The finish on the first couple years' manufacture far surpasses later guns. They don't shoot any better but look terrific. Almost as nice a polish as you see on the late-'50's/early '60's High Standard Trophy pistols.
If you have the patience and money and want as fine a polish as S&W ever put on a gun, wait for one of those early 41s.
I agree totally with that as there is a difference in the colour of the Blueing which does look nicer on the older ones. They all shoot the same unless there is something wrong with a particular gun.