Initial report BBSC 41mag...

[TNman]

I started using a red dot on my BBSC .357 last deer season. My thoughts were that these pistol cartridge carbines are a handy woods rifle where ranges are generally inside a 100 yds and sometimes well inside. The red dot should and does work within these parameters. I killed 3 whitetails with a single shot each at ranges of ~50, 60, and 70 yards. In the interest of full disclosure I shot a buck down at about 75 yards, he fell to the ground and started kicking with his white belly toward me. I watched him a bit and then got up to go down and field dress him; as I moved closer he staggered to his feet and went over the crest of a holler and I couldn’t get a shot. Where he fell their was lots of leaf disruption but I couldn’t find any blood nor hair. I tracked him just via leaf disruption and direction of travel for ~200 yards crossing a deep holler. I jumped him on the flat on the other side, he flagged and ran away...no shot. I presume it was the same deer but couldn’t see his head. What happened? All I could figure was the bullet struck him somewhere along his top line in the neck or head area briefly stunning him...anyway that happened. I don’t blame the .357, rifle, or red dot...I just didn’t make a good shot. But a red dot is perfect for these little woods carbines at woods ranges imo as it doesn’t impair their handiness and clean lines too much. I have several scoped centerfire bolt and semiauto rifles that would be more appropriate for longer ranges. I would encourage you to try a red dot on a rifle for woods hunting; heck you have lots of experience with one already and I think you will find it easier to use on a woods carbine than on a pistol. They are much faster to use than irons and both eyes open shooting is a big plus.

[TNman]

Nice rifle BigAl... I had never shot a 41 of any kind until yesterday...but I really like the cartridge.

[BigAl52]

I have quite a bit of Red Dot shoots well in the 45 colt at about 6.5 grains. But when I load hunting loads for 357 I use 2400. It performs well with the bigger bullets and is very accurate. Im not using my 357 for hunting out here or for that matter the 41. Mine are mainly just target guns.

[TNman]

Ok continuing to shoot the 41 at increasing range in better light today. Used some paracord to wrap the loop lever and it seemed to turn out well...before wrapping a good coating of RIG and then Johnson paste wax was used to deter rust. Started shooting at the 71 yard mark and fired several 3 shot groups using my reloads and Remington htp factory ammo. The group size varied from 3” to 1 1/2” or so; I was very pleased. Moved back to the 104 yd bench and shot a 3 shot group with my loads which landed into 1 1/2” or less! I adjusted to the right a tad and called it good. Really I can’t aim any better than that with a 3 moa red dot...this rifle is a shooter. And the 41 earned a name today...Elmer, in honor of Keith. Now waiting for mid November deer rifle season will seem like forever! Elmer is ready! First target is group at 104 which is a bit left, next target is the best group at 71, rifle on bench at 71,...and then cartridges fired today reloaded and ready to go.

[JEBar]

nice .... Elmer clearly should serve you well

[Mags]

Very nice results. Thanks for sharing and including pictures.

[Frontiersman]

What a fine lever rifle the .41 makes.

[Slugnut]

The 41mag. is a sweet, fun to shoot, accurate, hard hitting short range caliber. My Henry 41 is more accurate than my Marlin 44mag with less recoil..all things being equal. It's perfect for NY whitetails/black bear were I hunt. You did good, my friend

[ESquared]

Very interesting and fun to watch your story being told, so thanks again. Learning a lot about the caliber, so keep it coming.

Now, I have to think about a name for my BBS .357. Great concept! The first name that jumps to mind is my late mother, may she rest in peace. Have to think about that...

[Oksrt]

Congrats! You have some nice wood on yours. I love shooting mine. H110 & 210 xtp, 1.5x5 scope.