Is the .41 Mag dead?

[Dan in MI]

I don't think it is any more dead than it ever has been, even though its demise has been called on for years. I think its popularity is basically level. Never rising above or below its basis very much. Luckily its basis is high enough the gun and ammo companies keep it on a burner towards the front.

I have always had at least one since about 1984. Still kicking my self for not buying a SS 4-5/8 Blackhawk about 7 years ago when they were available. Should have made the effort to find the funds.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Bought myself a 6-1/2" for Christmas, 1966. Still have it. :mrgreen:

 

[Ray Newman]

I have two .41's: a Marlin 1894FG and an Accusport Ruger Bisley. I do not load the Bisley hot, but load it with Berry's .41 Mag bullets and Unique for about 1100 FPS. I just cannot endure the muzzle blast and recoil of stout pistol loads anymore. Always wanted a Smith 57, but cannot find one new. Nice used ones are more than I want to pay and the few others I examined are a bit loose/sloppy from full house loads.

Agree with Dan in MI who said its popularity remains level over the years. Many years ago, a .41 Aficionado said the only problem with the .41 Magnum is that there never was a .41 Special.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

I know little about the .41 Mag except it seems to have a very loyal following. As such it seems the conversation could turn to stocking up on the unique components (favorite bullet, brass, maybe a bullet mold or two) so that, combined with a well planned stock of powder and primers, one could keep on shooting their favorite calibers even long after the bean counters in the factories have signed their death warrant as factory ammo.

Rick C

 

[turd]

Wow, I didn't expect this subject would generate so many responses. It fulfills my own thoughts, for sure. I started the thread because in the last 6 months or so I've read two magazine articles extolling the virtues of the .41 Mag as a cartridge that never got the start it deserved and as a cartridge that would never die, and then recently one about how it is a dead caliber. Clearly the latter is incorrect.

I also started the thread because I've been dreaming about turning the NM Blackhawk I have into a 'project' and I began to wonder whether it might make more sense to leave it in its pristine current condition. I seriously lucked out when I bought this in 'used' condition from a forum member. I've been shooting and reloading for this caliber since 1979 on occasion, hunting deer in Iowa as well. I've always owned and shot S&W M57s (have owned 4 different ones over the years), so the Blackhawk is my first single action.

I am now retired and am wanting to get back into shooting and reloading for this caliber in a more regular way than I have had time for in the past, and want to use the Blackhawk for 'plinking' and experimenting with loads, etc.

Thanks for all the replies - I've learned a lot, and am encouraged that I won't be the only one carrying one of these. :mrgreen:

 

[GunnyGene]

The only change I'd suggest for the Blackhawk is better grips than the factory ones. I put Hogue's on mine when I bought it because the factory grips were just too small for my hand, and the Hogues gave me better control.

 

[contender]

As you found out,, the .41 mag does evoke a lot of strong thoughts,, both pro & con.

I often say; "If you have to ask why,, then you'll never understand."

 

[BearBiologist]

"I often say; "If you have to ask why,, then you'll never understand." "

Right on!!

 

[smith1961]

.41 FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a S&W 58 Nickel ANIB, 57 Blue 8 & 3/8ths in Case.
Ruger Flattop 4 & 5/8ths. I just may be a little in love with the .41

 

[Robb Barnes]

The 41 is most common caliber in my safe. Very versatile, accurate and easy to shoot. What is not to like?

 

[turd]

I'm stickin' to it. 😎 I finally got all my parts, now I just have to put up some shelves and a better light in my gun room. The Blackhawk will be the project I have been contemplating for some time. I'm putting on Bowen target sights, Bisley hammer and trigger from Power Custom, Hogue grips, and doing some action work. We'll see how she shoots. I bought a 2 Dogs front sight, but that will have to wait for a bit until I can get the barrel shortened and drill & tap for the new sight.

 

[yankee7809]

I owned guns for fifty plus years before finally one day finding one at a good price to experiment with. I bought it and brought it home and loaded some cartridges that were basically like factory rounds and took it shooting. I found the .41 to be as good a cartridge as you could ask for. I thought it might be better for my arthritis plagued hands than the .44 mags, etc. but it hammers them pretty good.
I could be just fine with the .41 as my only gun if I had no other choices. At it's top end it really is about the same as the .44 magnum from most practical stand points.

 

[WanderLust]

Had a 3-screw .41 and completely enjoyed the gun. Flatter shooing than a .44 mag and quite versatile with handloads.

 

[mhblaw]

Not dead.
I have a long barrel 57 acquired in 1976 and a 6.5 inch NMBH acquired in 1979. I used both in IHMSA Production shoots in the 80’s. Ended up in AAA as I recall. I still shoot them, but not in full house loads. Like lots of our favorites, we will not give them up.

 

[JiminMaine]

If the 41 Mag. is dead you can send me the carcasses.
I have a 58, 57s in 4", 6" & 8 3/8" , Contender 14"and a Marlin 1894. It isn't dead at my house.

 

[Quick Draw]

I just saw a post in another forum selling a blued 4" Model 57 listed April 8th at 4:42 PM. Sold April 8th at 7:35 PM. No I don't think the .41 Magnum is dead.

 

[moparclan]

Not dead at my house, many Ruger's (single and double action), Marlins (1894's and a 1894 Cowboy), even a .41 mag Desert Eagle.

 

[Garth69]

I have a smith and wesson 58 4"" barrel and a henry carbine in 41 mag.

 

[powder smoke]

Love my 41 and its not going antwhere ps

 

[Chance]

The 41 has been pronouned dead many times. Problem is it is the best, most comfortable, shooting of all the magnums.