S&W Model 57 or Blackhawk Bisley .41

[Archangel14]

Okay gents......I will be purchasing either a S&W model 57 (.41 cal) with a 6 inch barrel, or a Ruger BH with the Bisley grips and a 7.5 inch barrel in .41 caliber (I'll consider a BH with the plow-style grips). Will be used for hunting. The length of the barrel makes no difference to me, as I am a pretty good shot with any revolver. I think both are beautiful guns. I have no ability to "test" either one, as there is no gun shop, range, or show anywhere near me that will have either. I had a Model 29 and the frame was a bit big for my smallish hands, but manageable.

I can get a Model 57 new for about $900 total (tax, transfer, etc...). I can get a good condition used one for about $750. I can get the Ruger new for about $690.

What's YOUR preference and recommendation. Thanks!

 

[steveno]

if the S & W M-57 doesn't have the lock I would get it although I wonder what else is coming with it. if it is just the gun it is way too high and if you couldn't get it for around $600 or so I would get the Ruger although it also seems a little high. if the S & W is new with the lock I would get the Ruger. I have 4 & 6 inch M-57's and 6.5 blackhawk. 41 mag is a great caliber

 

[Canuck-IL]

For me, you can't beat the feel of the Bisley grip. I'd get the Ruger and add Bowen sights.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/ruger_target-style_rear_sights.html

/Bryan

 

[Archangel14]

Thanks Steveno. My concerns are less about money then they are about issues of durability and "feel". My biggest concern about the Model 57 is its durability, at least compared to the BH. I've read several posts that speak of the 57 developing some problems after digesting heavier loads over time. I hand load and can work things down a bit. But for hunting I'll be pushing those .41's at 1200 fps, minimum. I like to practice with what I hunt with, so the pistol of choice will feel my wrath over time. I'm wondering if the model 57 is up to the task?

As to my concerns with the BH, I know it will take punishment, I know it will be accurate, but I don't know how it will "feel" in my hand. The closest comparison I have is an old Interarms Virginian, which felt great. But I'd rather have a revolver that "feels" better over strength. Recoil should be fine with either revolver.

Thanks.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Why do you want anything in .41 when the .44 is so much easier to find?

 

[Archangel14]

The .44 mag just has too much recoil for me. I know I can load it down, but the felt recoil at anything over 1,100 fps is a little uncomfortable for me. I've posted about this before and got some good feedback. I want to go with a .41, as it typically has less recoil and does everything the .44 mag will do (at least for my needs). Plus it's just cool. .41's have the "cool" factor that one cannot describe in a tangible way.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Why do you want anything in .41 when the .44 is so much easier to find?

Because he doesn't want to settle for less.

 

[wyatte]

I actually "settled" for the 41 mag too - 4 of them. I like the caliber. I would personally get a 6" model 57. I had one and let it get away. I intend to get another. wyatte

 

[rswartsell]

Archangel,

IMHO

Barrel length is not just a consideration for accuracy, even though a longer sight radius does help, especially old geezers like me. Additional barrel length also allows the development of more velocity, wringing out all the cartridge was loaded to give you. This is usually seen as desirable to handgun hunters who not only need the additional fps, but don't have concerns about concealability or handling in close quarters.

For hunting, longer barrels = more desirable/better performance.

 

[BYJO4]

I prefer the model 57. It feels better in my hand than the BH does. I also prefer the smoother action on the 57.

 

[MCgunner]

The Ruger. Stronger gun, no need for DA in a hunting handgun. Some will point out the single action's slightly longer lock time, doesn't bother me with my Blackhawks. I can still put 5 down to 100 yards off the bench into 4" with iron sights. A decent rest to that range and dead deer. I'd like to have a .41, cool caliber for a handloader.

 

[Walkalong]

Why do you want anything in .41 when the .44 is so much easier to find?

Cause they are so nice. My two .41 Mag guns will not make me get rid of my .44 Mag guns, but it works the other way as well.

I have a 4" Model 57 and a 5.5" Redhawk. Both are very nice. I suspect the Bisley would be as well.

I would have to give the edge in durability to the Blackhawk, but that is not to say the S&W is delicate, because it is not. I dare you to shoot enough to wear either one out.

Which do you like best?

 

[scramasax]

I have a model 58 that has had over 3000 240gr. full power loads through it. The action is butter smooth with no looseness. Saying that, For a hunting gun I would choose the RB. Love that platform and look.

As to why get a .41, It justs shows a wealth of class and refinement.

No less than the great Elmer Keith was the driving force for the .41 and stated it was the best gun for East of the Mississppi.

Cheers,

ts

 

[Got_Lead?]

I'm kind of partial to the Bisley grip. I never liked the oversized grips on the Smith "N" frame, however Hogue rubber grips feel nice. IMO the black rubber complements a stainless gun, however, wood looks much nicer on a blued specimen.

I'd get the Ruger

 

[22-rimfire]

I have smaller Pachmayr grips on my M57. The factory grips were always a bit large for me. If I were using it for pure hunting, I'd go with the 8 3/8" barrel length as mine shoots really sweet. I do much better with it than my 4" M57.

About your choice... I would go with the M57/657. I also have a Blackhawk and Redhawk in 41 mag.

The action makes zero difference to me in terms of hunting as it is pretty much single action shooting regardless.

I have no imperical data, but there was always talk about the M29 and heavy 44 mag loads that will "fit" in the cylinder causing significant wear over time. You generally do NOT have this problem with the 41 mag as it is a slightly smaller caliber (diameter) which makes the cylinder wall thickness on the chambers a bit stronger than the M29.

The thing that would point me to the Blackhawk is if you plan to use very heavy bullets which are longer and you may have some problem with them fitting into the M57/657 cylinder (length issue).

I have read that you begin loosing accuracy over about 250 grs. I would have to check that... source Big Bore Handguns by Taffin. I just don't have access to the book at the moment.

 

[Missionary]

>Greetings
Have both.. If I was going to want to hunt and shoot alot of heavy(250+) grainers I would go the Ruger. If you want a pretty revolver for show and some mediun-heavy bullet shooting get the S&W 57.
I used to shoot Sillt -wets and the S&W´s will not hold up to alot of high power heavy bullet shooting. The Rugers will.
Mike in Peru

 

[MCgunner]

Sillt -wets

Silhouettes? .... I'm guessing IHMSA?

 

[CSA 357]

i would get the 57 but i like the rugers too, lotta help aint i?

 

[Archangel14]

CSA 357, you are a funny guy! Thanks.....

 

[W.E.G.]

I agonized over it for a period of years.

Finally just broke down and got both.

 

[Walkalong]

Either one, just do it.

Eye candy.