Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum - The Firearms Forum

SW44Mag · 08-23-2008, 11:46 AM

I want to purchase a handgun. I would really like a S&W Model 29, but they are out of what I can afford. How good or bad is the Ruger Blackhawk .41 Magnum? Thanks.

Mosin_Nagant_Fan · 08-23-2008, 03:25 PM

I haven't really heard anything bad about the Blackhawk, other then a few cases about sharp corners in the earlier models. Not sure about the .41 mag, why not the more common .357 mag or .44 mag.

CampingJosh · 08-23-2008, 05:47 PM

My girlfriend's brother has one in .44 mag, and it's just a peach. It's his deer hunting gun. I don't know how the .41 mags are, but I'm sure they're just about the same.

Erich · 08-23-2008, 06:58 PM

The 4 5/8" Blackhawk .41 was the .41 that I owned the longest. It was strong as a bull moose and as accurate as a laser (. . . just like most .41s). The trigger was not the best. The overall size was larger than it needed to be due to the old-fashioned SA styling - this is why I eventually sold it off and replaced it with a Model 57.

You'll be happy; it's a great gun for the money.

SW44Mag · 08-26-2008, 11:21 AM

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

h2oking · 08-26-2008, 06:56 PM

Ruger makes very good utilitarian stuff but I would suggest that you either consider a 357 (their new flat tops are cool) or save your money until you can afford the 29 Smith you want. The reason I suggest this it that any high recoil single action is only fun to shoot a few times with stock grips. The other thing is that the 41 mag is all but dead and from a resale standpoint you can always get rid of a 357 or 44 a lot easier than a 41 anything should you decide something different.

flintlock · 08-29-2008, 06:59 AM

Ruger's .41 Blackhawk with a 6.5 inch barrel has been my deer gun for 20 years now. Not one of the several deer taken have needed a second shot. It is a great cartridge, although not very popular at this time. If you handload, you can really get the maximum potential. As far as the trigger goes, Wilson makes a good replacement, it will make a difference. By the way, I'd love to get my hands on a 4 inch S&W Mod. 57, they are just a bit scarce around here.

Big Bore · 08-29-2008, 11:51 AM

If you look at the ballistics of 44 vs 41 mag you'll find some interesting stuff. The 41 carries it's energy farther and shoots flatter. The 44 isn't that much bigger in diameter (actually .429 not .44) Like the 10mm,38super and some others that seem superior to what becomes the most popular, the 41 doesn't get its due. IMO

08-23-2008, 11:46 AM	#1
SW44Mag Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 12	Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum I want to purchase a handgun. I would really like a S&W Model 29, but they are out of what I can afford. How good or bad is the Ruger Blackhawk .41 Magnum? Thanks. -->

08-23-2008, 03:25 PM	#2
Mosin_Nagant_Fan Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,832	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum I haven't really heard anything bad about the Blackhawk, other then a few cases about sharp corners in the earlier models. Not sure about the .41 mag, why not the more common .357 mag or .44 mag. __________________ Long Gun Collection: M38 Mosin-Nagant Carbine Russian 1950 SKS Winchester 1300 20Ga Western Field Single-Shot 16Ga Sears Ranger .22S-L-LR Bolt-Action Rifle Marlin 795 Semi-Auto (Brother's) Handgun Collection: Springfield Armory XD9 Service

08-23-2008, 05:47 PM	#3
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum My girlfriend's brother has one in .44 mag, and it's just a peach. It's his deer hunting gun. I don't know how the .41 mags are, but I'm sure they're just about the same. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

08-23-2008, 06:58 PM	#4
Erich V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM USA - 6000' above sea level Posts: 59	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum The 4 5/8" Blackhawk .41 was the .41 that I owned the longest. It was strong as a bull moose and as accurate as a laser (. . . just like most .41s). The trigger was not the best. The overall size was larger than it needed to be due to the old-fashioned SA styling - this is why I eventually sold it off and replaced it with a Model 57. You'll be happy; it's a great gun for the money.

08-26-2008, 11:21 AM	#5
SW44Mag Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 12	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

08-26-2008, 06:56 PM	#6
h2oking Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carson City Nevada Posts: 145	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum Ruger makes very good utilitarian stuff but I would suggest that you either consider a 357 (their new flat tops are cool) or save your money until you can afford the 29 Smith you want. The reason I suggest this it that any high recoil single action is only fun to shoot a few times with stock grips. The other thing is that the 41 mag is all but dead and from a resale standpoint you can always get rid of a 357 or 44 a lot easier than a 41 anything should you decide something different.

08-29-2008, 06:59 AM	#7
flintlock Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Upstate NY Contributor Posts: 897	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum Ruger's .41 Blackhawk with a 6.5 inch barrel has been my deer gun for 20 years now. Not one of the several deer taken have needed a second shot. It is a great cartridge, although not very popular at this time. If you handload, you can really get the maximum potential. As far as the trigger goes, Wilson makes a good replacement, it will make a difference. By the way, I'd love to get my hands on a 4 inch S&W Mod. 57, they are just a bit scarce around here.

08-29-2008, 11:51 AM	#8
Big Bore Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 14	Re: Ruger blackhawk .41 magnum If you look at the ballistics of 44 vs 41 mag you'll find some interesting stuff. The 41 carries it's energy farther and shoots flatter. The 44 isn't that much bigger in diameter (actually .429 not .44) Like the 10mm,38super and some others that seem superior to what becomes the most popular, the 41 doesn't get its due. IMO