I reckon most of the CWII folks are right fond of the N-frame S&W themselves, or at least would happily consider it as a substitute standard or recreational piece.
But I've been mighty fond of the several M57/M58 .41 magnum N-frames that have passed through my hands, as well as a few pretty good old M27s, M28s and a couple-three M1917 Smiths and their M37 Brazilian equivalent. Oh, and a pair of .44 magnums as well, one an early 8-inch barrelled 5-screw version, and a more recent 4-inch barrelled piece.
But the M57 and M58 were my real working guns for a couple of years, and it was entirely possible that my life could have depended on them. It never came to that, thankfully, but I'm sure that they'd have gotten the job done. And I remain convincen that if a 4-inch barrel is called for, the .41 was the way to go.... though more lately, a custom .45 Whitetail was very useful.
