.41 remington magnum popularity???

[Dave T]

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

 

[Doc Mark]

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

 

[semperfi71]

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.

 

[Joe in SC]

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.

 

[Dave_n]

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]

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

 

[Dave T]

...currently have aS&W 657_5 that I bought new in2005 its nickel with a six and a half barrel...

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]

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

 

[J-FRAME]

Sorry never owned a .41 magnum._ .44 scratched all the itch for me.

 

[silentflyer]

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.

 

[BigBill]

My LGS were i went browsing for a S&W purchase had them half priced over a year ago. I purchased the brand new S&W M57 6" in nickel finish first. Then a week later I grabbed the new S&W M58 4" in nickel finish too. I only shot the M58 using federal 210gr JHP ammo first and i love the 41mag. He also had 41mag ammo on the shelf too and he hasn't seen the new 41mag ammo in years. I grabbed what i could too. I did order new brass and leadcast bullets too. Shooting my very first S&W revolver (M58) made me want more S&W N Frames too. Another LGS offered a new unshot S&W M29-10 with all the accesssories for $699 in the used case but the PO never shot it, but its in blue so i have to purchase another one in nickel. I grabbed that too. Them back at the first LGS he did have a case full of new S&W N frames but had only the S&W M24 in 44spec 6 1/2" barrel in nickel for $750 i grabbed that too. I did go back there to grab the new S&W M57 w/4" in nickel but its gone. He did have a M629 classic hunter in 44mag and a M625 in 45 long colt left there yet. I gotta go browsing soon. Here's the pics of my M57 & M58 in 41mag/nickel. With all the other gun manufactures discontinuing there models and nickel finishes i figure i can treasure the nickel finish now.

 

[loc n load]

The 41's.

I had to smile when I started reading these post's...I just took off my EDC gun and it is a M-58 with Barne's vortex 180gr XPB Hp's. I started shooting 41's back in the 70's and carried this same M-58 as a motor cop, I have carried a side arm everyday for 40 years. I have instructed firearms professionally for 30 of those years....shot & instructed all calibers and all major platforms that LE agency's have used in the past three decade's.
I have 44's, 45's, but have an affinity for the 41 mag, just as I do for the 10mm and 16 ga. They aren't "headliner's", but they are great loads and do good work in the field. I have reloaded since 72, so I can tailor my loads for whatever I want.
That's one of the great things about shooting, reloading and our country in general. We have the opportunity to choose from a huge selection of guns, loads and equipment. Long live the 41 magnum.....good shooting.

 

[hunter34]

hunter34

I must have had brain fade when I said my 657-5 was nickel
it,s of course stainless incidently I use it almost exculsively
deer hunting I use shooting sticks for a steady aim and to date I have taken eight deer some bucks and some does I
use winchester 240 grain platnium and limit my shots to 75 yards or less I have not lost a deer yet I have however shot
milk jugs out to 125 yards , and can hit them three out of
five times so I guess thats fair shooting

 

[brokenprism]

I had one -- no, three of them in the 80s. When I coulnd't find d a29 and I had an N frame jones, I bought 57s, and loved them. I thought the recoil would be a little milder -- dream on. They were just as musclular as .44 magnums. Ammo was an issue, but I rarely shot more than 25 rds at a time so it lasted quite awhile. In high polish blue, they're beautiful, just like the 25s, 27s, and 29s. If it starts with a .4, I'm in. I love the finishes on the 27 but don't care for the caliber. I always wished S would give the other Ns the same checkering treatment.

 

[DR505]

I love the caliber, but if I didn't have reloading gear, I'd be broke in short order, or I wouldn't shoot much.

 

[DennisE]

I love the 41 magnum and it's a joy to reload! Dennis

 

[hjurewicz]

My dad had a Dan Wesson with all the inter-changeable barrels in 41 mag, and it was fun to shoot, so I ended up with one (S&W) also. You can load it light or hot. Also picked up a Marlin lever when they were still in production and it is a great carry gun for deer. Now I collect them as I can. It's a great caliber all around.

