Model 41 - serial numbers and dates

Thanks Tom.
I might try to pick it up if I get it reasonable.

As always,
Thank you
 
Also looks like the previous owner had some fun filling in the logo and SN with gold paint and a little red paint on the front sight.
 
I also have a 1958 year model 41. It shoots like a new one. You won't be sorry if you buy that one at all. Mines in the 12000 serial no range and has no prefix letter at ll.
 
Yesterday I purchased a Mint condition S & W mod 41 at an auction, talked to the man who sold it and he said he just bought it and put it in his safe. Checking the dates it was made in the first year of production.

410479064.jpg


410479064.jpg


410479206.jpg


I brought her home, cleaned and lubricated her then shot 30 rounds of PMC Target ammo through her, my target was 88 yards, she shot a 2 X 4" group with one jam.

I was amazed to find she was made the first year of production, the year I graduated from high school.
 
Ed without seeing the SN, may or may not be first year HOWEVER the 5.5" bull bbl is NOT correct to first or earlier than 1963 when this bbl. was introduced (about 40000 range). grips are of the early style and finish. Would guess your SN is 14000 or above - 1958 or later.
 
That's a nice looking 41 but you should know that even if the frame is a first year (1957), the 5.5" Heavy Barrel didn't come out until 1963 so it is not original to the gun.

Edit: Tom beat me by 4 minutes.
 
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The serial No is 77921 which puts it made in 1958 I believe but I am far from a historian for S&W. The deal I read stated that "a lighter 5 inch barrel was introduced in 1958 for field use." That is in Wikipedia.

I edited this to include the whole serial No. Figure maybe the historians at S & W might read this and have some record of her. She has a 5 1/2 inch barrel.
 
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77921 should be a mid to late 1960s gun and the barrel would be correct for the frame.

Serial #___ Date of Mfg.
104XX_______ 1958
149XX_______ 1959
189XX_______ 1959
295XX_______ 1960
1120XX______ 1969

The lightweight field barrel is 5" and has a narrower profile and different rear sight. Your barrel is a 5.5" Heavy barrel. Nice gun.
 
Thank You, appreciate your sharing your knowledge.

Yes she is a very nice pistol, exceptional trigger and very accurate. I am very pleased with her!
 
Thanks for your research, I appreciate it.

I just put another 50 rounds through her, Rem Standard Vel. She is dead on, if my eyes were better it would have been one inch at 50 yrds.

This may be the place to find an answer: Will the Mod 41 hold up to a steady diet of high velocity 22 ammo? I have been told that they were intended for Standard Velocity ammo and that is all I have ever shot in them, but as well as they are made I fail to understand the limitation.
 
Your best ammo to shoot thru this gun will be the CCI- SV brand. It does not require the high velocity ammo at all and could actually do damage to it. Stick to the SV and enjoy this gun for many great years with it. I own a 1958 model with the long barrel myself and love it.
 
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