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Old 08-14-2016, 08:55 PM
gr8guns gr8guns is offline
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Default Model 41 Woes

I have three model 41 pistols, one going back to date before 2000, and it has been back three times to get it running reliably.

One of the latest has been sent back twice for tool chatter marks in the rib on top of the barrel, they replaced it the last time, but the bluing is still not up to par in that area, with rough serration cuts in the rib. The other was sent back for the rough cut in the serrations, along with a chunk out of the left rear top slide area. The defect was ground out and the slide re-blued, but the top rear of the slide is arced where they ground out the metal. The bluing is splotchy, and the serrated rib is still rough and unevenly blued. New machine tools may be indicated to cut the serrations on the sight rib, I have talked to service about this recurring problem. I want to send in the barrels from my three model 41 pistols to show the difference, but the keep asking for pictures that I can't make.

1300 buck pistols should not have obvious appearance defects, and run reliably. Help me get what I paid for Smith and Wesson. Unhappy.
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Old 08-14-2016, 09:59 PM
leinster lad leinster lad is offline
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Sadly I feel, it is just a "sign of the times"
As has been said, most of the "old timers" in manufacturing / fitting are long gone.
The pride and passion have long gone.
This is what you get when companies are solely driven by their accounting department to satisfy shareholder profits.
They just do not seem to understand that they must create and develop a sustainable business model, otherwise the short term profits will end very quickly.

Then, everyone loses.......
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Old 08-14-2016, 11:38 PM
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I'm really sorry to hear about the problems your having with your M41. My shooting buddy as well as a being very close friend of mine purchased an M41 early last year. Although mechanically sound, he wasn't at all pleased with the finish on the pistol. In some areas it looks rather rough as if it was rushed through the manufacture, finishing and assembly process. I myself was fortunate late last year in purchasing a PC M41 which is an absolute joy to shoot. The pistol itself is a magnificent example of excellent workmanship in all respects by the Performance Center staff.
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Old 08-14-2016, 11:49 PM
leinster lad leinster lad is offline
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Yes, my M41 PC appears to have missed out on the finer touches in the finishing process.
As I have said before, for a $2300 AUD pistol, it should not only perform perfectly, but should also have a perfect fit and finish.
If I wanted a ***, I could have easily spent MUCH less, and have been happy with the quality level that is fitting for that price point.
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Old 08-15-2016, 09:23 PM
Barrie Barrie is offline
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When buying these pistols do you folks not inspect them before leaving the store with them. Thats the time to say "NO" not this one. AS far as mechanical defects I can understand those not being caught until trying the gun out later at your club range. I would take simple pics of it and mail it to them if you own a camera.
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Old 08-16-2016, 02:25 AM
leinster lad leinster lad is offline
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Barry, mine was purchased sight unseen, direct via an importer.
Basic open box photos were provided, but you do not actually get to see or feel the "finish" until it is in your hands.
It also takes a little time for the euphoria of actually getting an M41 in Aus to wear off.
Then, once a few rounds have gone thru it, you can start to see wear patterns etc.
It is going back to the Aus distributor soon ( when they get the replacement barrel for it )
I will bring to their attention the issues that I have with its finish / poor machining.
I really do not hold any faith that they will actually do anything about it.
The attitude here in Aus ( from the dealers at least ) is that you should be grateful that you have one, so **** and stop complaining !!

It wasn't until I contacted S&W directly that I managed to get a replacement barrel on its way to the Aus dealer.
Another person said that he gets the S&W catalogues direct from the US as it is just too hard to deal with the Aus distributor / dealer.

You guys in the US don't know how easy you have got it !!!
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Old 08-16-2016, 02:52 AM
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hear, hear, leinster lad regarding the Aust distributor.
I have a very low opinion and almost always have problems dealing and I cannot get a catalog from them. The last one I requested I asked for it to use to sell the guns. Most other dealers I know have the same opinion of them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by leinster lad View Post
.....The attitude here in Aus ( from the dealers at least ) is that you should be grateful that you have one, so **** and stop complaining !!
!
I totally disagree with your comment on the attitude of the dealer. You can pick and choose your dealer and I would tell you to give your business to another. Send me a PM telling me your location and I will give you a local dealer that will give you good old fashioned service.
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Old 10-17-2016, 11:24 PM
leinster lad leinster lad is offline
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***** UPDATE ****

So it looks like my replacement barrel has arrived in Aus ( only took 14 months )
Sent my M41 PC to the Aussie distributor yesterday.
Hopefully the new barrel is 100% and they can sort out the other QC issues that I have.

I'll keep you posted
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Old 01-30-2022, 01:02 AM
gr8guns gr8guns is offline
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The anti glare lines on the stainless 617 revolvers I have are cut flawlessly. The oldest model 41 I have is cut flawlessly at the anti glare lines. They either need to reprogram the speed on the cnc machines, change a worn cutting tool, or change cutting fluid type. They might need to change all three. Q C should not be the end user. That being said, all three of my 41 pistols shoot very well, my two 617 revolvers shoot very good, two of my SW 22 victories run flawlessly. I have one at service dept. now for jamming. The little M &P compact is a jewel. Even though my Smith &Wesson pistols have had some quirks, I keep on buying them. It is hard to beat the accuracy for a factory gun.
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Old 01-30-2022, 06:16 AM
Larks Larks is offline
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Sorry to hear that you’ve been disappointed with your dealings with Grycol, I’ve had the opposite experience with them in so far as they were very helpful in assessing faults with my barrel and having it replaced. I had no problems talking directly to both the sales manager (Stuart C) and one of their gunsmiths and they were very helpful and clear about what the issue was and what they could do.

The only issues that I had were with the timeframes for handling and they were outside of Grycols control - ie waiting for S&W to send the barrel as they don’t send any single item they send a shipment once they have a full one ready, and then waiting on customs clearance.
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Old 01-30-2022, 12:07 PM
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My suggestion is that you INSIST on talking with a "Supervisor" and politely demand that they either fix it PROPERLY. The "real" GS's are more than likely long retired and customers are now dealing with second stringers. Sad to see what has happened to a once great Company!
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Old 01-30-2022, 02:19 PM
Rick H. Rick H. is offline
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This is a pretty old thread that was brought back from storage in about 2016.....

Rick H.
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Old 01-30-2022, 02:28 PM
Jim Watson Jim Watson is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leinster lad View Post
I'll keep you posted
But he didn't.
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Old 01-30-2022, 05:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick H. View Post
This is a pretty old thread that was brought back from storage in about 2016.....

Rick H.
so it is - I should have checked before posting
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