Hello everyone. My name is Lance. I am new on this forum. I hear nothing but good things about you folks. Here's the scoop. My dealer has a new production model 41 7" for sale. I looked it over and found that the grip serrations on the steel frame are not even. The machined serrations are machined vertically but do not end at the same time. Just looks a little cheap is all. Other than that the gun looks good. Is this normal? I am stalling to purchased do to this issue. Please help!

Nobody has any information?

Welcome to the Forum! Hopefully someone will be along to answer your questions soon.

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

Thank you sir! I sure hope so. Need to buy one soon.

I also welcome you to the forum. I wouldn't think what you describe to be normal, just believe its a result of a more lax final inspection program, what used to be tested is now sent out and is dependent on the consumer to find the problems and then perform the fix under the lifetime warranty. Others will certainly be along to help you with a proper assessment. If I were to offer any advice it would be to look for a M-41 made closer to the 1970's or earlier, may have had better quality control back then.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

OK. Thank you very much. I have since found a large internet gun store that has one new in the box current production for a good price just cant see it till I buy it which has me worried. I look forward to reading what you folks have to say about this issue.


Lance

We're talking about the vertical serrations on the front of the frame underneath the trigger guard, right? If so, the tops and bottoms of each cut (12 of them on my 41) don't align perfectly horizontally, although the difference is not great and I'd never noticed before this thread prompted me to look.

The tops of the cuts that are on the left side (that's "left" as you look at them, i.e., with the muzzle pointing toward you) end a bit higher than those on the right, so the top row of ends kinda drops to the right. On the bottom, the left side cuts are a bit lower, so that alignment rises slightly to the right - the net of all that is that the cuts on the left are longer than those on the right. Not by much, but enough to notice if you take the time to look.

As a point of reference, my 41 dates from 1979 and, as is often the case with 41s, is a real tack driver. As is often not the case with 41s, in my experience anyway, it's not particularly fussy about ammo, and FTFs have been rare. I used in it Bullseye competition for years, eventually retiring it when I upgraded to a Walther GSP Expert.

OK. Yes we are talking about the same thing. Must be hard to get straight even lines on the frame with the machine they are using or the operator is a vodka drinker. Thank you for looking at yours for reference.

Does it shoot well?

Hello Lance Am Raphael (charlyromeo)What is the price that dealer is asking for the 41?
Thanks

Hello. Nice to meet you Charly. $1,150+$25 Shipping(2nd day air). $175 total.

UPDATE:

I ordered my first new in box current production model 41. They payment done as well as FFL information sent. The gun will be shipped 2nd day air. I will have the gun Wednesday or Friday at the latest. I am at the mercy of my retired friend that is receiving the gun for me. I will make sure and update you folks here on this thread. I feel very good about this purchase and am hoping for the best.

The company I purchased this 41 from has agreed to issue me a full refund of the purchase price. My local dealer has also just received a new minty 41 that I plan to buy to replace this flawed 41. I am not going to let this purchase put a bad taste in my mouth. I was mad last night and went out and bought a new model 617 6" to keep me happy until i get another 41.

I have a late 70's model 41 and it has the same thing. Never would have noticed it without this post.

I just got back from seeing what my new Clark Custom 5 1/4" barrel likes, and I just took a look at the front strap. The striations on my '66 are very even top to bottom. They all terminate at the same distance in both directions. It wouldn't bother me anyway, as the gun is a lead laser with either barrel.

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The triple smoker

I have been refunded for the first flawed model 41 and just two days ago i purchased another new production model 41, looked good in a darker gun shop then got it home and noticed multipal scratches on the frame as well as tooling marks on the frame which look nasty. This gun is being sent back to smith & wesson, I am tired of the poor QC on the model 41. I will not stop until its right.

I also Welcome you to the Forum Lance and understand why you want a perfect gun. That is a very good price you are paying for that gun. They are tack drivers just like the M46's are as well. Its a shame some Companies just seem to not care anymore about having any pride in their workmanship of their products. I am sure who the main guy is at the top but he should read these threads to know what his clients are saying more often to get a clue on how he looking in the business world. Its Now wheres near a Good product as its has been in the past yet they keep charging more. That's not good advertising for a great product at all.

Welcome from CT, Lance. I feel for anyone who has paid lots of money for a product they expect to be perfect, but receives one that is flawed.
Good for you that you are pursuing it so S&W makes it right for you.
I also have a 617 6", and have just put a bit of money down on a used Model 41, which I just posted questions about.

This is a great forum. I am impressed with the knowledge of the members. All the folks I've "spoken" to have been very kind and generous in sharing their knowing.