enough for plinking with reduced loads. I need to find a Tyler T for it and it will be complete. Anybody have a Tyler T for an N frame that they want to swap for one of my J or K Tylers?
I also have a near new 57 4", but it seldom gets out of the safe.
I also have a near new 57 4", but it seldom gets out of the safe.
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USBP SW
Member
The .41 mag. is very likely my favorite caliber. I have not been without at least one since I first shot one in the early 70's. I currently own about a dozen .41's, Smith & Wesson and Ruger, they are all extremely accurate and a joy to shoot. I have always reloaded and cast for the .41, the components are far more available now than when I first got a .41 mag. In the early years Remington was the only producer of brass and I recall driving 30 miles to buy all the .41 brass that a store had received. I don't know if the bullet styles for the .41 are superior but I have moulds from both Hensley & Gibbs and Saeco that outshoot anything I have for .44 mag., .45 Colt and .357 mag.. I guess that about sums up my feelings regarding the .41 mag..
I hope this has been of assistance,
Steve
I hope this has been of assistance,
Steve
RetLawman590
Member
After reading all these post, I may just have to get myself a .41 mag 
A carry version though.
A carry version though.22-rimfire
Member
The PC 657 is available in a snubbie and the Night Guard is/will be available. I am looking for a Night Guard version and will probably shoot reduced power loads in it mostly.
Do you have a 41mag handgun?
Several.
Do you like it?
Absolutely!! The .41 Mag is my favorite caliber. I have a 6" that was a duty gun for many years. I hunt with both S&W 8 3/8 .41 and .44 Mags, having taken several black bear and bull elk with both calibers.
Do you shoot it often?
Yep.. all the time.... I hand load for all my guns as well as cast my own bullets. I have the good fortune to own and shoot all calibers from .22 to 500 Mag S&W's. As far as I'm concerned, the .41 Mag is arguably the most underrated and best performing all-around caliber available in a handgun today - if you load your own...
If you don't have a S&W in 41mag, why?
I've often asked the same question... The N frame .41 bullet is only .019 smaller in diameter than a .44. The .41 shoots flatter than the .44. The smaller diameter casing allows for a stronger cylinder. I've never had a S&W .41 Mag shoot loose even with constant hot loads.
Any other thoughts about the 41mag.
I believe the .41 is the ideal compromise between the .357 and the .44 Mag. Like the .460, the 500, the .454 Casul and in many cases the .45 Colt, it absolutely shines with power and accuracy when custom handloads are made for the gun.
Buy a snubbie or a 4" 57/657. I don't believe you'll ever regret it.
JMHO.....
Several.
Do you like it?
Absolutely!! The .41 Mag is my favorite caliber. I have a 6" that was a duty gun for many years. I hunt with both S&W 8 3/8 .41 and .44 Mags, having taken several black bear and bull elk with both calibers.
Do you shoot it often?
Yep.. all the time.... I hand load for all my guns as well as cast my own bullets. I have the good fortune to own and shoot all calibers from .22 to 500 Mag S&W's. As far as I'm concerned, the .41 Mag is arguably the most underrated and best performing all-around caliber available in a handgun today - if you load your own...
If you don't have a S&W in 41mag, why?
I've often asked the same question... The N frame .41 bullet is only .019 smaller in diameter than a .44. The .41 shoots flatter than the .44. The smaller diameter casing allows for a stronger cylinder. I've never had a S&W .41 Mag shoot loose even with constant hot loads.
Any other thoughts about the 41mag.
I believe the .41 is the ideal compromise between the .357 and the .44 Mag. Like the .460, the 500, the .454 Casul and in many cases the .45 Colt, it absolutely shines with power and accuracy when custom handloads are made for the gun.
Buy a snubbie or a 4" 57/657. I don't believe you'll ever regret it.
JMHO.....
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Dave T
Member
The original question was is the 41 Mag getting more popular. I would say no but those who like it are very loyal to the cartridge and its guns...much the same as 44 Special fans.
