Just purchased a S&W Model 657,7 1/2" barrel,Stainless,in the 41 Mag cal. I think that this has been overlooked caliber,and everybody now days is going to real big cal.for handguns. Right out of the box it will hit clay birds up to 125yds without any sight adjustment.Has plenty of power for sure,as i have killed many hogs and deer with my S&W 27, with a 8 3/8" barrel in the 357. Any comments on this 41 mag?

The 41 is a very good caliber and should serve you well...

quote:

Originally posted by applebutter:
Just purchased a S&W Model 657,7 1/2" barrel,Stainless,in the 41 Mag cal. I think that this has been overlooked caliber,and everybody now days is going to real big cal.for handguns. Right out of the box it will hit clay birds up to 125yds without any sight adjustment.Has plenty of power for sure,as i have killed many hogs and deer with my S&W 27, with a 8 3/8" barrel in the 357. Any comments on this 41 mag?

I have a Ruger BH 4 5/8" barrel in 41mag that I loaded with some Corbon 265gr hard cast lead bullets made by cast performance with a velocity of 1325fps , 1033 ft lbs & fired just prior to rotator cuff surgery in 2000 hurt so bad I've been reluctant to try it again.41 mag is a potent handgun per a corbon tech who carried the same type on hunting & fishing trips loaded with the same ammo.He said the ammo is a real potent stopper.Corbon stopped loading all of the cast 41 mag ammo but I have cast performance bullets in 250gr & 265gr.

well the 41 mag has it's own cult it's a great round that is loved i have a redhawk in 41as one of my 3 hunting pistols

IME, the 210 grain 41 mag load will out penetrate the 240 grain 44 mag load consistently
Not too shabby and the heavier hard cast bullets are very effective in the 41..

And its not a whole lot smaller in diameter to the .44 (.429), so you are not giving up a whole hellofalot........

I have always contended that if Dirty Harry carried a .41 Mag, the .44 Mag would've been the dark horse.

Read Hell I was there by Elmer Keith.He invented the 41 mag for a police round.It was supose to be 1000 fps with a lead bullet for the police load.I have a model 57 with a 6" barrel.I love shooting it.I like the 41 mag alot better than either the 357 mag or 44 mag which Elmer Keith also invented.I think the 41 mag is alot easier to shoot than the 44 mag.I usually use 210 gr hornady xtp bullets in mine.

I've got the same model as it's one of the S&W .41Magnums on the state approved list (Ca. extortion list). I sent it off and had it cut down to just over four inches. I've essentially got an L-frame on steroids. That makes the 32nd or 33rd .41Magnum I've got now.

I wish it was more overlooked by people and not manufacturers. That way, getting some of the limited editions would be easier.

It is under rated I think. I've taken everything from field mice to elk and elk-sized+ African game. Then too, I downed a big old range cow that wanted to set her hooks in me 'cause I had her calf at the end of a rope. Had to butcher three times that year.

I have standardized on a LBT mold that throws a 220gr.WFNGC using WW. At about 1000fps, it's pretty easy to shoot and kills well. For really large game, I shoot a 250gr WFNGC out of a NEI mould at around 1350-1400fps. I use it on large hogs, elk, black bear, and large African plains game. The only other big bores aren't the .429 or .454. I go straight to the .475Linebaugh or a .50 if I need something larger than the .41Magnum.

I've got a serious "Jones" for the .41Magnum and always will. Now and then, I send a letter to various manufacturers asking for different .41Magnums. I'd really like a S&W M658 and return of the 4 inch 657. I can but try to get them to do a run of them.

Enjoy your .41Magnum as it's as good as any caliber and IMHO the best.

Joe

After reading your post I'm almost embarrassed to admit I've only got four .41's, three Smiths and a BH. The Mod 97 Freedom 5 1/2" is calling out to me though..........

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Originally posted by doghawg:
Joe

After reading your post I'm almost embarrassed to admit I've only got four .41's, three Smiths and a BH. The Mod 97 Freedom 5 1/2" is calling out to me though..........

You've got a good start there dh. I started out in the '60s with an OM Blackhawk in the caliber so I've been at it awhile. FYI, there's a FA M97 5.5 inch on Rugerforum for $1400. Look's lightly used and in primo condition. I'd grab it but have about 6 months of handguns to DROS in this state(1 every 30 days).