First thing's first, the revolver is going to be chambered in .41 Mag, not up for debate. This is NOT about bears more than any other hunting scenario would require. This is a gun to be open carried second to a rifle that has plenty of oomph for whatever quarry is being pursued. The purpose of the .41 for practical terms, is to be used if a target presents itself within feasible ranges, defensively from 2 or 4 leggers if the rifle is damaged or unreachable, and as a placebo against everything that goes bump in the night when I'm dreaming of the boogeyman. I like a little bit of barrel length, but found I'm decent with 3" barrels as well. I VERY much like the 4 5/8" idea, I also like 6" barrels. However, I am not sure packing a 6+" blackhawk or 57 up and down the hills chasing elk and cougars and black bears is the most practical in terms of efficiency. So, here I am, wanting some input from my fellow highroaders about the just right amount of barrel to have on your hip, get into action quickly, and still be effectively accurate. Also, this is a no scope proposition.
.41 mag secondary hunting weapon barrel length?
- Thread starter horsey300
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I'd go 4" to 6". A 4" is nice for packin around and is starting to have a useful sight radius. The 6" would be a little more pleasant to shoot and is a good length for magnums, but it's getting long for belt carry, especially when you sit down.
WrongHanded
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I also like the 4"-6" barrel lengths for what you're describing. Are you looking for SA or DA?
Deaf Smith
Member
4 inchers are easier to find than a 'Backpacker' 3 or 2 3/4 inch one and have less bulk than a 6 incher plus plenty of power.
The Cat's Meow is a 4 inch S&W Mountain Revolver in .41. But THAT is even harder to find!
Deaf
The Cat's Meow is a 4 inch S&W Mountain Revolver in .41. But THAT is even harder to find!
Deaf
Leaning heavy on an sa but not adverse to da either, shot both plenty, with a da I find myself shooting sa most of the time anyway and the speed once on target is negligible for myself as well
S&w makes a short barrel I don't love but if was deemed feasible enough I could live with it.
BobWright
Member
When handguns became legal in Tennessee I quit carrying a rifle. It was either rifle or revolver for me.
I opted for 7"+, as I normally carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk. With open sights, the 7 1/2" barrel gave me optimum velocity and the best sight radius for precise aiming. Open sights are fine so long as you keep your shots within 100 yards or less. I have used my Super Blackhawk with 5" barrel, but confine my shots to around 50 yards at most.
Bob Wright
I opted for 7"+, as I normally carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk. With open sights, the 7 1/2" barrel gave me optimum velocity and the best sight radius for precise aiming. Open sights are fine so long as you keep your shots within 100 yards or less. I have used my Super Blackhawk with 5" barrel, but confine my shots to around 50 yards at most.
Bob Wright
.308 Norma
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Always glad to hear of another .41 Magnum fan. I voted for the 4 5/8” (4.62”), which I’m guessing you’re talking about a Ruger Blackhawk. I used to know a guy (he’s gone now) not far from here who used a one of those as his primary big game hunting gun. He took quite a number of mule deer and elk with it, and I’m not sure, but I think he even used it for a moose.
His .41 Magnum Blackhawk was customized a bit. He had his son (a local gunsmith) do some trigger work on it, and install a real nice set of custom sights. But I don’t know if I’d put that kind of time and money into a Ruger Blackhawk. I guess it just depends on what tickles your fancy.
I myself, back in the days when I was still able to do such things, carried a 4” Taurus, .41 Magnum strapped to the side of my backpack on every backpacking trip. It was not quite as handy there as it was when it was on my belt at 4:00 o’clock on my hip (which is where it was when we were in camp) but it was still accessible. At night, in the tent it was in the corner, just above the head of my sleeping bag.
I absolutely do not want to turn this into yet another “what gun for bears” thread, but my .41 Magnum was loaded with 250gr WNFP-GC bullets from Cast Performance. I had them over charges of Lil’Gun that kicked them out at an honest-to-goodness 1200+fps, with no signs of excessive pressure. I figured I could use that gun, with that load, to deal with any troublesome critter we might run into in the wilderness. Never had to though.
His .41 Magnum Blackhawk was customized a bit. He had his son (a local gunsmith) do some trigger work on it, and install a real nice set of custom sights. But I don’t know if I’d put that kind of time and money into a Ruger Blackhawk. I guess it just depends on what tickles your fancy.
