I am interested in a M41. I understand the older models have less trouble than the newer ones. It seems I read somewhere that the models produced with the A serial number were very good plus the ones up to the year 2000. Is this basically a good assumption? What guns with model numbers not to buy? Definitely do not want a brand new one. I hear those are being sent back to S&W from the buyers. Thanks to all.

Yes some of the older ones seem to be better built for sure but most of the New ones are quite good as well. I have a 1958 year gun myself that is NOT For Sale as it runs so Good. I would say the conscences would be to buy the older the better as they are cheaper to purchase as well. Most any year from the early 60's and 70's will serve you fine unless they have been run over by a Garbage truck 4000 times. I suspect they could take that abuse and maybe survive for most of it.

A broad statement that a model 41 will have problems, new or old. Shoot the proper ammo and you should be fine. Otherwise, the mother ship will make it right.

The proper ammo generally is CCI-SV only. Never use HV in these guns and never dry fire them as well.

I think one reason that the perception that the older Smith & Wessons are better is that any pistol that had a problem has been sent back to S&W or to a good gunsmith for repair. The bad ones have been culled. In addition to that the older pistols have been fired enough to break in and smooth out the actions.
That said, the new M41 finish is no where near as good as the older hand polished models.

I have a new one and I can attest that new is very good. Same feel in the hand as the old ones as far as I can tell. Very accurate no failures yet after >1000 rounds

helix142 Welcome to the Forum. You bought a very fine handgun for sure. Glad you are enjoying yours.

I have a Model 41 that was made in May of 2010. I bought it used and had problems with it and it was sent back to S & W . Worked for awhile after getting it back and then started having same problems again. Well ,this time i sent it to a gunsmith. I only use cci-sv and I've only put about 500rds through it since i've owned it.

Might help if you stated what your problem was, I would guess there's at least 10,000+ out there that run like a dream compared to 1 or 2 with function issues. Just sayin
Vinny

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"GUNS UP"

I suspect you are not all that far off on your repair no.s on the model 41. Mine's a 1958 and is just starting to get broken in nicely. They really are a long lasting gun if shot with the correct ammo in them.

I have a new one and have been very impressed with the quality so far. I have only fired about 200 rounds at this point, but it's definitely accurate, and I couldn't have asked for a better trigger from the factory, 2 pounds 8 and a half ounces.

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279