41 First Year of Manufacture?

[AKhap]

Hello all, just found this forum while looking for information about a 41 I have had for some time.

It is, if I figure correctly, a first year gun. The serial number on the box has "41" seperated by a dashed vertical line from "5xx". and the box and pistol numbers match. It is marked just "model 41" and is a 22LR.

I am not a collector and have started feeling guilty shooting this gun as much as I have and do because I think a collector would get a lot more out of it than I do. I will not give up having a 41, just think I would be as happy with a true shooter as opposed to a collector piece.

While not perfect there is very, very little wrong with the cosmetics of the gun and it functions flawlessly.

So my questions would include; is this likely a first year gun as I assume? My books tell me there is a premium for the cocking indicator... how much does that work out to in the real World? How likely is it someone would want to trade for such a piece?

I am capable of taking and posting high quality photos, and will if there is interest. Thanks for your time.
art

[Retired LTC, USAR]

I would post pics of the 41 as well as the box and label.

[Barrie]

Yes please do as we all would like to see the gun as well. The serial no's will also tell us when it was produced as some of the folks on here do have the books which date them. You might as well know all you can about what you have to get the most enjoyment out out of it. I have a sec year issue 41 myself which is a 1958 year model. Enjoy shooting and owning yours as they are great guns to own and shoot.

[civil1977]

Welcome to the forum. The Model 41 was introduced in late 1957 at serial number 1401 so 5XX is likely not the correct serial number. Early guns have Model 41 and the serial number on the left side of the frame.

[Aussie Collector]

Civil1977 you took the words out of my mouth reading the post I thought mmm this is a potential scam as the serial number mentioned is not right, sorry but I’m a very cautious person, however give this first time poster the benefit of the doubt and wait for photos. As you mention the number quoted may not be a serial but another number stamped into the gun.
AKhap the correct serial number on early 41’s is above “Model 41” on the left side above the trigger. Looking forward to the photos.
Cheers