Not many shooters carry a .41 Magnum these days, and that is a shame. The cartridge was meant to sit between the .357 and the .44, giving flat shooting with manageable recoil, and Ruger's Blackhawk is a stout revolver to put it in.

A 6.5-inch blued barrel gives a long sight radius and good balance. The Blackhawk uses a strong frame and adjustable-style single-action design that handles heavy loads without drama. On the range, it is a pleasure to shoot, and out in the field it has the power for hogs, and deer where handgun hunting is allowed.

For ranch folks, a .41 Magnum revolver is a cousin to the old .44 but with a bit less thump. It is also a gun that stands out in a case of common calibers. Keep in mind that ammunition for the .41 can cost a little more and sit on fewer shelves, so stock up when you find it.

Use a good leather holster, and wipe the blued steel after exposure. It ships to your FFL dealer, where the background check is completed.