The two cartridges are quite similar in that they both will never be as popular as the 357 & 44 Magnums. They both call for hand loading to get the most out of them and they both seem to develop extreme loyalty from their adherents. I owned a couple M58s and one M57 back in my younger days. All are gone now, not because there was anything wrong with them but rather because I really wanted a 44 Special. Got several of those now and wouldn't trade or sell any of them. If I still had the 41 Mags I would no doubt feel the same way about them.
Dave
The two cartridges are quite similar in that they both will never be as popular as the 357 & 44 Magnums. They both call for hand loading to get the most out of them and they both seem to develop extreme loyalty from their adherents. I owned a couple M58s and one M57 back in my younger days. All are gone now, not because there was anything wrong with them but rather because I really wanted a 44 Special. Got several of those now and wouldn't trade or sell any of them. If I still had the 41 Mags I would no doubt feel the same way about them.
Dave
Doc Mark
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Greetings, All,
The .41 Mag is my most favorite pistol caliber, period!! I have "a few" various ones of them
with an American Derringer .41 on the small end, and a T/C Contender with a 14" barrel, on the top end. "A few" others in between, too! The .41 is a strong, easy to shoot caliber, that can do just about anything that needs be done with a handgun, IMHO, given proper loads and a practiced shooter. Yes, it's best to handload, but even if you couldn't you can get the old Police load, still, and also Winchester Silvertips, both of which are outstanding self-defense loads. And, if you want something that would be considered a "burn the hair off a bear" load, get some from Buffalo Bore, or a few other such companies!!
Do I think the .41 is becoming more popular, well, yes. Why on earth would S&W remake and offer the stellar M58, in both nickel and blued, otherwise? I'd love to buy a new 58, but already own one, NIB, which I bought many years ago. I'm not a fan of the IL, and as far as I know in CA, we have to have that "feature" on our S&W revolvers. (Lord, let us move to a more common sense State, one of these days!!!!)
But, getting back to the original questions, yes, I think the .41 is gaining steam, and I'm glad to see it happen! One of the very best calibers out there, and I dearly love my S&W's in .41 Mag!! Take care, and God Bless!
Every Good Wish,
Doc
The .41 Mag is my most favorite pistol caliber, period!! I have "a few" various ones of them
with an American Derringer .41 on the small end, and a T/C Contender with a 14" barrel, on the top end. "A few" others in between, too! The .41 is a strong, easy to shoot caliber, that can do just about anything that needs be done with a handgun, IMHO, given proper loads and a practiced shooter. Yes, it's best to handload, but even if you couldn't you can get the old Police load, still, and also Winchester Silvertips, both of which are outstanding self-defense loads. And, if you want something that would be considered a "burn the hair off a bear" load, get some from Buffalo Bore, or a few other such companies!! Do I think the .41 is becoming more popular, well, yes. Why on earth would S&W remake and offer the stellar M58, in both nickel and blued, otherwise? I'd love to buy a new 58, but already own one, NIB, which I bought many years ago. I'm not a fan of the IL, and as far as I know in CA, we have to have that "feature" on our S&W revolvers. (Lord, let us move to a more common sense State, one of these days!!!!)
But, getting back to the original questions, yes, I think the .41 is gaining steam, and I'm glad to see it happen! One of the very best calibers out there, and I dearly love my S&W's in .41 Mag!! Take care, and God Bless!
Every Good Wish,
Doc
semperfi71
US Veteran
Like LC '92 I believe the M58 (blue or nickel) is where the .41 Magnum is at it's best.
It has fixed sights that shoot to point of aim (for me) making it a perfect backwoods, rugged open-carry revolver. There is no quality fixed sight equivalant available in .44 Magnum that I know of (in the availability of the M58).
If bears or big hogs are not around a fixed sight .357 (or even well-loaded .38 Special) is okay, but a M58 will do a better job in any reasonable application of a handgun.
The other S&W .41 Magnums can be easily replaced by a .44 Magnum and therein lies the shooter's choice. Whatever he/she prefers.
The .41 Magnum almost definitely requires reloading but so does most other handgun calibers. Eventually if a shooter wants to shoot often he/she has to reload...unless quite wealthy.
