Author Topic: Do I have anything to gain with a longer barrel in a 41 mag? (Read 675 times)

MH WASH · « **on:** March 16, 2004, 05:56:32 AM »

I have a Ruger 41 with a 4 5/8 inch barrel. I chose this length to use as a packing pistol. I have since "stole" a Security six 357 with a 4 inch barrel.This will now be my packing pistol, and I would like to use my 41 mainly for a hunting handgun. Is there any real gain in going to a 6 1/2 barrel 41 over the shorter 4 5/8?

Thanks, Matt

Dand · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2004, 11:59:38 AM »

If you are using iron sights you'll gain sight radius and possibly better accuracy. When I have chronographed identical loads in my 4 " SW versus my 7.5 " Bisley I believe I've seen 100 to 200 fps higher in the longer barrel. But I sure like carrying the 4 inch better. I don't always shoot the longer barreled gun better though - I think due to how much I wiggle. The bullet gets out of the 4 inch quicker with less time for me to throw off the shot. It might depend on what you are hunting too. If close quarters brush, handling may be more important than power. If you are trying to hunt moose though, power may be the bigger concern - you'll need every ounce of whomp you can get.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2004, 12:08:17 AM »

not enough to justify the cost of rebarelling and im predudice anyway as i prefer the shorter barrel.

crawfish · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2004, 02:53:37 PM »

I now have 14 .41 caliber handguns (with 03MAR purchase of a S/W657PC) 10 are .41RemMags. Barrel lengths are from 4 to 14 inches. You will gain some velocity with the longer barrel but you will give up portability gain weight and as said incur the expense of the smith work. Dont know about your state but your revolver isnt legal in NC has to be 5.5 inch barrel. All my hunting .41s have at least 8 inches of barrel. If you can legally hunt with your BH the way it is the animal will never know the difference. Everything over 1100fps is really not needed for anything in North America excluding the big bears. You can get that from your gun if you load your own and Im pretty sure you can get that using the Federal Hunting ammo, the Cor-Bons or the new Win 240g and 175g loads.

Catfish · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2004, 05:06:31 PM »

I prefer longer barrels for hunting. A little better sighting radius, which helps, alittle less felt recoil, not that much and alittle more velosity, which neather you or the animal that is your target will be able to tell. That said, I would not rebarrel a good shooting handgun just to get a longer barrel.

Old Griz · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2004, 05:59:07 PM »

:cb2: The deer ain't gonna know if it was a 4 5/8 inch barrel that killed him, or a 7 1/2 inch barrel. Dead is dead.

MH WASH · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2004, 05:04:48 AM »

Thanks, I going to stay with what I have. Unless I can find a Redhawk then I will trade away.
Washington has a terrible regulation for handgun requirements when hunting. "Barrel must be at least 4 inches and shoot a centerfire of at least 24 caliber.

Matt

Old Griz · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2004, 05:18:19 PM »

:cb2: Yeah . . . That .24 magnum was always an old favorite.