5 inch model 41 barrel?

[GunarSailors]

I've been offered this Model 41 with an extra (what he is calling) a 5 inch Sporter barrel. He says he bought the gun around 1980 and the extra barrel around 1988. The barrel that is on the gun is a 5.5 inch heavy barrel, but the SCSW doesn't mention anything about a 5 inch barrel being made in the 80s. Any input is greatly appreciated. I have not bought this gun, only thinking about it.

[824tsv]

It's legit,
They made the 5" Field Barrel (some call it the Sport Barrel) in various configurations in regards to front sight, and they also made an optic's only version in the 90's.
edit to add:
I did a thread search for "Field Barrel" and found this one that will answer all your questions.

Questions about the Sporter/Field M-41 barrels

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by 824tsv

I did a thread search for "Field Barrel" and found this one that will answer all your questions.

Much appreciated!

[Aussie Collector]

To answer the original question.
Yes, Smith & Wesson offered the model 41 5" barrel in the mid eighties.
The model 41 was available with either the 5 1/2" or the 7". The 5" barrel was sold separately.

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

To answer the original question.
Yes, Smith & Wesson offered the model 41 5" barrel in the mid eighties.
The model 41 was available with either the 5 1/2" or the 7". The 5" barrel was sold separately.

How would one know how many 5" barrels were made, and how are they valued? This total package I pictured has a price tag of $1300.

[H Richard]

Currently a good condition Mod 41 with a 5.5" heavy barrel sells in the range of $800 to $1000 (and higher some places). The Field Barrel (scarce item) usually sells in the $350 to $400 range by itself. His total package price may not be too much out of line.

[Barrie]

If both barrels are included with the box and two mags then its a fair price for what you are getting. Thats a standard price in to-days market for whats there. Even the grips look period correct on this gun. It appears to have been well taken care of by the pics of it.

[Aussie Collector]

Originally Posted by GunarSailors

How would one know how many 5" barrels were made, and how are they valued? This total package I pictured has a price tag of $1300.

In regards to the number produced in the eighties...I have no idea, I can say the 5" was only cataloged as available for 2 years....so Im guessing much less that the 5 1/2" and 7".....hope that helps a little :-)

I would rate the barrels from common to scarse in this order....in relation to total since 1957...
1. 5 1/2"
2. 7 3/8"
3. 7"
4. 5"
5. 5 1/2" extendable front sight

[Camster]

Originally Posted by Barrie

If both barrels are included with the box and two mags then its a fair price for what you are getting. Thats a standard price in to-days market for whats there. Even the grips look period correct on this gun. It appears to have been well taken care of by the pics of it.

Ditto. Plus, I doubt that you'll encounter that many like it, in your locale.

[mag318]

In researching a Model 41 I'm buying I started going thru various threads here. I'm glad to find out the 41 I'm buying has the Field/Sport barrel. These 41 are a whole new area for me as this will be my first, but not my last.

[Aussie Collector]

GunarSailors

Looks like your model 41 is from 1980 with the pictures you added to post 1.
if you have the box lid the barrel length the gun came with will be on the end label

[Aussie Collector]

Originally Posted by mag318

In researching a Model 41 I'm buying I started going thru various threads here. I'm glad to find out the 41 I'm buying has the Field/Sport barrel. These 41 are a whole new area for me as this will be my first, but not my last.

fantastic mate why stop at 1 or 2 or 6 or 12 or 24.....

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

GunarSailors

Looks like your model 41 is from 1980 with the pictures you added to post 1.
if you have the box lid the barrel length the gun came with will be on the end label

Sorry, it's not mine yet, and not sure if it's a good enough deal to justify buying it when it's just going to sit in my safe back in the states. There is a model 46 HB available at my local gun store that I am also thinking about. The price tag is $789.00, and a slew of model 41s with the same barrel length, are roughly the same price (give or take 50 bucks).

[graydog]

Originally Posted by GunarSailors

Sorry, it's not mine yet, and not sure if it's a good enough deal to justify buying it when it's just going to sit in my safe back in the states. There is a model 46 HB available at my local gun store that I am also thinking about. The price tag is $789.00, and a slew of model 41s with the same barrel length, are roughly the same price (give or take 50 bucks).

Buy it you don't see many 46's

Graydog

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by graydog

Buy it you don't see many 46's

Graydog

Especially 46s with Heavy Barrels.

[wx7b]

This rings true for the timeframe of the late 80s. I saw the Field Barrel offered regularly in Shotgun News, but of course, I delayed buying one......young guy with a new family.......nice find!

[mag318]

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

fantastic mate why stop at 1 or 2 or 6 or 12 or 24.....

Now that's what I call a collection.

[kidcom]

graydog is absolutely right BUY it. The Model 46 with the 5.5" heavy barrel and the original red/brown plastic grips is extremely rare as only 500 were ever made. The price on this item can realize upwards of $1500US or more depending on condition.

[Aussie Collector]

As a collectable gun I would buy the model 46. very rare as already pointed out. it will increase in value faster that the model 41.
One barrel length I have not been able to find in Australia. if it was in a shop here, it would not be after I walked out

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

As a collectable gun I would buy the model 46. very rare as already pointed out. it will increase in value faster that the model 41.
One barrel length I have not been able to find in Australia. if it was in a shop here, it would not be after I walked out

They actually have 2 model 46s for sale, one is with a heavy barrel, one is without. Roughly the same price give or take 50 bucks. The obvious choice is to go for the HB.

[kidcom]

Originally Posted by GunarSailors

They actually have 2 model 46s for sale, one is with a heavy barrel, one is without. Roughly the same price give or take 50 bucks. The obvious choice is to go for the HB.

Buy them both. Generally speaking a Model 46 is rarer then a Model 41 just by the fact of numbers manufactured.