41 Mag versus 44 Special

[Greg Ashley]

For personal defense, what decision criteria would cause someone to select a 41 mag over a 44 special?  I'm not quite seeing the niche for the 41.

[gunman42782]

Two of my favorite cartridges!  Why would one choose one over the other?  Why do some guys like blondes and some like brunettes?  Why do some guys like Fords and some like Chevys? 

[hodman]

Mas Ayoob
Just wrote a peice l about 41 mag vs 10mm I think it might answer you questions.

It was in one of the FMG mags

Jon

[Greg Ashley]

FYI:

http://www.gunsmagazine.com/DHG0508.html

G

[Michael Bane]

I was never much enamored with the .41...I come down solidly on the side of the ancient .44 Special (having been brainwashed by Skeeter Skelton and, later, John Taffin). In fact, I committed the ultimate heresy of converting a pre-lock S&W 3-inch N-frame .41  to .44 Mag. There are several superb .44 Special self-defense loads — the Winchester SilverTip, the Cor-Bon DPX, the Glaser Safety Slug, the Buffalo Bore 180-grainer — and you have the option of cranking up some heavy loads for hunting...lots of .44 bullets out there to choose from.

I just got my .44 Special Bulldog back from Mag-Na-Port, and it is a great little self-defense revolver.

Michael B

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[Walter45Auto]

I'd pick .44 Special for one simple reason. .41 Mag ammo is WAY too expensive and can be hard to find. .44 Special Is pretty commonly available and less expensive. I'd love to have a .41 Mag 5 shot snubbie if it wasn't for that. ALTHOUGH Personally, I'm more of a fan of the .45 Colt.

[Ron J]

My 2¢, the .41 Magnum is a great all around cartridge.  However, if you are not reloading and hunting and primary use is going to be for home/personal defense, I would side with the 44 Special.   

44SP are is a superb round for self defense or target shooting.  With the S&W and Ruger magnum platforms, they are very versatile in that you can load magnums and thus extend your range for hunting or "plinking".  Added to that, you can get a Winchester Trapper or Marlin lever gun in 44 Magnum and have a very solid two gun combination for home defense (check out the thread on Tactical Lever Guns in this forum). 

I am also a little partial to the 44SP.  Of the two personal defense revolvers I own, one is a S&W 629 that my brother gave me when I graduated college in 1981.  It has a 4" pinned barrel and has been masterfully tuned and ported by the folks at Mag-Na-Port.  Go with the 44SP and have fun! 

[HAWKFISH]

I would side with the 44 Special I believe. I'd almost go with the .41 Mag, as it is closer to my prefered .40s&w, but ammo availiability and prices would delegate the .44 special the winner.

[Road Hog]

I like the 41 a lot in a mdl 57 SW but I reload.  VG for four legged animals.  I could go on but won't.

Take the 44Spl.  A great round for 2 legged animals and ammo is more available and less expensive.

Road Hog

[fightingquaker13]

Personally, I'd go with .44 mag and load the .44 special for home defense, (less penetration etc.). You'd still have the mag for hunting and could pobably find one cheaper as they're more common. As someone said you could also have a 2 gun combo. I have a model 94 in .44 mag and like ( not love) it.
fightingquaker13