Justification for Existence: The .41 Rem. Mag.

by
posted on April 22, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Remington ammunition box green white packaging .41 Magnum cartridges

Introduced in 1964, the .41 Rem. Mag. effectively splits the difference in the external ballistics of the .357 Mag. and the .44 Rem. Mag.; as such, the cartridge fulfills an obvious power-level niche. That being said, its growth among law enforcement agencies never fully materialized, and, to this day, big-game hunters oftentimes opt for the more potent .44 Rem. Mag. Revolver size, cylinder capacity, and manageability generally favor the smaller .357 Mag., too. Given the cartridge’s forebears, is there a valid reason for its existence? Is it a “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none”-type cartridge? It’s your turn to express your opinion.

Latest

Canik Prime Radian Review 1
Canik Prime Radian Review 1

Range Review: Canik Prime Radian

With the new Canik Prime Radian, you can have your compensator and your flared magazine well, too, all inside an easily carried, compact handgun.

New for 2026: Franklin Armory 5.56 Rabbit Rounds

Franklin Armory's new 5.56 NATO Rabbit Rounds provide a spin-stabilized, multi-projectile ammunition option for America's rifle.

ATF Ends Enforcement of NFA Registration & Approval Requirements for Suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs Following NRA Victory in Jensen v. ATF

Today, the ATF confirmed it will no longer enforce National Firearms Act (NFA) registration, application and tax-stamp requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and certain other concealable firearms.

Gun of the Week: H&K VP9CC

Hot on the heels of its CC9 micro-compact, Heckler & Koch introduced a micro companion to its popular VP9 lineup that includes some noteworthy features.

A Raven at 50: Five Days at Gunsite Academy

In Gunsite Academy's 50th year, NRA Director Jerry Kraus made his inaugural visit to the famed training institute and left a Raven.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 9, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.