I myself, back in the days when I was still able to do such things, carried a 4” Taurus, .41 Magnum strapped to the side of my backpack on every backpacking trip. It was not quite as handy there as it was when it was on my belt at 4:00 o’clock on my hip (which is where it was when we were in camp) but it was still accessible. At night, in the tent it was in the corner, just above the head of my sleeping bag.
I absolutely do not want to turn this into yet another “what gun for bears” thread, but my .41 Magnum was loaded with 250gr WNFP-GC bullets from Cast Performance. I had them over charges of Lil’Gun that kicked them out at an honest-to-goodness 1200+fps, with no signs of excessive pressure. I figured I could use that gun, with that load, to deal with any troublesome critter we might run into in the wilderness. Never had to though.
Since quite a few of my western hunts involve shots farther than I deem acceptable for myself with a handgun, I'll not give up my rifles willingly, I can stop big game handily up close with either weapon, but I only trust one to handle all variety of game at an equal variety of distance. When you packed the 5" barrel, would you have considered it too bulky for secondary placement?
Yes the blackhawk has been seeming like the best of both worlds thus far, and as long as it functions properly, I agree on not modifying it either.Always glad to hear of another .41 Magnum fan. I voted for the 4 5/8” (4.62”), which I’m guessing you’re talking about a Ruger Blackhawk. I used to know a guy (he’s gone now) not far from here who used a one of those as his primary big game hunting gun. He took quite a number of mule deer and elk with it, and I’m not sure, but I think he even used it for a moose.
His .41 Magnum Blackhawk was customized a bit. He had his son (a local gunsmith) do some trigger work on it, and install a real nice set of custom sights. But I don’t know if I’d put that kind of time and money into a Ruger Blackhawk. I guess it just depends on what tickles your fancy.
I myself, back in the days when I was still able to do such things, carried a 4” Taurus, .41 Magnum strapped to the side of my backpack on every backpacking trip. It was not quite as handy there as it was when it was on my belt at 4:00 o’clock on my hip (which is where it was when we were in camp) but it was still accessible. At night, in the tent it was in the corner, just above the head of my sleeping bag.
I absolutely do not want to turn this into yet another “what gun for bears” thread, but my .41 Magnum was loaded with 250gr WNFP-GC bullets from Cast Performance. I had them over charges of Lil’Gun that kicked them out at an honest-to-goodness 1200+fps, with no signs of excessive pressure. I figured I could use that gun, with that load, to deal with any troublesome critter we might run into in the wilderness. Never had to though.
I've eyeballed the tracker and model 58 both, I like the lower spur of the s&w a little better, but can't find any REAL fault with the tracker, so a 4" barrel would leave me with MORE decisions lol. How did you do with targets at say 10-30 yds with the shorter barrel? Was it quick back on target?
Honestly, I may end up buying a matched pair of 4 5/8" or one and a 4" or 6" or a 4" and 6" anyway so as to have one for a loaner to my less mobile hunting buddy who is currently without his own handgun but loves shooting mine lol. Sometimes I take a stroll or track down game or scout ahead and this way we could each have feasible sidearms handy, giving him an extra option as well if he were to set the rifle down, revolvers beat crutches last I checked
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WrongHanded
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You may well be aware of this, but I believe the blued New Model Blackhawks have an aluminum alloy grip frame, which should cut down on weight over an all stainless version. I don't think they have the specs for 4-5/8" or 5.5" barrel lengths on their website right now. But they probably ran those lengths in the past, so used could be an option. If you check the weight comparisons between stainless and blued Blackhawks with the same barrel length chambered in .357 or .45 lc, you can get an idea of how much weight you could save there.
Though as I said, maybe you already know.
Though as I said, maybe you already know.
No I didn't know about the aluminum, I appreciate the head's up!
.308 Norma
Member
Ah, I'm not that good with it. Standing, with both hands I can hold a 3 to 4 inch group with it (or most any handgun with at least a 4" barrel) at 25 yards, but I'm no bullseye shooter.
Because my Tracker is ported (sort of) it doesn't wrench my old wrist very much though, even with heavy loads. So I guess you could say it's pretty "quick back on target."
I figure you already know a Tracker's ports are not really in the barrel - they're in the barrel shroud. I think they work though.
