The .41 Special

[filmjunkie4ever]

I must say, this one has me more excited than any other “newer” handgun cartridge that has come along in the last 20 years. The idea of a 215 grain bullet at 1000 fps, seems useful both for self-defense but also hunting applications.

.30 Super Carry, meh.
.327 Federal Magnum, whoop-tee-doo.
.45 Gap, yawn.
.357 Sig, you must be joking!

But the .41 Special in a 5” Single or Double Action revolver? Now that’s interesting, at least to me.

What are your feelings/predictions? Instant classic or another flash in the pan?

 

[Blkram]

I believe that this was originally proposed back in the 50s and I believe produced in the 60s, with a 200 gr bullet at 900 fps. Not sure what barrel length it was from???
Seems like a nice mild load version that could be shot out of a 41 Rem Mag, but not certain...
A S&W DA would be nice, either in blued or stainless, but a Ruger Blackhawk would just seem like a more fun revolver to shoot it from!
Just my opinion having owned both revolvers in 41 Rem Mag, and still have the two Rugers (NMBHs with 4 5/8" barrels, one in blued, and one in stainless.)
If the self defence is from large critters with claws and teeth, I would prefer the extra punch of the Rem Mag ( I prefer my bears heavily grain fed - pun intended!)...but if just from those annoying two-legged vermin, the Special should give them a proper attitude adjustment!
Not sure if it would be an instant classic as it has been around for about 6 decades, and as the 41 cal club is smaller, although appreciative and almost cult like in our support, group as compared to the 44 cal club.

 

[JN270]

I assumed there already was one.

 

[grry10]

There are custom gunsmiths (like Hamilton Bowen) that have rechambered and rebored .357 Mags to .41, but to my knowledge no major manufacturer has ever produced one. I have loaded some reduced loads for my S&W 657 .41 Rem Mag but enjoy shooting it with regular loads.