Hi All. First post here. I just purchased on GB what was described as a NIB 5" field barrel for a Model 41. After examining it in detail, and reading and rereading many of the threads here regarding the field barrels, it appears mine is a 70s model cut down from a 7" barrel - it has the regular ampersand, little symbols on each side of "22 long rifle ctg", machined off weight plug with screw slot in the back, and what appears to be a separate piece ramp sight attached in some way to the top of the barrel. One thing I noticed is that the front ramp sight appears to be slightly off-center relative to the grooves running down the top length of the barrel. Pending a range test to see if it is in fact off, I was curious if anyone has experience with these ramp sights and how they are attached, and whether they can be removed or adjusted.

A lesser question before I think about attempting it is whether the weight plug can be unscrewed (and if so, whether there is any reason to do so). I would send a picture but haven't figured out yet how to do so.

Separately, thanks for all the fantastic information on the Model 41, such as from TOMBECK, etc. This forum has been a great resource.

Welcome to posting. Hope we get to know you.

If the front of your plug is flat we may have the same vintage barrel. My plug freely rotates and I wish it didn’t. One of these days I’ll Locktite it. I suggest you don’t put yourself in the same boat by breaking yours loose.

I suspect, but don’t actually know, that the front sights are silver soldered on. IF that’s correct in theory they could be remove by melting the solder then resoldering them but there is a good chance it just wind up looking worse. Again I suspect that the real problem with your front sight is that you are spending too much time looking at it from all directions except through the rear sight notch. We tend to forget our S&Ws were made to shoot, not examine. If it’s slightly off turn your windage screw and be happy.

Just out of curiosity, what did yours cost including all expenses and for that to be meaningful, what condition is it in?

If yours has the cut down weight, it started life as a 7 3/8" barrel and dates to pre 1978. The later 7" barrels were not drilled for internal weights. I'd leave the front sight alone as any modification will reduce value and as stated it could turn out worse. Just shoot it and enjoy owning one of the most sought after barrels for this gun.

k22fan, cost and all expenses totaled $632 (yes, i know, more money than sense). Condition is pristine - inside bore and out.

Hi K22fan. I already replied to the end of the thread, but I don't know if I needed to reply within your post. In any event, I paid 632 total, and the condition is perfect, unfired. Thanks very much for your insight.
Mark

Hi back to you.

I’ve only seen field barrels sold together with 41s that had additional barrels so I don’t know what a fair price is. At any rate it’s yours to enjoy now.

I sort of have two. The second one is a locally cut down 5 ½” barrel. I didn’t know anything about field barrels when I bought the 41 that had it as an extra. While at the smith’s for other business I showed it to him and, low and behold it was his work. Before the internet was in common use he gave up his hunt for a field barrel and cut a 7 3/8” barrel to 5 ½”. Other competitors at bullseye matches saw it and asked if he’d make them one. He wound up cutting down 10 to 20. He made them a half inch longer so they could not be fraudulently sold as originals. They also look better with the extra ½” of scallop on their sides. My second or original field barrel was the first he had a chance to handle. I tell that story so you appreciate what you’ve got and don’t bemoan paying the going price. The machine work leaving the appearance of a little bit of barrel sticking out of the front of the blocky barrel, cutting away material from the original sight leaving a male dovetail, milling the new female dovetail and filling the weight hole gets expensive. Add the cost of the 7 3/8" barrel then what you paid doesn't look bad at all.

Enjoy your treasure.