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Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting All aspects of competitive shooting using Smith and Wesson Firearms. Including: IPSC, IDPA, Silhouette, Bullseye.


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Old 12-19-2017, 11:19 PM
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Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP  
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Default Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP

I have an opportunity to purchase either a Smith & Wesson Model 41 or a Walther GSP. They are the same price. I have had a few Model 41s and know first hand the quality. I have not owned a GSP. I can find another Model 41 in the future but do not know about the GSP at this price. Looking for opinions and past experience of you good folks.
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Old 12-20-2017, 01:02 AM
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As much as I like M41's, the GSP is at least 2 or 3 generations ahead of the Smith in ergonomics, general competition ability. and price.

(let the flames begin....)
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Old 12-20-2017, 01:09 AM
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I have a 41 and love it but if you look at most of the really top shooters, especially for international shooting they almost all use some sort of European gun. I think the ergonomics are the difference. The one concern I would have about a Euro gun would be if you need work done on it, are the parts available etc. The one advantage the 41 would have is that the grip angle matches more closely to a 1911 so if your shooting 2700 matches exclusively it might be advantageous to have similar feeling grips.
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Old 12-20-2017, 07:41 PM
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Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP Smith Model 41 vs. Walther GSP  
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Thank you for your advice.
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Old 12-20-2017, 07:57 PM
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I used to shoot 2700s in the Washington, D.C. area and a lot of competitors came from the service teams. I remember one very talented woman shooter from the USNA who shot a GSP and had constant alibi problems and other issues. Now, as a member of the USNA pistol team she had great gunsmithing support, and the weapon was well-maintained, etc. Nonetheless, I can remember malfunctions costing her at least two matches.

Personally, I love the Hammerli 208s. As long as Larry Carter is around, there will be adequate support for those pistols, but at some point you have to ask yourself is the investment in an obsolete gun, no matter how wonderful, a wise choice. I just sold my last 208s. I am now looking for a vintage Model 41 that can be smithed up to competition standards, as needed (trigger, barrel liner, etc.).
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Old 12-20-2017, 10:33 PM
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Are you trying to say that the 41 doesn't malfunction? You might ask a couple of shooters on the Bullseye league I used to shoot in about that.

I seem to remember that the several M41's I've owned over the years were very ammunition sensitive. (even down to the batch number)
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Old 12-21-2017, 02:14 PM
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GSP is a good gun , but muzzle heavy . The grip angle is different also . Model 41's can be a **** shoot , some are OK & some need quite a bit of work to be competitive . If you're a serious 2700 shooter , I'd consider a Marvel or Nelson 22 conversion on a 1911 lower . Set it up with same trigger as your wad gun ( 3 1/2lb pull ) . Your 22 scores will suffer initially , but once you get used to it will pick back up . The huge plus will be watching your 45 scores improve . One grip , one trigger etc . All the shooter has to do is execute good fundamentals . Took me from Expert to Master in a short time .
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Old 02-28-2018, 11:24 AM
heinzjuergen heinzjuergen is offline
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Default 41 vs. Walther GSP

Since more than thirty years I am shooting two M41 for the competition that is called "sports pistol" in Germany. That com allows made to measure grips. More than half of all shooters use the GSP. I think the 41 looks a lot better and shoots as well.
Supposed you solve the ammo problem. For me only Remington Target sv.
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Old 03-04-2018, 08:25 PM
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Deadin is right model 41's can be a **** shoot some are problem children that need major help and some are a dream, mine from the 1970's is a dream to shoot and does not care what I feed it. As for accuracy I have much more trouble with the loose nut holding the grips and the 6 inches between my ears than I will ever have with the gun itself. Good luck with your search and have fun shooting.
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Old 03-05-2018, 12:18 PM
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If you aren't adverse to an "older" gun, the High Standards have a High reputation for accuracy and functionality. I have a High Standard Victor I purchased back in the 80's and it still shoots X's. It had been retired a few years ago when I went with Red Dot sights (godsend to us age challenged shooters) and the HS was very heavy. I did get a aluminum shrouded barrel from Falcon, and it was great, but started to have problems with feeding. I have more recently switched to the Russian IZH35M, and can't be happier. Unfortunately they have stopped importing them.
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Old 03-05-2018, 02:47 PM
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Quote:
recently switched to the Russian IZH35M
You mean the "Clanker"? You could always tell if there were any 35M's on the line... Ready on the right.. Ready on the left... Ready on the firing line..CLANK...CLANK...Fire! (I shot one in league for a couple of seasons) Not a bad gun once you got the grips contoured to your hand. One great thing about them, they would function on most any ammo...
I graduated to a Benelli MP95e with a UltraDot but now I don't compete any more. I suppose one of these days I will admit that I'm not going to join league again and will put my Benelli up for sale..
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:56 PM
Qc Pistolero Qc Pistolero is offline
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Any high quality target .22 is ammo sensitive.Nobody should walk up to the firing line without having first determined whic ammo it prefers...and the 22s are the most segregational on that point.
While the 41 is a very well built gun(I've owned one),I'd go with the Walther if the angle of the grip fits you.The difference in the angle is not much but when every scoring point counts,you don't need the distraction to compensate for the ''ackward feeling''grip angle.
Go with the most confortable angle,Then,as far as the grip per se is concerned,you can always adjust to the proper configuration of your hand(sanding down or adding wood putty).
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