Which .41? Tracker Vs. Blackhawk

[The Mighty Beagle]

i’ve been thinking about a .41 Magnum as a general purpose revolver for quite some time now - one that would be accurate and durable enough to shoot a lot. I’d like to carry it deer hunting, but also maybe even just around the farm or for occasional concealed carry. For reasons I won’t go into here, I’ve narrowed it down to two candidates:

1) a new production Taurus Tracker .41
2) a new production Ruger Blackhawk .41, both new.

Each has its pros and cons. Years ago I would have chosen the Ruger, because the ones I owned (and foolishly let go) were well-constructed and superbly accurate. But now I’m not so sure, having had really bad luck with some of their .45 Colts. Let’s just say that Ruger quality control was not a job I felt I ought to be doing. I swore off their products, but then ... there aren’t that many people making new .41’s.

The Taurus, I’m even less sure about. The examples I’ve had - let’s just say you felt relief if it worked at all, and then you worried about how long it would be before it broke. I’m hoping their quality has improved since then. I DO NOT want to deal with their customer service ever again.

I get the sense that there aren’t many .41 Tracker owners out there to comment, which says a lot about its popularity. Is it even possible to get one that lasts AND is accurate?

So, given that Ruger ain’t what it used to be and that Taurus might be better than I remember, which would be a better gun (based on your experiences)?

 

[tc300mag1]

First i will say i never owned a taurus but have owned a fewRugers. The taurus ive seen lately look like they were put together by 5 year old kids and felt the same was gonna buy a 608 but otu of 5 dealer had i wasnt ahppy with none of them.

But as for rugers ive never had a problem and would pick up anther in a heart beat

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Sir,

FWIW, I would let the Tauri .41 magnum stay where it is !
I am not a fan of Taurus firearms. I will admit, they have
improved somewhat over the year's; but still leave a lot to
be desired. If in doubt, just read the horror stories about
their "Limited LifeTime Warranty". You can do a search
here at THR, or other firearms forums and see for yourself.

OTHO, while I would rather have an "old model Blackhawk"
I can see where the .41 magnum with the 4-5/8" barrel
would be quite nice to have! My personal opinion FWIW,
I'd take the Ruger over any 2 Tauri firearms.

*FootNote: the .41 magnum is an excellent choice of calibers.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Get the Ruger----

 

[The Mighty Beagle]

Thanks so much guys. Sounds like you're confirming my suspicions.

TC300, my experience mirrors yours. I just remembered looking at a couple Taurus revolvers a month or so ago - one was perfect, the other had a cylinder that would spin freely in the frame.

Ala Dan, good to hear from you, hope you are doing well. I am new to the .41, but only out of necessity. I am tired of all my .44 mags. being too big for my hands, and wanted something smaller, lighter, and easier-recoiling than most .44's are. It would be great if S&W would make a K or L frame in .41, but oh well. The Taurs gun, if made by anyone but them, would already be laying on my nightstand.

Anyway, as much as I like the .357, I wanted to explore beyond it just in case I might ever want a little more.

My only real problem with the Blackhawk is that it's single action, which I don't care for since my short thumb has a hard time reaching the hammer.

 

[Sisco]

'Nother vote for the Ruger.

 

[schromf]

41 mag

Another option is Dan Wesson they still make a 41 mag. For a bargin on a DW look at the Dan Wesson Direct there is a stainless compensated there now. Smith and Wesson is still making I model 41 mag. And if your pockets are deep Freedom Arms is making one.

Pass on the Taurus.

 

[Majic]

I am new to the .41, but only out of necessity. I am tired of all my .44 mags. being too big for my hands, and wanted something smaller, lighter, and easier-recoiling than most .44's are.

If the .44mag handguns are too big for you, then you will do no better with a .41mag. They are built on the same frames therefore they are of the same size. I've been shooting .41's for over 15 years and have no use for a .44mag, but platform wise there is no difference in them. They are all large framed handguns.

 

[caz223]

I have several .41 magnum ruger revolvers.
I also have one taurus tracker 425.
Short answer get the ruger, don't buy the taurus unless you need a gun that weighs less than 30 ounces, and don't mind "combat accuracy".
I even have a few s&w .41s but I seem to have more fun shooting the rugers.
Incidentally, I have a 5 1/2" acusport bisley in .41, a 4 5/8" blackhawk, a 6 1/2" blackhawk and a 7 1/2" super blackhawk hunter, all in .41, and of those my two favotites are....


http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=405&return=Y
and the other I wasn't able to find a direct listing for, but I have one, so I know they are available in .41.....
I found one in .45, so that you can see what it looks like...
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=470&return=Y
Here's the one they list for .44 mag, so you can see the other side...
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=861&return=Y


Actually, there's one on gunbroker right now....
http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=15331438

 

[45+]

I have had the Taurus Tracker in 41, and mine was great. I moved to a 357 and a 45 ACP because of the ammo availability issues. The 41 is a great caliber, but I personally need to buy the ammo at Walmart to insure the supply lines.

All of my Taurus handguns provide good service and I have had exactly one handgun from Taurus with a problem (which they promptly fixed, no charge although probably not their fault) and one handgun from Ruger with a problem (which they promptly fixed, no charge although definitely not their fault). YMMV.

What is the intended use for the gun?

If you are looking for a good gun country gun for hiking, bug for hunting, etc. I would suggest the Ruger.

If you are looking for one-gun-do-it-all as a ccw and country gun, I would suggest the Taurus.

I would not be concerned about defending my family with either gun, aside from the usual issues of reload speed, capacity, etc.

Whatever you decide to do, I bet you will enjoy the handgun.

 

[Gmac]

I own 2 Blackhawks (41 Mag.& 45 Colt) and 1 Taurus (357) all bought new. The Taurus and the 41 Blackhawk have been accurate and problem free. The Taurus is +/-10 years old and the 41 +/- 5 y.o. The 45 Blackhawk came from the factory with the grip frame misaligned and after 1 or 2 cylinders of anemic factory ammo the cylinder would bind up. Ruger fixed the problems no charge but the gun shouldn't have left the factory in that condition. Fwiw the Taurus is a model 689. My .02

 

[The Mighty Beagle]

Thanks a bunch, guys. Sounds like the .41 Blackhawk is the better choice (at least I'm not hearing anyone brag about their Tracker much).

Majic, I chose these guns because they ARE somewhat smaller than .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk and N-frame S&W's, so there is a platform difference.