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


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  #1  
Old 12-25-2015, 07:58 PM
DrakeOwens DrakeOwens is offline
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I've just inherited a S&W model 41, 7 1/2" barrel w/ muzzle brake that has never been fired. I know nothing about the history of this particular pistol though I've read about the model on the internet and read the manual on this web site. On the left side above the trigger is 3800 with Model-41 below it. Can anyone tell me when this pistol was made and how many were manufactured? I'm taking it out tomorrow for its first firing, what a wonderful Christmas this has been! Also, I've read that some owners find this pistol a bit fussy and I wonder if anyone has any suggestions about preferred ammo and general care. Thanks!
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Old 12-25-2015, 08:49 PM
Jim Watson Jim Watson is offline
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The 41 came out in 1957 so no 3800 is very early, mixed in with the 9mms which started at 1001 in 1954. So I don't know how to tell just when it was made except with a factory letter.
An unfired early gun like that is worth substantial money.

I would (DO!) stick with standard velocity ammunition. CCI standard velocity is good if you can find any.
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Old 12-25-2015, 08:53 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
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We mostly try to shoot CCI SV ammo with this design of firearm.Its actually 7-3/8" long on the barrel length as well. It is one of the finest pistols ever designed for the Olympics since 1957. They are still very slowly producing them but there are thousands of them out there in different barrel lengths also. I suggest removing the muzzle brake for sport shooting as they are a pain to clean. A false nose is avaliable for a small fee which helps it shoot better many of us have found out. If the no.3800 is the serial no. then this gun will have been produced in the 1st run in 1957 which makes it hold considerable value as well. You have inherited a very rare model indeed.

Last edited by Barrie; 12-25-2015 at 08:54 PM.
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Old 12-25-2015, 09:10 PM
DrakeOwens DrakeOwens is offline
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I've no intention of selling this pistol, it's future is at the range. I'm 60 years old and over the years 95% of the shooting I've done has been with .22's. I have a group of younger(30ish) friends who own many rifles and pistols and none of them has ever owned a .22 which I think is silly. I've been to the range a ton more than them and it shows. I'm really looking forward to putting this pistol through its paces and seeing what it is capable of. This is the first true target pistol I have owned and I really like the ambidexterous grips because I like to fire with both hands equally. It's quite heavy and the muzzle brake seems a bit odd for a .22 but the 7 1/2" barrel is a big plus for me. I've dry fired it a couple of times and the trigger brake is excellent. I'll probably find a good gunsmith to put a white dot on the front sight. The timing of this gift is really great because there is a strong likelihood that the range I've been going to for the last 50 years will be closed soon due to environmental costs. You can bet I'll be there tomorrow!
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Old 12-25-2015, 09:14 PM
TOM BECKWITH TOM BECKWITH is offline
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3800 is probably 1957 SHIP date, but possibly 1958 - right on the fence.
As noted above CCI std. velocity recommended. Suggest you remove the brake and replace with false muzzle cover. Brakes are not a help in shooting and get dirty quickly and hard to clean without damage to the finish.

If actually unfired - may want to wait until actual ship date is pinpointed. If first year, and a letter from Jinks, would demand a nice premium price.
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Old 12-25-2015, 09:23 PM
Leon Narozny Leon Narozny is offline
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I have a Model 41, a 1967, and really enjoy shooting it. I have found the Fiocchi match ammo works the best in mine. Its a little pricey, but match 22s are about all I am able to find these days. I shoot mine with the MB on,
and cleaning after every session is an easy way to keep it clean. You will the 41 a real pleasure to shoot, and the only suggestion I would make is to get orange center targets to make your sighting easier.My 71 year old eyes have some problems with black on black. Let us know how it shoots!
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Old 12-25-2015, 11:42 PM
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Welcome to the forum.

You have been gifted a very desirable pistol. With that serial number it is 1957 or 58 as Tom pointed out.

This Model 41 is a very desirable pistol for collectors as its the first type of Model 41 and potential the first year. Being in new condition a real gem.
You should also know that the original magazine for this one is a 2 piece magazine that collectors look for and worth more than the later one-piece steel follower type.
If you do take the brake off take care not to loose it as its also different to the later brakes.

