Model 41 trouble reinstalling barrel

Vortec MAX · #1 09-17-2017, 04:17 PM

I bought two S&W model 41 pistols at an estate sale. I disassembled the 5-1/2" model easily. As I was cleaning it, I pushed the barrel catch (pivoting latch with a wedge shaped face) downwards with a q-tip and it locked in the down position. I cannot figure out how to get it tipped back up so that I can reinstall the barrel.

Please help.

Mike

Vortec MAX · #2 09-17-2017, 04:43 PM

I figured it out. There is a bar that slides up and down that is behind the pivoting barrel catch. All I had to do was push down on the top of the bar with a brass punch. The bar seems to be activated when the trigger guard is pivoted up or down, but it was kind of stuck. I added a few drops of oil and worked the trigger guard a few times. Seems to be working now.

Mike

505Gibbs · #3 09-17-2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vortec MAX

I figured it out. There is a bar that slides up and down that is behind the pivoting barrel catch. All I had to do was push down on the top of the bar with a brass punch. The bar seems to be activated when the trigger guard is pivoted up or down, but it was kind of stuck. I added a few drops of oil and worked the trigger guard a few times. Seems to be working now.

Mike

That's a good catch on your part. Hopefully some of us remeber when the question gets asked again & it WILL!
Any chance of adding a pic of the bar in question?

Barrie · #4 09-17-2017, 09:30 PM

I agree as a picture would tell us a lot. Remember a pic is 10,000 words or so. Sometimes a lot more even.

kidcom · #5 09-17-2017, 10:10 PM

I believe he is referring to the Pawl and Pawl Cam

Vortec MAX · #6 09-17-2017, 10:57 PM

Here is a pic of the "pawl" in the down position (you cannot install the barrel with it this way). The brass pointer is pointing to the part I was trying to describe in my original post.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1505703132

In this pic, the brass pointer is pointing to the "pawl cam." Putting downward pressure here fixed the problem and the pawl tipped up so that the barrel could be reinstalled.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1505703157

By the way, sorry for the dirty gun, but I just got back from the range and saw the request for pics. You will have to forgive me.

And as a bonus, here is a pic of the two Model 41 pistols I bought at an estate sale yesterday.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1505703165

Mike