After decades of trying lesser expensive alternatives to the SW 41 - which I couldn't afford - I found on older model in beautiful condition from a private owner. The slide is stuck in the closed position - I figured I could fix it. I have repaired, modified, refinished, etc., many different types of "average" firearms over the years, but never one of this complexity. Worried about breaking something that isn't already broke and/or damaging the finish.
S&W 41; 5.5" bbl; blue; serial No. 92xxx
Thanks for any suggestions on how to proceed.

MrT-Rigger

If the standard disassembly routine doesn't work, (the slide cannot be pulled back/trigger guard pulled down) and without any further explaination or photos, I would try removing the grips and applying some of your favorite solvent to the area around the slide rails. Perhaps a few drops on the bottom of the slide via the empty mag well after turning the pistol upside down. The gun could be bound up with old lubricant, or the dreaded WD-40 overspray, which turns to concrete after a few years. If it's seized up, it may have to sit awhile to allow the solvent to work on whatever crud is in there.

Remember that when the thumb safety is activated it locks the slide, preventing it from being pulled back. (sometimes I forget this)

Tapping the slide and frame lightly with a "non-marring" tool....and re-application of the solvent, like Hoppe's for instance, will also help the solvent penetrate the internals.

Some addn info can be found here.....

Model 41 maintenance

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

One strong possibility is that a replacement Recoil Spring was installed backwards and corkscrewed the spring through the guide hole. It can be opened, but it isn't easy. Before giving any advise or suggestions on opening it, you need to determine if that is in fact the problem.

MOST IMPORTANT IS TO MAKE SURE THE GUN IS NOT LOADED!!

Thanks for your input. I had started along that course a couple of days ago suspecting that the innards were full of crud since the neither the safety or slide release would budge. I couldn't find my can of Kroil, so I tried Master Blaster - to no avail. After posting to the forum, I blew out all the remaining stuff with air comp.

I had just found an aerosol can of "Super Slick Stuff" by Protexall Products given to me by a friend months ago. As you suggested, with the grips off and the pistol inverted I liberally doused all the exposed metal joints/sliders/pins. Repeated application twice more in about 3 hr intervals.

In this early evening SUCCESS! Begrudgingly it opened and with repeated applications the slide release and safety moved.
You were on target. I believe that the piece was shot little, heavily sprayed with WD-40 and put away.

Many thanks!

Thanks for your input. I checked for a possible stuck round with a brass rod before buying it. I guess everyone can see all the posts on this thread - I'm new to this. Please see my success reply to armorer951.

Glad you solved the issue, here was another on the same problem,


41 slide frozen shut, doesn't budge

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Still Running Against the Wind