 

[Fredo Batali]

The Model 57 with an 8.375 inch barrel in Nickle, was the very first handgun I purchased so many years ago. I have been loading for the round for very close to thirty years now. I absolutely love the caliber and the Smith & Wesson handguns chambered for it. My current favorite is my four-inch, blue, no dash, Model 57. I have an eye out for another 8.375 Nickle, Model 57. When I find one I'll put it back in

De Oppresso Liber

 

[colt_saa]

Do you think the 41 remington magnum is gaining in popularity lately??

I ask this because finding a S&W in 41mag seems harder to get. But yet when i see for sale on the guns for sale and gun auction sites they seem to move very quickly. It makes me think that more and more collectors and shooters are looking for them. I been watching the used S&W's in 41mag in blue hitting close to $900 recently. Could it be the key safety is driving the older S&W in 41mag higher? I'm not letting the key safety keep me from purchasing this awesome revolver.

The only downfall of this awesome, overlooked, forgotten about magnum caliber is the availalility of the new ammo and the new brass for reloading. It looks like my local dealer doesn't stock much of a amount in 41mag. I'm not sure if the new 41mag ammo is a fast mover or not, i'm not really experienced with it yet. I have noticed the prices do vary between the 20rd boxes and the 50rd boxes of the 41mag ammo too. Even finding the reloading dies for the 41mag can be harder to find also. I'm not sure if there sold out because there not a hot item or there moving faster than the dealer can order and supply them.

Overall I think i'm going to enjoy the 41mag caliber. Bill

Questions;

Do you have a 41mag handgun?

Many

This group photo is extremely out of date

Do you like it?

Without Doubt

Do you shoot it often?

Not enough, about 5000 rounds per year

If you don't have a S&W in 41mag, why?

I have no idea why someone would not own one.

Any other thoughts about the 41mag.

One of the most inherently accurate handgun cartridges I have ever shot. Great cartridge for the handloader. However if more people buy them and shoot them, there will be more ammo available.

 

[BigBill]

2011 post and still going in 2013.

The 41rem mag is an awesome caliber. Bill

 

[ladder13]

 

[S.B.]

I own and shoot two .41s both S&W and Ruger and shoot them as often as I have the ammo.

I've been reloading for this caliber for over 30 years and recently bought yet another mold for it(265 gr).
Steve

 

[K1500]

If you think the .41 is making a resurgence in popularity (and I believe it is), the 10mm seems like it is making an even bigger recovery. Maybe it is something about the mid-bores that people are rediscovering? To me the difference boils down to the following.

The .41 has to go up against the .44 in the same frame size so it is always at a disadvantage from a "power to weight" perspective.

The 10mm has to go up against the .45 in the same frame size, so it is always at an advantage from a "power to weight" and capacity standpoint.

 

[DFrame]

This moribund number just refuses to die. Impressive ballistics and extremely devoted fans keep it from life support. It got off on the wrong foot right from the start and never really caught on with the poplace in general. No I don't see any resurgence of the calibre. It's loyal fans still scream it's virtues but I don't see a lot (or any) of NEW shooters out there, switching to it.

 

[BigBill]

Great post is there anything that anyone wants to add about the awesome caliber of the 41 Magnum?

Love it or hate it, it's here to stay.

 

[Doubless]

I know this is a Smith and Wesson forum, but I have posted this in other threads, so here goes:

If you really want to appreciate the "middle magnum", get yourself an FA. My 654 Silhouette will get 1800 fps out of the NEI 290-grain cast bullet, and the one in 14" twist stabilizes it perfectly.

There is nothing you can do with a 44 magnum that I cannot do with a 41, and I will do it with less recoil, less muzzle blast, and a flatter trajectory.

Yes, it is a handloader's cartridge, and probably a caster's as well. But it is absolutely a superb handgun round, in my estimation.

 

[mchom]

I like them

I have 2 57s and 2 58
blue and nickel each

 

[Domino300]

Have ten 41's plus one in the oven. Yes I reload.

 

[Cal44]

I have only one -- a 657 classic hunter. Very accurate and a nice trigger.

I keep looking each time I go into a LGS but haven't seen one in over a year.

BTW, it's interesting how there old threads are dead for years, and then pop back up.

 

[scott1970]

What timing....today I took delivery of a Marlin 1894 CCL in .41 Mag. I already cast and load for my S&W .41s, but I've been after a rifle for several years now.

Without a doubt the .41 Magnum is my favorite handgun caliber. I carry it regularly, and I shoot it about every time I hit the range.