4" at 25 yds is bull's-eye enough for any practical purposes I could dream up! If I can't hit the vitals with that kinda shooting, I don't deserve to go in the first place! (Something I'm teaching the kiddos as well, in our house my proficiency rules trump what the state requires to be legal and they all have realistic expectations as well!Ah, I'm not that good with it. Standing, with both hands I can hold a 3 to 4 inch group with it (or most any handgun with at least a 4" barrel) at 25 yards, but I'm no bullseye shooter.
Because my Tracker is ported (sort of) it doesn't wrench my old wrist very much though, even with heavy loads. So I guess you could say it's pretty "quick back on target."
I figure you already know a Tracker's ports are not really in the barrel - they're in the barrel shroud. I think they work though.
) I had NOT heard of the actual efficiency of the tracker's ports and VERY much appreciate that tidbit of information too! Maybe a blackhawk/tracker combo kit is in order.....
tightgroup tiger
Member
I voted for 6"and I think 6 inch for me is the easiest to handle with hunting. I can usually get 5 out of 6 shots in a 4"group at 25 yards with the stock sights on my model 57. That's with pretty stout loads.
It comes down to what ever you can shoot the most accurately with in your situation, not mine.
It comes down to what ever you can shoot the most accurately with in your situation, not mine.
BobWright
Member
horsey300 sayeth:
O.K. I was hunting in the thick bottom lands of west Tennessee, and no, my 5" Super Blackhawk carried well. But I'm accustomed to a Ruger Blackhawk most of the time. If I were hunting out in the western states, I'd pick a good flat shooting rifle and then pack the smallest revolver I could find.
But I did carry my 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk while wandering over the open lands of Ohio, reclaimed strip mining land, with no real problems. This with a cartridge belt and a modified Tom Threepersons holster.
Bob Wright
O.K. I was hunting in the thick bottom lands of west Tennessee, and no, my 5" Super Blackhawk carried well. But I'm accustomed to a Ruger Blackhawk most of the time. If I were hunting out in the western states, I'd pick a good flat shooting rifle and then pack the smallest revolver I could find.
But I did carry my 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk while wandering over the open lands of Ohio, reclaimed strip mining land, with no real problems. This with a cartridge belt and a modified Tom Threepersons holster.
Bob Wright
Hooda Thunkit
Member
For myself, if I'm carrying a secondary revolver, anything over a 4 or 5" barrel is carried crossdraw. It's just more convenient for me.
I mostly hunt thick junk in Eastern Oklahoma, or in brushy draws of north-central Okie-land. A long shot is 50 yds.
A scoped rifle is overkill, but my Ruger Carbine is just the ticket.
That being said, it sounds like you want the 4 - 5/8" . You'll be happy with it.
I mostly hunt thick junk in Eastern Oklahoma, or in brushy draws of north-central Okie-land. A long shot is 50 yds.
A scoped rifle is overkill, but my Ruger Carbine is just the ticket.
That being said, it sounds like you want the 4 - 5/8" . You'll be happy with it.
Well, when I was 16 there was a mustang with a slapstick shifter I wanted, I was paying for it myself, I was steered towards a pickup with 4 wheel drive by someone with a little more wisdom than.....so I've gotten a little better about double checking what it was I should focus on FIRST
. I will probably get a 4.62" thanks to enough confirmation in this thread that I'm not too far off track, but now instead of a matched pair up front, it might just have a handy lil tracker buddy too.22-rimfire
Member
The choice should reflect the kind of hunting you do in terms of geography and cover (of course quarry too). Are you on foot or are you typically perched in a tree stand or box blind? Are you hunting fields or large open areas where a 200 yd shot is not out of the question of practicality? Are you willing to pass up a shot beyond your practical handgun range?
I chose a 4" S&W Model 57 Mountain as a secondary gun hunting. It is also the gun I carry for woods walking if I want something fairly powerful or for scouting. I started carrying a larger (longer barreled) revolver (scoped SRH) with a rifle a number of years ago, but I honestly was more interested in using the handgun. So, after a lot of thought as to what's important to me, I opted to only carry a longer barreled revolver for whitetail hunting. I mostly hunt in the woods. I keep binoculars handy for "scoping" animals or trying to determine what something is that caught my eye at distance. The binoculars became really important and satisfied my sort of innate desire to "scope" things.
I found if I want to use a handgun to hunt with, I don't carry a rifle because of two reasons: (1) If you have time and being competitive, I would almost always choose the rifle for it's certainty and easy of aiming. (2) Carrying two larger firearms gets really bothersome and it results in neither firearm being particularly "ready" for quick use in the woods because you likely have the rifle on your shoulder and the handgun in a holster. Neither is ready. I also don't care as much as I used to in terms of "scoring". I would rather feel some sort of a challenge and I'm willing to pass up shots that I would probably take with a rifle.
