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.41 Short
Type	Derringer / Handgun
Place of origin	USA
Production history
Designer	National Arms Company
Designed	1863
Variants	.41-100, .41 Short Derringer, .41 Rimfire, .41 Long
Specifications
Case type	Rimfire, straight
Bullet diameter	.405 in (10.3 mm)
Neck diameter	.406 in (10.3 mm)
Base diameter	.406 in (10.3 mm)
Rim diameter	.468 in (11.9 mm)
Case length	.467 in (11.9 mm)
Overall length	.913 in (23.2 mm)
Primer type	Rimfire
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type	Velocity	Energy
130 gr (8.4 g) Lead	425 ft/s (130 m/s)	52 ft·lbf (71 J)
Test barrel length: 3" Source: "Cartridges of the World"[1]

The .41 Rimfire Cartridge was first introduced by the National Arms Company in 1863 and was also known as the .41 Short and the .41-100. In most designations like this, the second number refers to the black powder load, though in this case, it is unlikely that it means 100 grains (6.5 g) of black powder. According to "Cartridges of the World," the .41 Rimfire consisted of a 130 grain (8.4 g) lead bullet propelled by 13 grains (0.8 g) of black powder in its original load. The round produced a muzzle velocity of 425 feet per second (130 m/s) and a muzzle energy of 52 foot-pounds force (71 J).^[1] In contrast, modern low-powered modern smokeless cartridges produce considerably more energy: .380 ACP (200 ft·lbf), .22 LR (100 ft·lbf).

Contents 1 Performance 2 Uses 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Performance

Cartridges of the World states that when fired at a hard object such as a tree from a distance of 15 yards (14 m) or more, the bullet often bounces off.^[1] The .41 Short was created with the intention that it be used in a small, single-shot derringer, which likely is the reason for the very low ballistics (most derringers were and are chambered for cartridges that were not originally intended to be used in such a small weapon). Remington Arms began producing their famous over/under double barrel derringer chambered for the .41 Rimfire cartridge in 1866.

[edit] Uses

A National Arms .41 Rimfire derringer was recovered from the battlefield of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Estate records reveal that it belonged to Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer, the commander of the soldiers slain in the battle.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• List of handgun cartridges
• 10 mm caliber

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Barnes, Frank C. (2006) [1965]. Skinner, Stan. ed. Cartridges of the World (11th Edition ed.). Iola, WI, USA: Gun Digest Books. pp. 483,491–492. ISBN 0-89689-297-2. 

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