Any 41 magnum shooters?

[Tundra Tiger]

I was originally turned on to the .41 by a friend of mine. He had lost some fingers and parts of others in an industrial accident. He tried shooting a S&W 29 .44 mag, but couldn’t control it. He sold it off and bought a 57 with 8 3/8” and loved it. After shooting his, I had to have one and bought a. Duplicate. Wish I still had it.
Side note: When I was buying my first handgun, I was set to to get a .357. The LGS was pushing Astras. They had a used nickel 58 .41 for only a little more. Like a dumb a**, I bought the Astra .357… What a piece of S**T!

I had their .44 mag. I liked it OK. I got a good deal, and it shot well. But I sold it to help finance a different gun.

 

[HankBuck]

I always wanted a .41; alas no love yet.

A couple of weeks ago I bought my first ever .357 - a GP101 with a 4" barrel.

@Tundra Tiger - how do you like the GP101 and did you compare it to the S&W 686? I don’t care for the newer S&Ws since they added the stupid ‘lock’ and the triggers seem “stiffer” then most pre 2000 models — just from my limited exposure to both. The GP101 is certainly a strong-well made .357 but it seemed a bit “clunky” to me….however, it may be a very fine shooter and for full power .357 loads — unlikely to ‘shoot loose’.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I always wanted a .41; alas no love yet.

A couple of weeks ago I bought my first ever .357 - a GP101 with a 4" barrel.

Everything I hear about the GP100 is that it’s an incredible durable revolver. You will be well served by it. Did you get some brass from raven rocks?
The farm store in town has 6”. I was set to buy it, but decided against it as I am used to a S&W cylinder release and the ruger is completely backwards to that. I bought a 686 instead.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

@Wyatt Smith - any deer with a real handgun & open iron sights is a good one (looks like you made a perfect shot) on that Fawn and good to help thin out your doe population vs taking Mature doe that are more successful raising their young and likely pregnant after Nov. 15th. As far as the 41 mag, I like the caliber but since they are built on the same S&W “N” Frame (same as .44 mag) I use the .44mag for hunting.

The 41 above was actually built on a 29-2 frame. You can see where they stamped 57-0 over it. According to my armchair research it was common for smith and Wesson to do that with revolvers that had compatible frames.

 

[Inkgardener]

@Tundra Tiger - how do you like the GP101 and did you compare it to the S&W 686? I don’t care for the newer S&Ws since they added the stupid ‘lock’ and the triggers seem “stiffer” then most pre 2000 models — just from my limited exposure to both. The GP101 is certainly a strong-well made .357 but it seemed a bit “clunky” to me….however, it may be a very fine shooter and for full power .357 loads — unlikely to ‘shoot loose’.

You won’t be disappointed with an older pre-lock 686!!!

 

[HankBuck]

The 41 above was actually built on a 29-2 frame. You can see where they stamped 57-0 over it. According to my armchair research it was common for smith and Wesson to do that with revolvers that had compatible frames.

@Wyatt Smith - 29-2 is the Model number, the frame is “N” frame and the same “N” frame was used on S&W model 57 & 58. I guess it didn’t make financial sense for S&W to create a separate frame for the .41 mag - so they just kept the “N” frame used for their .44 mags and bored out barrel & cylinder to .41 specs. It adds a bit of bulk & weight that was not necessary but I still like the .41 mag caliber.

 

[Inkgardener]

@Wyatt Smith - 29-2 is the Model number, the frame is “N” frame and the same “N” frame was used on S&W model 57 & 58. I guess it didn’t make financial sense for S&W to create a separate frame for the .41 mag - so they just kept the “N” frame used for their .44 mags and bored out barrel & cylinder to .41 specs. It adds a bit of bulk & weight that was not necessary but I still like the .41 mag caliber.

Yep! An “L” frame 41 mag would be perfect!

6” barrel with Target sights and stocks for me, I’ll take one!

 

[Tundra Tiger]

@Tundra Tiger - how do you like the GP101 and did you compare it to the S&W 686? I don’t care for the newer S&Ws since they added the stupid ‘lock’ and the triggers seem “stiffer” then most pre 2000 models — just from my limited exposure to both. The GP101 is certainly a strong-well made .357 but it seemed a bit “clunky” to me….however, it may be a very fine shooter and for full power .357 loads — unlikely to ‘shoot loose’.