Do you have the box?
Can you post pictures?
With pictures we may be able to give much more information.
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Old 12-26-2015, 01:08 AM
DrakeOwens DrakeOwens is offline
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I've taken a couple of pictures with my flip phone and emailed them to myself but I don't know how to insert them into a forum post. There is an 'insert image icon on the reply box but it asks for a http:// URL and I don't know what to do. I'm now wondering if I should wait on taking this pistol to the range until I know more.
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Old 12-26-2015, 01:17 AM
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My advice: Avoid high velocity ammo with this gun, and adjust trigger overtravel to permit enough travel to ensure trigger reset is 100% with no sear drag on the hammer.
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Old 12-26-2015, 02:10 PM
DrakeOwens DrakeOwens is offline
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Ok, I think I've figured out how to insert the pictures, here goes...
[IMG]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7jQ6I2D96w_VXlGZUk1STBPM2o0V**nUHNYdjlhTlpzcmVv[/IMG]
[IMG]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7jQ6I2D96w_WWsyQTNJMHU4V1VZSm**bHEzN3FvT3NyVkNF[/IMG]

Please let me know if this worked, Thanks!

Last edited by DrakeOwens; 12-26-2015 at 02:12 PM.
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Old 12-26-2015, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrakeOwens View Post
Ok, I think I've figured out how to insert the pictures, here goes...
[IMG]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7jQ6I2D96w_VXlGZUk1STBPM2o0V**nUHNYdjlhTlpzcmVv[/IMG]
[IMG]https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7jQ6I2D96w_WWsyQTNJMHU4V1VZSm**bHEzN3FvT3NyVkNF[/IMG]

Please let me know if this worked, Thanks!
It didn't work.
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  #12  
Old 12-26-2015, 03:13 PM
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Ed Fowler Ed Fowler is offline
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Try different brands of ammo and you will usually find one that works best. For me Remington Standard Velocity, followed by CCI and been the best of the cheaper ammo and sometimes as good as the expensive stuff.

It is very important for my Mod 41's to pull a brush through the barrel, from the chamber to the mussel every 200 rounds or when accuracy starts to fall off. The requirement will vary with different ammo. The way to tell is to push a cartridge into the chamber with your fingers and if you can feel a restriction just before the round goes all the way into the chamber it is time for the brush. The restriction is caused by a crud buildup right at the mouth of the cartridge.

Some S&W chambers were made with a restriction just before the round was fully in the chamber, but I do not believe any of the Mod 41's were made that way.
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Old 12-26-2015, 06:13 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
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Your shooting accuracy will be much better with the false nose on it instead of the Muzzle brake.Definitely keep it in a safe place as its a very valuable part of that gun. You can adjust the trigger down by the small screw on the bottom of the trigger guard. On the lowest setting it will have around a 2.5lb pull only which is really nice.
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Old 12-26-2015, 06:16 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
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You will have better shooting accuracy by removing the muzzle brake and just useing the False nose on this gun. Your trigger can be adjusted by the small screw under the trigger guard which will bring it down to 2.5lbs pull. That is really nice to shoot with at that pull level.
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Old 12-26-2015, 07:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrakeOwens View Post
I've taken a couple of pictures with my flip phone and emailed them to myself but I don't know how to insert them into a forum post. There is an 'insert image icon on the reply box but it asks for a http:// URL and I don't know what to do. I'm now wondering if I should wait on taking this pistol to the range until I know more.
To upload a picture you click the paper clip icon, if you hold your mouse pointer over it it will say "attachment" the rest should be easy.
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Old 12-26-2015, 08:00 PM
DrakeOwens DrakeOwens is offline
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I've spoken with a gun dealer that my family has dealt with for years and have decided to keep the pistol for my own use and leave the muzzle brake on for now. I appreciate the advice that I've gotten especially about caring for the pistol and suggestions on which ammo to use. I'm taking it out tomorrow with my best friend and we're both really excited to find out how it performs. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
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  #17  
Old 12-26-2015, 11:16 PM
Willyboy Willyboy is offline
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Default SN 3800

I have SN 36xx and it shipped March 1958. Willyboy
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Old 12-27-2015, 05:18 PM
irishdec irishdec is offline
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Standard velocity is best also a recoil buffer is recommended ,cci is good for both practice and competition also rws match and Laupa pistol match are a little more expensive but are worth it for competition days .it s a fine pistol and happy shooting
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Old 12-29-2015, 10:21 PM
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Congratulations OP on your acquisition. You are now an owner of one of the finest pistols ever manufactured by S&W. I recently acquired a Model 41 PC 5.5 myself and I have to admit that it has to be the most accurate pistol that I have ever owned.
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Old 12-30-2015, 04:36 PM
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Default Model 41 Ship Date

Whoops, the ship date I gave a couple of posts prior was incorrect. My SN is 46xx that shipped in March , 1958, not 36XX. So your 38XX might have actually shipped in 1957. Willyboy
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  #21  
Old 12-30-2015, 05:01 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
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Mine is 123404 which I find very easy to remember. It shipped in 1958 as well.
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