.41 Mag DA- Advice wanted

[salthouse]

I've decided on a .41 Mag DA 4" revolver as my hiking/camping/fishing carry in moose and bear country. Now I need some advice on what make/model to go with. My choices seem to be SW Mountain Gun, SW 57, SW 629, SW357(scandium), Taurus Tracker in SS or Titanium. Weight is an issue, but I expect that I will be putting in some range time to be capable using it, so I want something that's not just miserable to shoot. Recommendations???
Thanks in advance!

 

[grendelbane]

In my case, I would use my S&W Model 58. If I had to choose from your list, I would pick the Mountain Gun first, and the regular model 57 second.

58's are probably getting too much collector value to actually use nowadays. That still hasn't stopped me, though.

 

[22-rimfire]

4" N-frame Smith. I have a mountain gun that shoots well. Heavy revolvers, but they do pack some punch. From what I hear, you need to check out the mountain gun before you buy it for flaws. But I have had no problems.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

The Taurus tracker is a good little gun. My buddy has one and I have tried to trade several times for it. It is built on a smaller frame than most .41mags so it is only a 5 shooter but the weight loss makes carying easier. It also comes with a ported bbl. When shooting it side by side with my .41 blackhawk it seem to recoil less.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=425SH4C&category=Revolver

 

[michael_aos]

 

[Hammerdown]

S&W Model 57 Mountain Gun Versus OLD SCHOOL 57

Hello
I have seen and looked at the new Mountain gun S&W was offering lately. I have a friend that owns one, and shared with me a few of the problems he incurred with his. S&W changed the frame configuration on this model to a new Round frame design. To me a round frame is fine if you are going to carry the gun, and would be better suited to the-J-frame smaller revolver's it was initially intended for rather than a large frame and caliber like the model 57 with heavy recoil issues. A problem this introduces is the Grip's S&W used on that Mountain gun are after-market Ahrends and they are small profile and told to me, that they Hurt with full house loads and are of little help in control of the .41 Magnum caliber. Second thing I was told is that the new MIM design is NOT as smooth as the older style actions, and this revolver has had 500 rounds through it, but does not show the same level of action smoothness of the old School design of hammer mounted firing pins. My Friend has sold off his Mountain gun and replaced it with an old school model 57 square frame vintage revolver, and is very pleased to own an original model 57. He said the differences are day & Night on actual target shooting, and the square frame configuration adds much better control and comfort to his target needs. I have this model 57 early issue revolver, and would not consider selling it, due to it's availabilty in a 4" barrel and nickel finish.It is my Favorite s&W revolver and was made when they really took pride in what they shipped to the public as far as fit, Finish, and durability. They are still out there, and many have not been fired all that much so finding a good solid example would be a challenge but not impossible. The cost of a used one, may be very comparable to new, but the way they were made back then will also give a buyer a gun for life if cared for correctly. Hammerdown

 

[Ala Dan]

I would most definitely go with the older S&W model 57, the same as our
friend Hammerdown has displayed in his beautiful pic~!

 

[Chief 101]

My personal preference is the old Mod 57, but,....the Taurus Ti is hard to beat if you want light easy carry, don't shoot too much at targets with full house loads, and aren't real concerned with resale value. For carrying in the woods for protection the Taurus you mention is hard to beat. My buddy who guides backpackers and packs using his llamas has had several showdowns with wolves so he is never without his Taurus titanium in .41. Chief

 

[flatdog]

Can't speak to the .41 mag choice as I don't own one. But if weight is a primary consideration for you. I would give my holster and belt a ton of thought. A properly fitted rig should distribute the weight and keep your gun available and secure.

I found it's not so much the number of pounds as how it's distributed that makes for comfort and efficiency. Especially when you're constantly moving.

Good luck with your choices.

 

[bearmgc]

I bought my S&W Mountain Gun in 41mag this Feb, and have not had the problems listed by another poster. The action is very smooth, such that it is my only S&W that hasn't required an action or trigger job. It is also the only Smith which is keeping its original wood grip. I have shot the castCores out of it, and it was very manageable. Now thats not to say that if a Model 58 showed up somewhere for sale, I wouldn't get one also.

 

[runninmike]

You can find Model 58 S&Ws' at gunshows once in awhile.
This one I found at a shop in Va. I've seen them at a local gunshow for less than $500 for a good user. One's with lots of holster wear will be had for $300-$400.
Best-MC

 

[Hammerdown]

The action is very smooth, such that it is my only S&W that hasn't required an action or trigger job. It is also the only Smith which is keeping its original wood grip. I have shot the castCores out of it, and it was very manageable.

Hello
I guess I should have been more clear on some of the issues I posted. The Mountain gun I spoke of was shot with Very Warm Hand Loads. Most Factory offerings I have shot for this round have been conservative in Power and Mild in recoil. The action on this Mountain gun was explained as Gritty. I suspect this may be over come as MORE Hot rounds are fired or a stoning of the internal action parts may help diminish this. I have an Older 57 shown, and the action is very smooth, with no creep, and a crisp let off of the trigger. Alot depends on the age of a S&W as to the quality of actions, and I have newer models that needed attention in the internal workings as well. I stay with the old School pinned and recessed models and they have exibited top quality. MIM is Not for me I prefer the Old School and as long as there is Prime older ones that are still available Those are the Ones I will buy.The grip's on the Mountain gun as I explained are too short to be comfortable with Full house loads with the size of my hands. I suspect this would play a role in ones comfort and be case by case senerio. I do know when I hand load for mine using Hogden H-110 Magnum Powder, if those short style Ahrends grip's were used they would be very hard to control recoil on this revolver. I have found the Factory combats to be a good fit, and allow a great deal more control due to there size as well, over the Ahrends supplied on the Mountain guns...And they are what I prefer to use.. Hammerdown