There are fixed sight .44 Specials available (new and used) that can compete with the .41 Magnum at every level BUT I assume here we speak of S&W and not Colt S/A's or Colt Clones.
It has fixed sights that shoot to point of aim (for me) making it a perfect backwoods, rugged open-carry revolver. There is no quality fixed sight equivalant available in .44 Magnum that I know of (in the availability of the M58).
If bears or big hogs are not around a fixed sight .357 (or even well-loaded .38 Special) is okay, but a M58 will do a better job in any reasonable application of a handgun.
The other S&W .41 Magnums can be easily replaced by a .44 Magnum and therein lies the shooter's choice. Whatever he/she prefers.
The .41 Magnum almost definitely requires reloading but so does most other handgun calibers. Eventually if a shooter wants to shoot often he/she has to reload...unless quite wealthy.
There are fixed sight .44 Specials available (new and used) that can compete with the .41 Magnum at every level BUT I assume here we speak of S&W and not Colt S/A's or Colt Clones.
Joe in SC
US Veteran
I've read that the 41 magnum is obsolete, that it's a dying relic. If that's so it sure is dying a slow death. Right now, in addition to Smith and Wesson, Freedom Arms, Ruger and Taurus all make revolvers chambered in 41 magnum. There may be others and even some lever guns still currently manufactured, so chambered. I'm sure there are those here that can tell me !
I personally own two model 57's, both no dash models, one in 6" and one in four". I cast my own bullets. I have a gas check mold but rarely use it. The majority of my casting is plain base. I do not experience very much leading of the barrel even with maximum loads. Big bullets don't seem to be as problematic as the 357 in this regard. I tend to cast more on the hard side, rather than soft.
Back to the question of the popularity of the 41M, I never see used guns for sale in the stores. Used to be a 41M wasn't hard to find. They seem to get snapped up fairly quickly when they do become available. I believe the 41 magnum is definitely for more seasoned shooters.I'm sure it takes some interest beyond casual plinking to sell shooter on the 41M. Perhaps it's handgun hunting or reloading and maybe even collecting at the mid to higher levels. I'm sure there are other reasons.
Just for kicks I checked with MidwayUSA. Their website showed they stock about 21 different loads of 41 magnum in weights from 170 to 265 grains. Nine are currently on back-order. Those are the listed handgun loads, there may be different ones under long arms. Perhaps more under self defense. A big variety of loads that indicates to me that the 41 magnum is certainly no less popular that it has ever been. Heck, it may indicate the most interest in the caliber since it's inception. A growing popularity, perhaps.
I have introduced a couple of shooters to the 41 who have went on to purchase their own. Both are reloaders and are able to take advantage of the versatility. As far as I'm concerned the 41 is every bit the 44 magnums equal. Granted, I don't bear hunt or encroach on their territory often, but if I did I think I would arm myself with a more powerful side arm than either the 41 or 44. No doubt both have killed even grizzly, but I wouldn't want to wait until one was chewing on my fleeing backside to find out!
I don't think it's dying...not by a long shot. I think it's a classic (maybe even a "cult" classic) that will be with us as long as we stay free.
I personally own two model 57's, both no dash models, one in 6" and one in four". I cast my own bullets. I have a gas check mold but rarely use it. The majority of my casting is plain base. I do not experience very much leading of the barrel even with maximum loads. Big bullets don't seem to be as problematic as the 357 in this regard. I tend to cast more on the hard side, rather than soft.
Back to the question of the popularity of the 41M, I never see used guns for sale in the stores. Used to be a 41M wasn't hard to find. They seem to get snapped up fairly quickly when they do become available. I believe the 41 magnum is definitely for more seasoned shooters.I'm sure it takes some interest beyond casual plinking to sell shooter on the 41M. Perhaps it's handgun hunting or reloading and maybe even collecting at the mid to higher levels. I'm sure there are other reasons.
Just for kicks I checked with MidwayUSA. Their website showed they stock about 21 different loads of 41 magnum in weights from 170 to 265 grains. Nine are currently on back-order. Those are the listed handgun loads, there may be different ones under long arms. Perhaps more under self defense. A big variety of loads that indicates to me that the 41 magnum is certainly no less popular that it has ever been. Heck, it may indicate the most interest in the caliber since it's inception. A growing popularity, perhaps.
