My friend, a very accomplished pistolsmith, told me that Smith and Wesson updated the ejector in Model 41s to make it eject the empty shell sooner in the cycle than the early models. Does anybody know when this was done and how to tell if an ejector is an early or late model. Thanks.

Cubicleslug Welcome to the Forum from Canada. Myself I am not sure when but I am sure someone will be along who will be able to give you the correct answer shortly.

To be honest I've disassembled many 41s and 46s right down to the last screw and I don't recall any difference in the ejector. However, I'll look into this matter and see what I can find out for you.

Hi,
The ejector is simply a notch cut in the upper part of the slide hold open lever. It's easy to see, even with the barrel in place. With the slide locked back, just look through the right side between the breech face and chamber.
On the early M41s, this notch is very much towards the rear. On the later M41s the notch is approximately in the middle.

Attached is a photo of the old style part, with the notch close to the rear.
Personally, it's my opinion that this part is one if the weaknesses of the M41 and is a big contributor to it's reputation for unreliability. S&W, in the process of copying the Walther Olympia, should have used a separate ejector.
But, too late to change that. It is possible to tune the ejection by slightly bending the ejector tab upwards to achieve an ejection that is straighter to the right. If you try this, I suggest buying a spare part to work with. You may have to dress down the top edge afterwards to keep it from dragging on the bottom of the slide.

Best Wishes,
Jim

Attached Images

image.jpg (53.5 KB, 118 views)

ooops my fault, I was thinking of the extractor....

6string's description is correct, however the cut varies slightly in position for both styles as much as 1/32". It is not unusual to find early 41 bbls with a cutout starting at the chamber, back about 1" about 1/2 way thru the bbl extension to try to improve ejection. This modification has several variations based on who did it. The 41-1 (22 short) slide stop/ejector is about as short as the LR id deep.

The S&W 41 and 46s have had many modifications of interest including barrels, grips, magazines, sights, weights, including the Loveless with an exposed hammer.

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TOMBECK

There were a few changes to the stop, i can only guess the one you are asking about.. The extractor length was changed in the 40000 serial range to change the ejection. The cut was shortened to allow the case to be ejected earlier..
Cheers

Thank you to Aussie Collector for the information about the Model 41 ejector modification.

The early ejector cut was 1/2" deep (back) and the later 5/16". These may vary +- 1/32".
The 41-1 cut is about 1/8" deep. As noted by AC, results in earlier ejection. Not common, but not highly unusual to see a cut in the barrel extension starting at the chamber on the right side about 1/2 way thru back about 1" in order to improve ejection

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TOMBECK

Thanks, 6string, for the photo. If that is an early slide stop/ejector, mine is clearly a later model. Yours has the ejector face at about one eighth of the distance and mine is at about three eighths. I have found the slide stop/ejector is very important in proper functioning. My 41 works fine now, after much fitting, but the last problem was failure to eject and closure on a fired case. Tried a Wolff six pound spring and things improved. Thanks again for your help. cubicleslug