I recently purchased a used model 41 that has a broken "trigger spring." This spring holds the pawl towards the rear of the gun. Is there a trick to replacing it?

If you are referring to the trigger bar spring.....pretty straightforward. Make sure to clean the area after removal of the broken spring. The legs of the spring sit in the slot and under the tabs, preventing the spring from slipping out.
For me, it's easier to place the curved base of the spring into the rounded slot first, then, while holding finger pressure on the base of the "V" in the spring....push the legs into the slot.

__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Thank you for replying. The broken spring is not the trigger bar spring. It is referred to as the "trigger spring" in the schematic, part number "86" on the Numrich parts breakdown. 41 S&W. Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

Sorry I misunderstood the request. I can't be of help on the pigtail spring.....I don't have much experience on the parts inside the frame in the area above the trigger in the model 41.
Perhaps one of the other forum members will be along to help.

__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Thank you for your help. It might be easy to replace but I would rather have advice from someone that has replaced this spring than to make things worse.

Model 41 maintenance

See if this will help.

__________________
TOMBECK

Thanks Tom.
Good information!

Hopefully your problem has been addressed by now (sorry - just clicked on this thread) but if not, the Spring is replaced by removing the pin that holds the Pawl in place. It's a bit tricky to get back into place because of having to hold it in alignment buy you will get it in eventually. Start the pin first but don't allow it to protrude into frame until ready to set. Before removing broken spring OBSERVE in what position it fits. Use SOFT bench block so NO damage occurs.

Tom Beckwith: While the link you provided IS the best available (as of now) that I am aware of, it does fall short in the fact that it only covers most issues, but certainly not all. I often provide this link to others too and for the most part it is excellent - just wish it went farther so more M41 owners would be educated.