[rdaines]

I have a Marlin level rifle chambered in .41 rem Mag and find it to be a great cartridge. As in the "old west" there is a certain appeal to have a rifle and a handgun chambered in the same caliber. I recently help the Smith and Wesson Model 357PD Revolver which is a light weight Scandium model with a Hi-Viz sight. It was a very appealing firearm and would be great for hiking and backpacking. My only concern would be the felt recoil and getting back on target for a follow up shot. Anyone have experience with this model?

[atomchaser]

I have one and it is the kind of gun that is great for carrying but not something you do much casual shooting with. It starts getting painful after about 10 rounds (full house ammo). I put Packmayr grips on mine and they do help. You might look at one of the mountain guns if you want a little less recoil and faster follow up shots and don't mind the extra weight.

[rdaines]

Thanks for the reply, I just ran across an article today by Mike (Duke) Venturino in "Guns" magazine and he says the same thing. I will probably just stick with me GP100 in .357 Mag for hiking and backpacking. Sure it's heavier but I do enjoy shooting my guns and the range with more than just 10 rounds. I can always change my mind and get it later if the weight does bother me. Thanks again.

[GJgo]

I had one. It was more uncomfortable to shoot than my S&W 500 mag 8" with those Winchester 400gr loads. Nowhere near as accurate, either ;)

[Old Fuff]

I think that an ultra-lightweight .41 Magnum would be a mistake, unless you used downloaded reloads. But if self-defense isn't part of the program why not consider a Ruger Blackhawk to match your Marlin? They are not too expensive, accurate, rugged, and not unpleasent to shoot with full-house loads.

[rdaines]

Old Fuff you are a mind reader. That idea came to me yesterday. The Blackhawk is undoubtedly heavier than the S&W and like my Ruger GP100 .357 l'll probably open carry that (at least in AZ, not so in metro MO). I'll have to practice SA shooting since all handguns might be called upon to be used as a defensive weapon rather than just a hunting tool.

[Old Fuff]

Well the single action revolver has a legendary reputation as a weapon, but that was back in the 19th century... ;)

Depending on the model, you are good to go for 5 to 6 shots, but after that fast reloading is wishful thinking in modern terms. However a lot of fast shots do not necessarily win a fight. I prefer to think that a solid hit from a big bullet in the right place works a lot better. Also there are few aggressors that really want to tangle with a potential but armed victim, as the unarmed kind are easy to find. Unlike a police officer you are not obligated to take such persons into custody. If the self-defense issue seriously concerns you I'd advise finding an older S&W model 57 or 657.

They are out there if you look.

Check out this link...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=284646

[rdaines]

I seen SASS shooters on TV with their slicked up "Colt" SAA revolvers and they can empty the gun faster than me with my 9mm semiauto. In fact, I saw one demo that showed that there was little difference between a two handed SA shooter and a semiauto in terms of time. However, a DA was slower than either the SA (two hands) and the semiauto pistol. I'm willing to learn.