I chose a 4" S&W Model 57 Mountain as a secondary gun hunting. It is also the gun I carry for woods walking if I want something fairly powerful or for scouting. I started carrying a larger (longer barreled) revolver (scoped SRH) with a rifle a number of years ago, but I honestly was more interested in using the handgun. So, after a lot of thought as to what's important to me, I opted to only carry a longer barreled revolver for whitetail hunting. I mostly hunt in the woods. I keep binoculars handy for "scoping" animals or trying to determine what something is that caught my eye at distance. The binoculars became really important and satisfied my sort of innate desire to "scope" things.
I found if I want to use a handgun to hunt with, I don't carry a rifle because of two reasons: (1) If you have time and being competitive, I would almost always choose the rifle for it's certainty and easy of aiming. (2) Carrying two larger firearms gets really bothersome and it results in neither firearm being particularly "ready" for quick use in the woods because you likely have the rifle on your shoulder and the handgun in a holster. Neither is ready. I also don't care as much as I used to in terms of "scoring". I would rather feel some sort of a challenge and I'm willing to pass up shots that I would probably take with a rifle.
BSA1
member
Easy choices for me.
4" barrel for double action revolver. I voted 4" because you do not specify whether you want a D.A. or S.A. revolver.
4 5/8" (gunfighter length ) length for a single action revolver.
4" barrel for double action revolver. I voted 4" because you do not specify whether you want a D.A. or S.A. revolver.
4 5/8" (gunfighter length ) length for a single action revolver.
Because of Wisconsin hunting laws requiring a 5" minimum barrel I went with a 6.5" Blackhawk. Now I have not shot an animal with it yet But I have carried it when cutting wood and scouting my trap line. I found it very easy to carry on the belt and very accurate with the standard sights, I am going to paint the front blade orange for contrast.
Confederate
Member
What shooters need is a lightweight .357 6-shot revolver without an underlug. The old S&W 66 would be a good choice or a stainless Ruger Security-Six if you're looking for a good double-action. Barring those, I'd consider a single action .41 or .44 Magnum (there's really not a huge difference). Weight means everything in such a gun and single-actions are good choices if you are looking to carry.
This .357 Magnum Blackhawk would probably be my first choice. (If you miss the underlug, just put that big lock over the front sight!)
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This .357 Magnum Blackhawk would probably be my first choice. (If you miss the underlug, just put that big lock over the front sight!)
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Also, not a debate over design, sa or da, just wanted a general consensus on ideal lengths. I've got da and sa revolvers, this is not my first gun, long or short, so I appreciate the helpful intent, but I really didn't absorb anything useful. Since you prefer a .41 in sa, what barrel length can YOU use quickly and accurately from a secondary position?
HankR
Member
Don't know much about .41 Mag, but I picked 5.5 as that's what I use for similar purpose in .45 Colt. That's if your going with a chest holster or cross draw. On your belt I'd go a little shorter. Obviously in a state that required 6" that would be the choice and wouldn't make much difference in a chest holster.
Confederate
Member
A 5-inch barrel would be ideal for me. The Security-Six has all the best traits of a SA, but can easily be used in DA. But the SA helped win the West and is underrated in my view. They can be easily drawn from a holster and with the hammer back are exceptionally accurate. They do have an audible "click" when the hammer is cocked and that may spook some animals.
The thing about single actions is that they're easy to use. But I just checked and the spec sheets at Sturm Ruger show the GP-100 4-inch at 40 ounces. Amazingly, the .357 Magnum Blackhawk shows the 5-inch weighing in at 48 ounces! In my opinion, the balance of the Blackhawk is better, but these guns are just too heavy in my book. So the decision is yours.
Good luck! Let us know what you decide.
The Ruger Security-Six is an outstanding choice if you can find one.
Weight is 36 ounces and balance is outstanding.
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WrongHanded
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According to Ruger's website, a blued New Model Blackhawk in .41 Mag with a 4.62" barrel weighs in at 38oz.
Sounds like that's a great option.
ETA: At an MSRP of $669 you could probably find one for about $550 new if you shopped around.
Sounds like that's a great option.
ETA: At an MSRP of $669 you could probably find one for about $550 new if you shopped around.
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