Hey All,
I've been browsing auction sites/forums trying to determine the exact model and value of a handgun I inherited from my father. I've found similar ones to it on some websites but the majority of them appear to have a longer, differently shaped barrel along with very dissimilar serial numbers. It isn't in mint condition but I was hoping it still had a fair value. Hopefully one of you all can help me out.

Thanks for your time.

Just did some reading on older posts about the serial number.

Does the fact it is all numbers mean it is pre-1960?

The M41 was introduced in 1957 and the 5" Light Weight barrel (which yours has) was introduced in 1959. I would estimate that your gun was made around 1960 - that explains the difference in serial numbers. Most of the early guns were shipped with the 7 3/8" barrel or the 5 1/2" Heavy Barrel. The 5" LW barrel is also called a Field Barrel. I'm not sure of the value due to the condition but probably around $500.

__________________
Dick

Thanks for the input. It's a shame it was kept in such poor condition by my father as it seems this is a really neat firearm.

Is there any way for me to confirm the manufacturing date?

You can surely letter the weapon and get the shipping date. It being a family firearm, you might want to send it back to Smith and Wesson. i bet you would be happy with the results.

__________________
J. Mark McCarver

Should letter as 1959. Depending on rust/?? in other areas and grip condition - $450 - $525 range

__________________
TOMBECK

It's acutally a shame that it wasn't kept in better shape as an early one like that in excellent shape would sell for close to double what you are being qouted.

Agree fyimo - with box etc and 98++% would bring from $825 - $1100 depending on who wants that setup and how bad. Would need to letter to verify it was shipped with 5" bbl as basically 18XXX was about the earliest shipped with 5" and would need to verify it is correct for first run of 5" bbls.

__________________
TOMBECK

I might go $425 on that one as a shooter the last 41 I bought with a 5 inch field barrel was in better shape but had no extra's I got it for $425. This one I'd most likely have to have refinished or do it myself in cerakote or some similar finish put on it and use it for a spare small game hunting pistol.

__________________
Carl NRA Endowment Life Member

Am I looking at the top picture incorrectly because based on the 1 on the letterman at the end of the barrel to the other end this looks like a 7 inch barrel to me.

1959 manufacture; I have 18710.

I dont exactly know how far the barrel extends back. I'm pretty raw when it comes to handguns so hopefully someone else can answer that better....

Barrel length would be from the muzzle (where the 1 is) to the breach face, which is the L shaped area of the barrel where you can see the extractor protruding.
HTH