I am a new member and would appreciate some advice. I just ordered a Model 41 S&W Serial # A561xxx that was advertised as mint. I received the pistol and it is in excellent condition but I am suspicious of the barrel / frame match. I expected the bluing on the barrel to be be a high polish and match the frame. In the case of the pistol I received, the frame is a high polish blue while the barrel is a bit more dull - certainly not close to the high polish of the frame. Is this normal or should I suspect that the barrel is not the original? I do not have the original box or paperwork.
Many thanks to anyone that can help out.

It would be difficult to tell without a physical examination or
real good pictures, I have seen some Smiths at different times
that were original but may have been a tad different on say
a frame and cylinder match up on the blue.Again without a
GOOD look it may be difficult to assess your situation. You
know/// as I recall on a 41---I think the frame was made out
of a different material then the barrel asssembly which may
cause a different shade of the blue---the barrel being not
quite as brite as the frame but I have been wrong before. Pete

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NRA LIFE 1974

Thanks Pete: I need to add to the description, only the trigger guard and under the frame is bright blue, the side of the frame matches the barrel. Perhaps I am being to critical, but I try to ensure that all my firearms are original and as perfect as I can afford - at least as much as possible. I have wanted a model 41 for years and just recently had the ability to buy one.

Try posting some pictures so we can help. Changing barrels on the Model 41 takes less only a few seconds so it could have been easily changed. Even if the finish matched, there would be no guarantee of originality so I wouldn't get too worried about it.

My 1970's #41 had a matching, high polish finish. But I have seen some from later years that did not seem to display the same quality "Brite Blue" finish. It is very possible the barrel could have been switched out with a later model. No matter what the year or finish, I have never seen a #41 that was not a shooter.

If you know the approx. year of manufacture, check to see if the barrel is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. That is a relativly recent addition to these guns, though I dont know the exact year it started.

Larry

I am new to this forum so trying to figure out how to upload an image from my computer. I estimate the year of manufacture to be 1979. The barrel is not drilled and tapped. As soon as I figure out the pix upload problem, I will upload the pictures. Thx to all for the replies.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/...r/e152c06e.jpg

Slide appears correct for age - need picture of other side of bbl. Apparent color difference within normal range for period - tended to be less consistant than earlier pieces.

Picture hard to see writing, but appears to be consistant with rest of pistol.

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TOMBECK

Looks good to me. I wouldn't worry about it. Nice gun.

Below the picture is a link that shows the other side.

To me there is nothing wrong with the way that looks---I
wouldn't mind the looks of that at all. Did I mention they
shoot GREAT!! I gotta tell you if you want great looking
blue you need to get an older S&W!!Pete

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NRA LIFE 1974

Thanks Peter. I will stop worrying about it and shoot... Your 44 Mag is indeed a beautiful specimen.
Thanks again,
Dave

Your 41 looks very sharp.
I just purchased one from Cabellas in Dundee Michigan. They shipped it yesterday, Friday, to Colorado.
The ser.# TAH29XX was made in 1985, I think I'm correct?? . It's suppose to have zero flaws & unfired with box & accessorizes. Fingers are crossed.
I've had a couple in the past & made the mistake of selling. Never again.
IFFV.

I have one made in 1987 & it looks exactly like the one you posted, perhaps the bluing on your bbl assembly is a bit better than mine, so in my opinion your fine.


BTW, mine shoots better than I can hold w/ my 54 year old eyes.



41

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This ain't no coon hunt

I Have an A671 made in 1980 and it looks exactly like yours. It was a NIB Model 41 owned by a collector. Jim