ruuuuuuuuuuger

I'd look for a S&W model 57 (blued), there are a lot around.  I got my kid a 657(stainless) for his 16th birthday....he is still (28) shooting it & loves it.

The 41 is a great hunting and shooting round.

BEAR

The 41 was never popular, it was advertised as between the 357 and the 44 mag.  Which is exactly what it is.  So It was perceived as weak compared to the 44 mag and kicks compared to the 357 mag.  It was designed in the later days of LEO carrying revolvers.  Seems someone finally realized that most LEOs couldn't shoot well (could be only shooting 60 rounds a year to qualify does that).  So they knew they couldn't handle the recoil of the 44 or even the 45 for some.  So the 41 was a rimmed shell made for service revolvers.  Cops never got many in service to like or dislike, and the 9mm auto started to displace the 357 service revolver.

We've got three in the 'family'  (Ruger and Smiths) and I reload for them.  Never had any problem with cast or jacketed bullets.  Seem to work good on deer and wild boar; more than needed for varmints (two legged or 4).

BEAR

For what it is worth.  I've shot the 57 (4") and the 657 (6").  If this is to be a casual shooter then the 4" might be a better choice.  The frame and barrel are fairly beefy and it controls well.  It is lighter and with only ocassional use it is easier to shoot decent.  It you are a regular pistol shooter the 6" is (for me) more accurate.  Since they are both revolvers and have substantial gas loss in the gap, you are not overly penalized with the 4" barrel.  Both carry well in holsters, neither would be my choice for CC.  The 4 " seems to ride nice on a high hip holster, while the 6" model 657 is in a lower holster.  The 4 " in a high hip rig, is easy getting in and out of car/trucks.  The 6 " I find is easier for me to take off and toss on the seat.

BEAR

Sounds like the 4" would be perfect for your uses, shoots good and carries very well in the field.

The 4 inch barrel is only a handicap on deer in that it has a short sight radius, plenty of power.   I've killed deer with 4 inch 357 revolvers.  They also set up nice if you scope them.

With pistols for deer, power is not the problem, accuracy at hunting ranges is a problem.  If the placement is good they are dead.  If the placement is poor they are running wounded with any gun.  The 357 is very adequate for deer, and the 41 more than enough.  While I have both, my pistol for deer hunting remains the 375 in the thompson Center Contender.

For some of that walk around use, skunks, coons, etc the j-frame 22 mag in a S&W 3 1/2 inch barrel would be lovely.  The old "Kit Gun" smith comes to mind.  I've got a K frame 22 with 6 inch barrel that I carry like you...but it is getting heavier every year. LOL

BEAR

You are right about the 5-5.5 inch barrels.  a nice compromise length.  I've had the 10 1/2 inch Ruger mags and the 8 3/8 Smiths.  I don't consider them pistols, just carbines with short stocks

BEAR

Dakotasin;

Always, always, find out who your shop's wholesaler is.  In this kind of instance, check with as many shops as you can, who you know use different wholesaler's.  You'd be surprised what you can dig up that's in the back corners of the pipeline, to thoroughly mix a metaphore.

Either that, or ask your shop(s), to check as many wholesaler's as they can.  Some will cooperate, most won't.

900F

The only experience I've had with the 41 was back in the '70s.  I had a Model 57 with the 8 & 3/8" barrel.  At that time I didn't have a clue about reloading so all I shot was factory ammo.  I think I mostly used Remington 210gr JHP's.  

Powerful, accurate and fun to shoot.  Ended up selling it and buying a Model 29, but wish I still had it.  My only complaint about the 41 is the lack of bullet selection compared to the 44. 

That tapered barrel you mentioned Dakota,  I wonder if it's one of the Mountain Guns.  They have a 4" barrel that's tapered, and looks good.  Those will weigh just a bit less than a regular M57.   But if it's one of the newer 'space cadet' looking jobs from the custom shop with the tapered slab sides, I don't care much for those.

On a 5 or 5.5" barrel.  Get a longer barrel model and have a good smith cut it back for you.  I've seen pictures of some model 29's that have had it done and they look great.   There's a lot of options out there.   I think you'll like the 41.  As long as you like the gun shooting it.  GR

 Speaking about ease of carry, I have toyed around carrying a lot of revolvers in the field. If I am inth saddle, I prefer a 4" barrel,but have a 4-5/8ths in a Ruger 44 mag that I mostly carry. If it is not that, it is my Ruger Security SIx in .357 with a 4 " barrel.

But for wlaking around,these things are gettimg heevy in my old age, especially when I am already carrying a rifle.

This year I have tried something differnt. Since I have  an NRA Certified Instructors Card, Crimson Trace sent me an offer for thier Laser Grips that was too good to pass up, so I bought three of them. One fo my wife's Lady Smith and two for mine and my partner's 2" Smith snubby .357.

I have a full load for .357's that I use, but I loaded some up about 38 Specail + P  power, and sighted my Laser Grips in for them.

I carry the small Smith now, This elk seaosn, I head shot a snow shoe hare, and two blue grouse with it. With a rest, you can really shoot  these little revolvers, and not sacrifice accuracy because of a short sigting radius.