I have introduced a couple of shooters to the 41 who have went on to purchase their own. Both are reloaders and are able to take advantage of the versatility. As far as I'm concerned the 41 is every bit the 44 magnums equal. Granted, I don't bear hunt or encroach on their territory often, but if I did I think I would arm myself with a more powerful side arm than either the 41 or 44. No doubt both have killed even grizzly, but I wouldn't want to wait until one was chewing on my fleeing backside to find out!
I don't think it's dying...not by a long shot. I think it's a classic (maybe even a "cult" classic) that will be with us as long as we stay free.
I have both a 6" 57-1 and an 8.375 57 (which is an over stamped 29 on the frame). I reload both 41 mag and 41 special (picked up 600 Starline brass correctly head stamped from a fellow shooter on this forum a year ago). Excellent revolvers and do I have fun (and some "looks") when I bring the trio (25, 29 and 57 all in 8.375) to the range at one time (with magnum loads or 0.45 LC that are slightly warm!!) Dave_n
hunter34
I just came across this web sight and found it very interesting
I did,nt relalize there were so many 41 mag owners out there I bought a m29 in 1964 or there about and always thought it
was the ultimate hand then one day at the range a friend of mine was there with a ruger 41 three screw old model that he let me shoot I was impressed with it so I sold my m29
and bought a new ruger 41 old model fast forward today
over the years I have had many 41mag hand guns and currently have aS&W 657_5 that I bought new in2005 its nickel with a six and a half barrel I also installed a aim pointsight on and had a custom shoulder holster made for it I dont hand load but I have 23 boxes of ammo for so Idont worry about running out incidently most sporting stores in the area carry some as an interesting aside I have some boxes I bought so long ago that the price was 13.65 for a box of50
I just came across this web sight and found it very interesting
I did,nt relalize there were so many 41 mag owners out there I bought a m29 in 1964 or there about and always thought it
was the ultimate hand then one day at the range a friend of mine was there with a ruger 41 three screw old model that he let me shoot I was impressed with it so I sold my m29
and bought a new ruger 41 old model fast forward today
over the years I have had many 41mag hand guns and currently have aS&W 657_5 that I bought new in2005 its nickel with a six and a half barrel I also installed a aim pointsight on and had a custom shoulder holster made for it I dont hand load but I have 23 boxes of ammo for so Idont worry about running out incidently most sporting stores in the area carry some as an interesting aside I have some boxes I bought so long ago that the price was 13.65 for a box of50
Dave T
Member
Not giving you a hard time but are you saying your stainless (657) revolver has been nickel plated? If so I'd be curious as to why it was done.
Like I said, just askin',
Dave
gwpercle
Member
Questions concerning 41 mag.
1.) Yes- model 58, blued with custom Ahrend's retro grips.
2.) Yes- it's my favorite.
3.) Yes- Every time I get the opprotunity.
If you don't allready...start reloading, a set of dies and a bullet mould(s) will make you the master of your ammo supply and not the slave to whatever a shop owner carries.
I purchase once fired brass and don't even worry about having to buy factory ammo just to get empties.
gary
1.) Yes- model 58, blued with custom Ahrend's retro grips.
2.) Yes- it's my favorite.
3.) Yes- Every time I get the opprotunity.
If you don't allready...start reloading, a set of dies and a bullet mould(s) will make you the master of your ammo supply and not the slave to whatever a shop owner carries.
I purchase once fired brass and don't even worry about having to buy factory ammo just to get empties.
gary
J-FRAME
Member
Sorry never owned a .41 magnum._ .44 scratched all the itch for me.
silentflyer
Member
Found a deal on a 8 3/8" nickle in Dec., makes me wonder why I hadn't bought one earlier, shoots great, and the cost of bullets got me to reload again after just buying ready rolled ammo. Dug out my press and equipment that hadn't been used in years. Of course the last couple of months reloading is the only way to go if you want any ammo.
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