Hank... no idea on the comparison to a 686; I have never held one.

The 101 feels robust but also balances nicely in my hand. I have only shot .38 special ammo in it so far (my stepdad was a sheriff and I have his service piece). I need to pick up some .357 ammo for it, and eventually dies. The one thing I am going to change is the front sight. That plain black just isn't working for me.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Hank... no idea on the comparison to a 686; I have never held one.

The 101 feels robust but also balances nicely in my hand. I have only shot .38 special ammo in it so far (my stepdad was a sheriff and I have his service piece). I need to pick up some .357 ammo for it, and eventually dies. The one thing I am going to change is the front sight. That plain black just isn't working for me.

Go to site sponsor raven rocks precision and buy 357 primed brass, they have it cheap as you will ever see it, and they have bullets too.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

@Wyatt Smith - 29-2 is the Model number, the frame is “N” frame and the same “N” frame was used on S&W model 57 & 58. I guess it didn’t make financial sense for S&W to create a separate frame for the .41 mag - so they just kept the “N” frame used for their .44 mags and bored out barrel & cylinder to .41 specs. It adds a bit of bulk & weight that was not necessary but I still like the .41 mag caliber.

I really like my N frame 28-2 in 357. It might be my favorite pistol. Yes it’s bigger than it needs to be but I like it that way. I like the 41 just as it is. A 5” 27 is my dream pistol.

 

[HankBuck]

I really like my N frame 28-2 in 357. It might be my favorite pistol. Yes it’s bigger than it needs to be but I like it that way. I like the 41 just as it is. A 5” 27 is my dream pistol.

@Wyatt Smith - I am Not familiar with a S&W N frame 28-2 in .357? Is that ,ade with an 8 round cylinder? I thought there were some models of .357 made with 7 shot sy;index’s made on standard .357 frames and that they could bore out an 8 round cylinder when using the N frame. I would guess that is a very heavy bulky .357 but that extra weight must help tame recoil and shoot nicely.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

The original S&W registered magnums were N frames. That model became the 27. They were polish blued, had a checkered top strap, and a number of other “upgrades” from a standard revolver.
The model 28 is a working model of the same gun. They came in only four and six inch barrels, and had a much duller finish. The model 28 is called the “Highway Patrolmen”
They are all six shot, although some new 627s are eight shot.

 

[HankBuck]

The original S&W registered magnums were N frames. That model became the 27. They were polish blued, had a checkered top strap, and a number of other “upgrades” from a standard revolver.
The model 28 is a working model of the same gun. They came in only four and six inch barrels, and had a much duller finish. The model 28 is called the “Highway Patrolmen”
They are all six shot, although some new 627s are eight shot.

@Wyatt Smith, yes I’m familiar with the S&W N frames used for both the .44 and the .41 mag in models 29/629 and 57 & 58. What I’m unaware of is .357s built on N frames and thought they only did that in the last 20 years in order to add a 8 shot cylinder. I believe majority of .357’s are built on K frames and later L frames for more strength, some might even be made on a beefed up J frame (Lady Smith) but not sure? I think the L frame allows for .357 in a 7 shot cylinder but only the N frames allow for 8 shots? But I’m not sure and was asking about that.
Anyway, I’m a fan of the older S&W revolvers - less so the newer ones made after 2000. The older model 57s in excellent condition are hard to come by and command a high price - but are a fine revolver. The model 58 was a cheaper law enforcement version without the adjustable rear sight but still a well made & functional .41 mag. I can’t think of anything made by S&W before 2000 that is not a nice revolver….just my preference and the fact I can’t afford an original Colt Python “collector grade”. Colt’s might have a smoother trigger & action but not by much and they are a bit less durable - but who cares because they are a classic work of art !

 

[Wyatt Smith]

@HankBuck I agree I would like to have a Python, but they are less durable.
I believe the L frame came out about 1980 or so. The Law Enforcement 125 loads were to hard on the K frames.
I guess when the 357 came out they thought it needed to be on the heavy frame just like the 38-44 heavy duty was.
I prefer an N frame revolver, regardless of the caliber.