I purchased a Model 41 with 7 3/8" barrel with serial number
A 40XXX. Yep, 5 digits after the A. The A is somewhat separated from the rest of the serial number. The gun is in its original box with serial number A 40XXX on the end label. The gun has the original sales receipt dated 1963 with this serial number on it. Supica's 3rd edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson says the A prefix didn't began until 1970 at serial number A115001...6 digits after the A. I'm new to Model 41s, can someone explain to me the discrepancy between my serial number and when Supica says the A prefix numbers started?

Sounds like a duplicate serial number to me. S&W would add an "A" when this happened.

Thanks for the reply. Had not thought of that. Might justify a letter.

I'm also a civil engineer, although a mite older. Graduated Tennessee Tech in 1972.

It might be worth a letter. It would also be cool to locate the other gun with the non "A" duplicate serial number. You could probably ask in the letter request for them to confirm it was another Model 41 and find out where it was shipped.

Glad to see some other engineers on here.

The early (pre 115000) pistols with an "A" prefix are not common, but not highly rare - as noted they are duplicate numbers corrections. The later A115XXX up) can be found with an "A" suffix and a few "B" and have heard of a "C". Remember S&W Rule #1 - there ain't no rules.

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TOMBECK

The overall fit and finish of my gun is beautiful. However, and I didn't notice it so much when I bought the gun, but the slide sticks out beyond both sides of the top strap more so than my later 5 1/2 inch heavy barrel Model 41. I'm un-equiped to supply pictures at this time or would. I'm wondering if this may be a replacement slide. Were the dimensions of the early Model 41's top strap narrower than later models? Or, did the width of the slides vary between early and later production guns? As you can tell I'm relatively inexperienced with Model 41s.

No, that's normal on the skinnier 7 3/8", 7" and 5" field barrels. They are not as wide as the slide.

Thanks guys! It's amazing at the wealth of knowledge represented on this forum and the willingness to share. It's a extremely valuable asset to us inexperienced accumulators and shooters. Thanks again.

One more question. Does being a duplicate serial number add any collector's value to the Model 41? I've played around with Ruger single actions for several years and a duplicate, as designated by a "D" prefix to the serial number, adds to the collectors desirability and value.

I used to own a M41-1 that was serial number A40518. I was told by Roy Jinks that it was a double numbered gun. That particular gun had a 7 3/8" barrel with muzzle brake and was NIB

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Dick

Since a "B" or "C" would be much more rare, idiot collectors such as me would be interested. As Civil 1977 noted, finding the origonal and duplicate would be interesting - much less to have the origonal and a A, B, & C duplicate. Afraid too many "A" s show up - might be like Detroit "Monday" cars. The 41, 46, and 41-1s were all in the same stamping series - just depended on further frame steps as to where they went.

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TOMBECK

I just purchased a Model 41 on line that is in really beautiful condition.

Inside it was dirty and I had to use some Strike Hold to clean it and get the trigger working smoothly.

It has that little pin in the back that shows if it is cocked.

The only SN I can find is a 3158 above where it reads Model 41.

I didn't see any 4 number SNs in the threads I have seen.

Is this the serial number or am I missing something?

Ray
Semper Fi

3158 is a legit (albeit very low) serial number.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Model 41, #3160, was shipped by S&W in Oct 1957. It’s likely that your M41 was also an October pistol. S&W did not ship in serial number order - #3193 was the first M41 shipped on 17 Sep 1957 according to Roy Jinks, S&W historian. Let’s see some pictures!

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SWCA #3526