Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-17-2012, 02:40 PM
sig808 sig808 is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 1 Post
Default Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested

Hi,

I just picked up a used 5.5" (2006) and a 7" (2002) Model 41.

They are in good used condition. They were range demo guns, so they were shooters and not safe queens. But they were not abused.

They seem to function fine and nothing is obviously wrong after I field stripped it.

But I don't know much about 41s and these are my first. So, is there anything in particular about model 41s that I should be inspecting?

Any recommendations about parts that I should immediately replace or services that should be done?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-17-2012, 03:07 PM
iwanna iwanna is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 52
Liked 224 Times in 70 Posts
Default

I own one. I had to replace my power spring right away to fix jamming problems. Wolf sells a three-spring set, but I only needed the light one for use with standard velocity ammo. Anyway, if you have feeding problems like stovepipes, this could be your culprit. If the spring looks 'iffy' as in bent or something (mine was), you might want to buy a couple of spares anyway.

Other than that mine is rock-solid. I think you will be very happy. I use mine as the benchmark for checking the accuracy of ALL other pistols and handguns, if that tells you anything.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-17-2012, 03:11 PM
snoopdawg45 snoopdawg45 is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Pendleton Ore.
Posts: 217
Likes: 5
Liked 53 Times in 23 Posts
Default

The only advice that I have to offer, is buy a bunch of 22 shells[like bricks] I have two and they do eat up the ammo. I think you will enjoy.

John
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-17-2012, 03:20 PM
Stirling's Avatar
Stirling Stirling is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 852
Likes: 479
Liked 469 Times in 320 Posts
Thumbs up

Pics would be nice, I haven't ever come across one here. I had a Ruger Mk.II bull barrel but always liked the look of the Model 41.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-17-2012, 03:20 PM
sig808 sig808 is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 1 Post
Default

Thanks!

I was also wondering if it is possible to "shoot out" a model 41 barrel?

Is there any guidelines about the degradation of a size of a group (off a rest) that would show that it's time to change out the barrel?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-17-2012, 03:57 PM
TOM BECKWITH TOM BECKWITH is offline
US Veteran
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: BELTON, SC, USA
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 425
Liked 603 Times in 338 Posts
Default

Suggest a complete cleaning with grips off. Really flush and scrub clean. Attention to extractor area and fireing pin area as crud builds up in hidden areas/recesses. mags need cleaning also - see info with a search on how to dis-assemble mags. Double check chamber and chamber edges for ping marks. Consider buying Wolff spring set and possibly replacing the slide/recoil spring. I doubt you could "shoot out" a bbl. Have seen CCI test bbls with many hundred thousand rounds and still look strong but chamber face peened heavily (still fed and functioned - wish I had kept one). More likely damage from "cleaning" and poor bolt to slide fit (too common lately) or dry fireing with long pin.
__________________
TOMBECK
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 12-17-2012, 05:32 PM
sig808 sig808 is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 1 Post
Default

That's very helpful. Thanks Tom! It looks like the range did a detail clean before they put it out for sale. But I didn't think about the mags. I will have to check the chamber face. Sounds like the 41 is a workhorse and a thing of beauty!

Last edited by sig808; 12-17-2012 at 05:34 PM. Reason: added content
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-17-2012, 06:28 PM
Extremo's Avatar
Extremo Extremo is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Europe, among the vikings
Posts: 74
Likes: 2
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

If You're gong to change the recoil spring (which You should, +1 on a lighter one) then change the extractor spring as well.

I wouldn't worry about the barrel. Basicly You can't wear out a .22.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-18-2012, 01:11 PM
iwanna iwanna is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 52
Liked 224 Times in 70 Posts
Default

Mine likes CCI Standards the best. That is, without getting really exotic.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-18-2012, 11:10 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 675
Liked 714 Times in 534 Posts
Default

Mine was built in 1958 and the barrel is just as true as the day it was built with a lot of lead having gone thru it. Mostly CCI of course. These are truly a real workhorse which will outlast you and probably your children as well.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-22-2012, 05:33 PM
GF1 GF1 is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Liked 116 Times in 44 Posts
Default

Keep it clean (clean barrel carefully), lube rails with light oil, enjoy them. I have two, same barrel lengths as you, both work great. Only mess with spring replacement etc. if needed. Mine haven't, and they've had many, many thousands of rounds down their spouts.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-23-2012, 09:23 PM
Dudley Dudley is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berkshire County,MA
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Liked 7 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I have two 41's, both bought used. Both are excellent guns, only feed them CCI Standard Velocity ammo. have yet to change any springs etc.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-29-2012, 05:45 PM
Hornplayer's Avatar
Hornplayer Hornplayer is offline
Member
Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested Just got my first model 41's (used), advice requested  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 16
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

I also bought a used M41 recently. It appeared to be in new condition so imagine my surprise when I found out it was about 25 years old. I am experiencing some stovepipes and it even jammed shut once with a spent casing in the chamber. Otherwise, I have shot around 200 rounds with just 4 or 5 of the FTE problems. Based on previous suggestions in this thread, I'm assuming a new, and possibly lighter, recoil spring may be in order. Also, the extractor appears to be slightly "buggered up" on one edge so maybe that needs to be replaced as well. Is replacing the extractor and putting in a new extractor spring something that a novice can do? Thanks for any suggestions and tips on doing this.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Advice on trade requested please. Dandecoteau S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 11 05-20-2015 09:11 AM
Awful Precision - Advice requested sithlord Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 14 11-30-2014 02:02 PM
Advice requested on M&Pc Trigger ncgreyhound Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 17 11-13-2012 01:29 PM
advice requested on 5 screw m+p please twomoons S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 9 12-27-2011 10:24 PM
Car Repair Advice Requested Beauetienne The Lounge 14 01-29-2010 08:28 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:02 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)