Taurus RB or not?

My first option will always be a Smith and Wesson, so the decision would be an easy one for me.

Keep in mind that Taurus builds two different styles of handguns, one will always be a good value and give years of decent service. The other will never be right no matter how many trips it makes to the service department. There is no telling which one you will get when you open the box.

All my Tauri have been good values.

I'd love to have a RB.
However, if the .41 Mag is the same size as the .454 Casull, that's a lotta gun for the round.

Now, a Smith 25?
That's an easy choice to make. Especially, if we're talking .45 Colt, instead of ACP-AND you want to hunt with it.
Then again, if it's .45 ACP it's still an easy choice. You could even use Buffalo Bore ammo and hunt with it.

I'd have to go with the 25.
And, I'm a Taurus fan.
And a Colt fan (first and foremost).
And a Ruger fan.
And a Dan Wesson fan.
And a Smith fan.
And a Charter Arms fan.
And a Rossi fan.
Did I leave any out?
Don't even mention Korth. I can't even dream of being able to afford one.

If the choice was the RB and a Colt Anaconda .44 or .45, there'd be no choice to make. I'd get the snake.

The Raging Bull is a tough gun, one of the few endorsed by Buffalo Bore for their .44mag +p+. Too much gun for the .41 MAG IMO. I would prefer something in the M44 or Tracker size frame myself.

I've had a RB since 2005 and it's a fantastic gun. It's surprisingly accurate and a hoot to shoot. My particular gun is the 454, which really is the ideal round for this particular model. Taurus has been known for having some quality issues, but the Raging Bull is their flagship gun, and they seem to be a bit better made than the average Taurus revolver (I've owned a few and shot quite a few more than I've owned). As others have stated, it's a bit big for a 41 magnum, but if you don't care about that, it sounds like a potentially sweet buy. A gun that heavy is really gonna take a bite out of the 41 magnum's recoil and would be very pleasant to shoot.

Based on personal experience with a bunch of bad Taurus revolvers........ not for me.

Lots of happy owners out there though.

If the gun passes the revolver checkout and the price as fair, go for it. You just have to be careful when buying a Taurus. In inspecting numerous new and used examples over the years (mostly at gun shows), I've noted a greater percentage of screwed up Taurus revolvers than S&Ws. I'm not knocking Taurus, I had/have 2 excellent examples. You just have to be a bit more mindful, that's all.

I've had an M44/.44 Mag since 1994 and it's been sweet. Hand fitted/tuned/slick as snot action that puts my buddy's 629 flat to shame. Damned accurate, too.

Before the haters come in, I hate the fact that I just sold me Raging Bull in 454 Casull. I never had a problem with it, I handloaded my own ammo and shot it often. I just hope I'll be as happy with my new 500 S&W that I just got.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Taurus, my dad owns a Judge and so far its been 100%. I load the 45 long colt for it. He buys .410 ammo at the LGS, mostly buck, slugs, PDX and some shot. If it looks good and you can get some history on it, pick it up. If you do buy it, call Taurus and see if you can get any info on it by running the serial number.

I would buy it if it were around here

If you already have a .41 Mag M57 or M657, I think you made the right choice.
If you are looking at an M25 MG, grab it.

I never understood the appeal of the 45acp or 45 colt S&W mountain gun. 44 or 41 magnum sure, but those rounds can't be loaded to be a sufficient anti-bear round (at least in the S&W). Personally, I would prefer a blackhawk for that particular job.