I'm looking for opinions on what to purchase. Would I be better off to buy a brand new 41 or look at LNIB 41's from the 80s or 90s? I have heard many guns in general were made much better years ago and wondered what everyone's thoughts were on this. Thanks

Its generally agreed that the older 41s are better guns. The fit and finish was more important back "then" than it is now.
I see a lot of threads on SWF indicating problems with the newer ones.
Also, you will never lose money on the older ones. I have a 1967 that
I wont part with. Look on SWF "for sale" or Gun Broker.

Thanks Leon I appreciate your help. I have a hamden High standard Victor and just holding it you know the quality is there. I figure it might be the same way with the Smiths. Thanks for your help.

I went through the same decision process a few years back. Ended up buying a very clean/little used used 90's vintage Mod 41 from a friend ( Gave $700 as I recall.).
The gun had VG fit and finish and ran like a clock. It's only negative was that the trigger needed considerable work to get it to what I would consider target grade.
All that said, I never did warm up to the gun that much. I just didn't shoot it well. I eventually sold it off (at what I paid) and went back to my Ruger MK II for informal stuff and a Pardini SP for competitions.
In the end, I'm glad I bought used as it cut my losses at the end of my experiment.

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Dave

I own two HS Victors (Hamden), 4.5" and 5.5" and love them both.
Also own an early 90's era m41 7" which has similar quality feel, but I do think the HS rates higher.

Three excellent looking pistols you have there.My Victor looks exactly like yours ( The 5 1/2 inch) Thanks for your input.

I have a 1958 year M41 and it is NOT FOR SALE until after I go the big Gun Range upstairs. I also own a M46 which I use as a backup for when the M41 gets sick. Its a lonely gun as it seems to never get used at all as the 41 is so reliable for me. I suggest buying a older one as the price will be a lot less. That way you never lose on the value paid for it ever.

The older, the better.

Fit, finish and function are much more likely to be better in older pistols.

I can't understand why you would buy new production.

Very nice HS Victors. I have a HS Supermatic Trophy with the 7 1/4" fluted barrel I bought new back in the early '70s. I wanted a 41 like the other guys shot but money was tight and we had a new baby. That baby is now 45 and I finally got my 41 a few years ago. The 41 is nice but I prefer the HS.

I've got a 1959 Model 41 I wouldn't part with for all the tea in China. Came to me with original box, compensator, internal & external weights, 2 factory magazines etc. The fit and finish are flawless. Shoots like dream, loves CCI SV ammo.

I have an older and a new 41, and on paper, they both preform identical, which is to say they are better than I am. Although there have been some reported problems with the new versions in terms of quality, I found absolutely nothing wrong with mine. Like any firearm purchase, it's always best to inspect before purchasing.

Both together:
IMGP1196w.jpg

New 41 target: 25 yards off bench CCI Standard Velocity:
IMGP0049Web2.jpg

Old 41 target: 25 yards off bench Eley Black Lable:
Old Model 41 7 inch Barrel 10 shots 25 yards Ba.jpg

BTW: Both now have Leupold 2.5 - 8 scopes on them and both these targets were shot using this set up.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

The new ones should be available for the foreseeable future, so I'd shop for a used one. If you are fortunate to find one locally you may even be able to test fire it before purchase, which would be impossible with a new gun. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I agree with buying a used older one as the savings which will be near $1000. will buy you a lot of CCI SV ammo. It also may be a better built gun as well which you will never lose on in value.

NIB are running $1369 - $1450 vs used $900 - $1200. (Gunbroker)

So about a $200 - $400 savings for used.

I think availability would be key for me. I would want to inspect it in person before purchasing.

Can't comment on new guns, I bought both of mine used. Oddly, the shorter bbl gun I shoot better than the long bbl gun. The 5.5" is a fantastic shooter, and no problems with either. I always worry buying used guns.

I bought my model 41 around 1995. All I can say is that the grips are more attractive, to me, than the wood on the new ones (which may be laminated?). However, I would not buy a used one unless you try it, after giving it a close look. One of the great things about any 41 is that you can strip it, and put it back together, in less than 30 seconds. Mine is a bit fussy about ammo. Most 41s like CCI SV...mine prefers ammo with a little more "kick". Mine is flawless with Remington Golden Bullet, for some reason.

Lifetime warranty perhaps?

Having both a 1978 USMC pistol team armorer tuned M41 and a 2015 Hammerli X-esse, I get more points in Precision Pistol (Bullseye) competition with the X-esse. Avoid Sig Trailsides as there is a quality difference. And get a Larry Carter trigger.

Tony's Bullseye Blog: SIG-Hammerli Trailside/X-Esse

I must say that was one of the things that I was considering but after reading the feedback here and getting several very helpful IM's I must say that is far less a consideration than it first was. I have heard a few horror stories about current production guns I'm sort of sad Smith has continued production if they aren't willing to assure the same quality. That being said I am sure there are many great guns out there that are new but it does seem it is a roll of the dice on what you will get. I also understand no matter how much quality is stressed there are always a few that get out the door that shouldn't and I wonder if Smith and Wesson stands behind their product as they should. I have heard a few stories where it sounds like they don't.

I too have had some great results in many of my 22s with Golden bullets. What I won't buy ( even when you couldn't find anything) was Winchester white box and then what I think is even worse the Thunderbolts.

Two beautiful pistols. I can shoot groups like that too but unfortunately when I do you can usually see powder burns on my target.

I have my Dad's early 60s Model 41..... still looks and shoots like new.... well it would if my eyes were better!!!!

I'd go old if you can find one ...... locally.

That's what's been tempting me to buy a new one. I was looking at a friend's 2 year old 41 recently, and was impressed by the finish and lack of tooling marks I see on mine.

The new ones are OK, but the older ones with the solid Walnut grips (not the new laminated versions) are IMHO better. They are not scarce and excellent versions of used M41'a are all over. You will also save about $300 or $400 Bucks! If you are not familiar with the gun, bring someone who is with you if buying a used one.

The good news is that because this is pretty much a target gun only, most are in excellent condition. Mine is 39 years old and has NEVER seen the inside of a holster. The bluing and grips are still pristine! No - it's not for sale