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Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI

.41 Long Colt

Also known as .41 LC · 10.4x28mmR (smokeless) · .41 Colt

US Army service revolver cartridge from 1892 to 1911, chambered in the Colt Army Model 1892 double-action revolver.

Caliber
0.3882″ · 9.86 mm
Introduced
1877
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Self Defense
Status
Discontinued

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains200 gr
Identity
Introduced
1877
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Colt
Manufacturer
Colt, Winchester
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Collector
Build
Case capacity
25 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:20
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
13,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
75 yd
Recoil
2.5–4 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .41 Long Colt — an obsolete/collector cartridge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 9.860.388 ✓
Neck ⌀ 10.390.409 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 10.430.411 ✓
Rim ⌀ 11.180.440 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.450.057 ~
Neck length n/a
Case length 28.701.130 ✓
Overall length 36.191.425 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .41 Long Colt is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .41 Long Colt

12 models in the database chamber .41 Long Colt. Browse all →

Colt Official Police .38 Spl 4-inchColt Army Special .38 Special 4-inchColt's Manufacturing Army Special .38 Special 6-inchColt Colt 1889 New NavyColt Colt Model 1889 .38 Colt 3-inchColt SAA First Generation 32-20 WCF 4.75-inchColt SAA First Generation 38-40 WCF 4.75-inchColt Thunderer Revolver .41 ColtColt SAA First Generation 44-40 WCF 4.75-inchColt Colt Model 1877 Thunderer .41 Colt 4.5-inchColt Single Action Army 4.75in .41 Long ColtColt SAA .41 Long Colt

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in .41 Long Colt

History

Adopted by the US Army in 1892 for the new double-action Colt Army revolver, replacing the .45 Colt SAA in service. The .41 Long Colt was considered inadequate almost immediately — it lacked the stopping power of the .45 Colt, and service experience in the Philippines confirmed this. The Army's experience with cartridge inadequacy led directly to the .45 ACP and M1911 development. Factory ammunition is still produced in small quantities for cowboy action shooters.

FAQs

What twist rate does .41 Long Colt use?
.41 Long Colt typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .41 Long Colt?
.41 Long Colt uses a 0.3882″ (9.86 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .41 Long Colt still in production?
.41 Long Colt is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .41 Long Colt used for?
.41 Long Colt is primarily used for military, self defense.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →