RECENTLY, THIS WINTER, PURCHASE A NEW MODEL 41 FOR BULLSEYE COMPETITION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS GUN SINCE I RECEIVED IT. FIRST, I HAD NEW GRIPS MADE BY HERRETTS GRIPS, AND GUESS WHAT, THE FRAME HAS BEEN ALTERED FROM PREVIOUS YEARS, GRIPS WOULDN'T FIT ON FRAME PROPERLY (ABOUT 1/8 " CHANGE) AND MR HERRETT HAD TO REDO GRIPS, AFTER I SENT GRIPS AND FRAME TO HIM (EXPENSIVE!). NOW THE NEXT PROBLEM, THE GUN BEGAN TO HAVE DOUBLE FEEDS, GRADUALLY INCREASING IN FREQUENCY TO THE POINT, THIS WEEKEND, EVERY ATTEMPT TO SHOOT RESULTED IN DOUBLE FEED. I AM USING CCI AMMO AND CLEANING THE GUN AFTER EVERY SHOOTING SESSION. I SWITCHED MAGAZINES. THE GUN IS SIMPLY UNUSABLE AS A COMPETITION GUN.

Drama, Which CCI ammo are you using? I had some where the wax lub was a little heavy and I got FTFS and FTES. I wiped excess wax off the rounds and the problem went away. Also, take the barrel off the frame and drop a round into the chamber, it should go all the way in without pressure. Next invert the barrel and the round should drop out. At least that is what happens with my M41. Also, I measured a sample of my CCIs and they were exactly .22", both bullet and case. In cases where I had feed problems, the bullet (another brand) was slightly larger than .22". Finally, when I clean my M41 I use a brush on just the chamber, then swab the entire barrel.

It sounds like you are having magazine problems, or maybe, more accurately, magazine loading problems. Do you tap the back of your loaded magazines on the bench before you insert them in the gun? It shouldn't be necessary but give it a try. Load the magazine with 5 rounds and then gently tap it against the bench or table a time or two. Then put it in the gun and close the slide using whichever method you normally prefer. The tapping may help orient the rounds in the magazine and may improve feeding.

I have had a few minor problems with 41s over the years, but double-feeding has never been one of them. Have you let another shooter take a look at and fire your gun, to see if the problem transfers to him?

I have tried CCI SV, CCI mini max 36 and 40 grain, winchester SV, had expert shooters at the club try the gun, changed magazines, cleaned the ammo, which is a really good idea with CCI, tried cleaning the barrel for a possible powder ring at end, all to no avail. I clean the gun everytime I shoot. Anything I try seems to make it worse. I will take the barrel off and try dropping a round in to see how it fits. I have been in communication with customer service a few times, and suggestions are good, but none solves the problem. The gun is going to be shipped back to them when I get the label. I have emailed even the CEO and am awaiting a reply. I really want this problem fixed.

Welcome from Ohio!!

Welcome to the site from Arid-zona!

Welcome from Va.

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Roger

Let us know what the CEO says....

Welcome from Texas darma. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

Hope all works out, every model 41 I have shot has been a pleasure.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

JUST RECEIVED MY MODEL 41 BACK FROM S&W REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS SENT FOR CONSTANT DOUBLE FEED. WAS TOLD IT WAS AN EXTRACTOR PROBLEM AND ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE. RECEIVED IT BACK, SHOT 500 RND THROUGH GUN ON SUNDAY AND AFTER FIRST 100 STARTED TO HAVE INTERMITTENT STOVEPIPES, NO DOUBLE FEEDS. THE SUPPORT AT S&W TOLD ME IT WAS A LUBRICATION PROBLEM. ANY OTHER THOUGHTS ON THIS?

How intermittent? If not many, lube it and continue to break it in. If many, you may need a reduced power recoil spring.

Is yours the Performance Center model?

I found brushing at the feed ramp with brass brush helps when I get stovepipes. Take your caps of before posting again ; )

Try putting a drop of oil on the top round in each loaded magazine. This is an old trick for model 41 shooters.

Take a larger brass cleaning brush and rod, put it in a drill and use the brush to ream the chamber a little it will take care of the stove pipe problems. This is a common problem with the model 41. The chambers are just really tight and as the slide slams closed it makes them even a little tighter.

My S&W 41 works very well with Aguilla SE SV ammo.

Thanks for the replies. I shall followup on the recommendations.