I also own a Smith & Wesson Model 41 that I absolutely cherish - Cherish! No way do I release the firing pin by dry-firing the pistol after cleaning. I mean, come on, I've owned this pistol for many years; and, every now and then I'll call the factory to order another spring. (Wolff Gunsprings sells them, too - Very nice, 'extra power' ones!*)

These springs are, 'nickel and dime' items; and it's really not that hard to tap out the retention pin every few years, in order to replace the spring. As far as I'm concerned there's no way I'd risk damaging the slide and/or slide components on a primo Model 41 by dry-firing it for any reason.

IT'S COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY!

Nothing but spring strength is involved; and, in something like 35 + years of using this pistol, I've derived improved ignition by changing out this spring no more than 3 or 4 times. (Right now, I'm running a Wolff Gunsprings, 'extra power' FP spring in my 41; and, so far, it's standing up noticeably better than any factory spring I've ever used.)

Here's another source: Brownells.

* NOT carried in Wolff's on-line catalog! Must be ordered directly by phone.