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Old 05-07-2014, 08:51 PM
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Isis1200L Isis1200L is offline
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Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41  
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Talking Springfield vs. Houlton M41

I have a couple of questions for the 41 fans/owners out there.
I put a bit of $ down on a M41, 5".
LGS guy says it's a "newer" gun. The serial number begins with UBC. 1997? It's stamped Springfield, not Houlton.
Was S&W making 41's in Springfield in 1997?

I also have a line on a 1960's 41, which has seen a few bullseye matches, but is still in good shape for its age.
(Like me, same vintage ) I think this one is out of Houlton, but didn't confirm that with the current owner.

I've searched in old posts for info on new vs. old, Springfield vs. Houlton.
Some posters mentioned the 60's guns have a better fit and finish.
I've heard/read the later guns can be picky eaters and have ejector issues.

Is there such a difference between what Houlton and Springfield produced?

I can either spend X for the '97, which hasn't been shot much, or X + 100 for the '60's. It's a shame I can't buy both.

Thanks in advance for your input!
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Old 05-07-2014, 09:44 PM
k22fan k22fan is offline
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Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41  
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I don’t look at 41 collector info often enough to keep details in mind. I only shoot them so this reply is just to hold you over until you hear from our serious 41 members. Very generally early 41s had a cocking indicator above the back strap and may have muzzle brakes on the 7 3/8” [?] barrels. The common belief is that earlier is better but going by how mine have shot vintage doesn’t matter up until the shift of manufacturing to Maine. The low point for 41s was early Maine production which had Millet rear sights. The Millets were superseded by Bo-Mar look-a-likes and hopefully they got quality back under control. Regardless of vintage none of them are as reliable as 3rd generation centerfires but they can be very good. In equal condition I would gladly pay $100 more for a Springfield manufactured 41 but my one Maine built 41 was one of their worst so bear my bias in mind. Since the earlier 41 you are looking at is in lower condition you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth $100 more. I’d probably put out the $100 but my negative experience with an early Maine built 41 may have been atypical.

Good luck. They’re nice .22s.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:50 PM
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Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41  
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I've decided to go for the newer 41. And I found a 7 1/2 inch barrel for it. I'm thinking this will be my new bullseye pistol.
Hope my Ruger doesn't take it too hard.
Thanks for your reply, K22fan.
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Old 05-09-2014, 10:25 PM
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wproct wproct is offline
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Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41  
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Just some words of encouragement, I've owned a couple of Springfield 41 pistols that I foolishly let slip out of my hands. A couple of weeks ago I got an opportunity to pick up a 5 1/2 in heavy bbl lightly used Maine model at a good price and I bought it. This pistol has a better trigger pull than either of my previous 41's, and functioning has been perfect. I've been quite pleased with mine, hope you will be also.
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Old 05-10-2014, 09:18 PM
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Isis1200L Isis1200L is offline
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Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41 Springfield vs. Houlton M41  
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Thanks, wproct! I am very happy that you were able to re-aquire your past desire.
The timing was right, and your Gun Angels were with you.

I'm being a good and patient girl and delaying my gratification by
making the last payment on Tuesday, no wait maybe Monday, well, perhaps tomorrow. (heehee)

I'm learning fast to make my evaluations expediently because over analysis could mean missing out.
As I had said, too bad I couldn't adopt both.

I picked up the extra barrel today. Will see about a rail soon. And a better red-dot. Wheeeee!
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