Hello all, I felt it necessary to write a follow up to my recent Model 41 purchase, as my first post was bordering on negative.

At any rate, I have now taken her for 2 range outings. I have also bought 3 more new mags, for what I feel are reasonably priced. I own many pistols, and the mags for this gun, are very low priced.

The replacement mags, seem to be identiacal to the new ones provided with the gun. The mag spring is very strong, however, they seem to function well out of the package. I usually let mags sit for several days, loaded to capacity, however, I didn't have the time, and luckily, there was no need.

At the range, I started by feeding it the recommended diet, of CCI SV 40g LRN. She runs like a champ. I had one FTE, which was my first round, and none others to date. Even the very first trip out had zero feed or eject issues. I will chalk that up to tight, cold chamber, or simply new gun.

The "repair" that I made to the pin, ( #69 in schematic) has been trouble free.
Smith and Wesson did send me 2 new pins, but I will not change it until I need to.

The accuracy is beyond good. I have a lot of 1911 experience, and due to that, the gun points very naturally for me. The grips are a tad thicker than I normally would like, but based on how well I have been shooting it, I am reluctant to change them.
I am able to get accuracy from open sights, that I would require a dot sight from anything else. For example, my Ruger Target, with which I have shot over 10k rounds, has a dot sight. It is extremely accurate, and based on familiarity, I shoot it well.
I used them both side by side, and I was as accurate, or even more so, with my 41. I found this surprising, based on the fact that the 41 is so new to me, and my Ruger is like an old comfortable shoe. The trigger is night and day. I like the small amount of take up, and the light, creep free pull. My guess is that it is near 2# currently. I will put a gauge on it, after it has a thousand rounds or so on it. No need at present.

The mag release is a little tucked behind the grip. I may like an extended version if one is available. It's not horrible, but for me, I could use some more length to it. Also, the mags don't drop cleanly. You sort of hit the release, then dig it out. My guess is the mag disco is working against a clean release.
Do the older model 41's also sport a mag disco? Is it possible to disconnect the disconnector?

Also the safety is a touch on the stiff side. I took off the grip, oiled it up, and started working it. I am sure that will loosen up.

As far as cycling ammo, I use CCI SV 40g LRN, which I intend to keep feeding it, but I also tried others. I used Federal Auto Match, which is 40g LRN. It is not full HV, but it is faster than SV. It fed, chambered, ejected and cycled 100%. For the heck of it, I also fed CCI 36g CPHP HV ammo, as well as Federal Game Shock, 38G CPHP. All ammo worked fine for slow fire, and rapid fire.
I will not use HV ammo as a rule, but I wanted to see how picky this pistol is. So far, it ate everything well.

All in all, this appears to be a high quality pistol. As far as Smith and Wesson using "worn out tooling" as I have read, I am not sure if this has any truth. The finish is good, and the fit is also good. Maybe on the tight side, but I prefer tight when new, than a sloppy mess that can only get worse.

I am glad I bought this gun. I am also glad, I bought it last, as opposed to getting it as my first 22lr pistol. If I had, everything else would be somewhat of a disappointment. Is it my favorite? I can't answer that for a year or so. I happen to like some of my other pistols a lot too, even though they are not up to this gun's standards.

In closing, even though the earlier guns were better done, the new ones are not poorly made at all. If you were to compare any manufactured product, you would see changes along the way. This is no different.

I also appreciate that the slide is drilled and tapped for optics, if I choose to go that way.

I believe this gun, the Smith and Wesson Model 41 is still relevant. Yes, there are less expensive guns to buy, but if you compare, you will see where the additional cost goes.

Kind regards

Rich

Everything on the gun seems to be settling in.

I had a 41 many years ago and it truly is an excellent target pistol. It is good that you resolved the issues with your new production 41. Based on your assessment of the new guns, I would not be afraid to purchase one.

EWK Arms makes an extended mag release for around $14 plus shipping.

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

Thank you Tom S for the info. Yes indeed, an extended slide release will make this great gun even better. As disappointed as I was on day one, is as happy as I am now. 14 plus dollars is a small price to make her my way.

I will write S and W, to tell them my feedback. After I checked with several gun stores, I find that the loose fit in the container causes shipping issues at times.

The fix would be very easy, and very inexpensive, simply add an additional piece of foam to keep the pistol centered in the case, and prevent it from sliding, and shredding up the foam and case and oil paper.

After I install the extended release, I need to research removing the thumb cut on the right side. I did however let a range buddy fire it, who is a lefty, and he loved the grip, and feel. He was impressed with the accuracy and trigger. Interesting that Smith got the ambi grip that good, where other companies fail. Now I will make it righty only.

Thank you all

Rich

Thank you, Rich, for the very comprehensive review of this classic S&W pistol. It's encouraging that S&W still deems this one worthy of continued production and at a price that is reasonable for what one gets. I've only ever had a chance to shoot a M41 (the 5.5" barrel version) on one occasion thanks to a friend at the range I go to, and it was pure pleasure. I do intend to get one someday, but in the meantime, I run a 6" 2206 barrel that is very accurate as well and I don't have to handle it carefully to keep it unmarred.

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