Hi all,
I'm in the market for a Model 41 with a 7" barrel. The last one I owned was a 1969 model, purchased new. It was a 5" (5 12"?) Bull barrel with an extendable front sight...an option no longer available. As usual, I'm sorry for selling it.

What are your experiences with brand new model 41's? Around here (RI) new or old seem to be just about the same price. It's difficult to impossible to get the history of the very few used guns that I've seen so I'm looking at brand new.

If you don't want to answer on the forum, feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

Check out this recent thread.....

New 41 or look used?

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Read that ^^ all the way to the end. I did a fairly long reply with my experiences and stuff I learned over the last 29 years of owning a 1990 made M41.

I also don't feel ike retyping it, but yes, there is a cutoff point where the 'one gunsmith, one M41, from start to finish' was phased out.

Wet

I did a search but did not see that. Thanks...reading now.

Let me add that, between me & the wife we have three Ruger Mark IV pistols, two target...one Blue & one stainless, a 22/45 Lite, and two High Standard pistols from the mid 50's and early Sixty's. My '66 HS Supermatic Trophy out-shoots anything I have ever owned.
Am I just being nostalgic about my old 41? Don't know but I think I'll start to concentrate on a pre-90 model.

Also, all of my revolvers are pre 1972.

Once again, thanks for your opinions/experiences!

Dan

I have a 1964 era 41 with compensated barrel and 5 1/2” barrel I’m gonna list as soon as I can come up with a price. Stay tuned.

I myself went used when I got my M41 due to the price at the time. Almost impossible to wear out and are extremely accurite as well. The savings on the money has bought me a lot of ammo over the years needless to say.

The 41 is gonna have to wait a while longer...went to take a look at one at a local shop but it was well worn and scoped. Not something I'm interested in at all. However, sitting next to it in the display case was a '79 High Standard Victor in 98% condition with original box and paperwork so...

The Model 41 is just about the last older designed S&W that they haven't stunk up too too badly yet. The M41 finish is not as nice as the old highly polished Blue, the Grips are no longer solid Walnut - instead they are basically laminated plywood, and the magazines that come with the new ones are IMHO junk. They are way too thin and very cheaply made as compared to the old ones with the metal followers.

That said the basic design is about the same and they seem to shoot fairly well - although IMO the new triggers are not as light as the older versions out of the box. The one plus about buying a new one is that is comes with a lifetime warranty that at some point you might need.

Personally I would opt for a good vintage model that has been cared for (many of them have as they are coveted by their owners) and not only would you be getting a "prettier" gun but a nicer well made one as well. Just be prepared to buy used metal follower Mag's at $50 - $60 each if you want more of them because the new current production Mag's usually won't work or even fit in the vintage guns.

From what I've seen as of late, you can still get a very very nice vintage M41 with the original Mag's and sometimes the box & tools too for under $1,000. The new ones are about $400 more I believe. Your choice of course but IMHO why not get a better quality, better looking and made gun for $400 bucks less. I suppose that is a subjective decision of course.....

I wouldn't purchase a new production Model 41 for the simple fact that I could not justify spending over $1,000 on a current production 22LR plinker. A classic collectable Model 41 in perfect working order and extremely nice shape, perhaps. Ruger and other companies make equally nice little 22 blasters for way less and I can't see how a 41 would be that much more accurate given the nature of the ammo. Consider what you're getting in value compared to what you pay in price.

I’ve been very happy with my 2009 example. There are some ammos it doesn’t like but feed it CCI SV and it will sing all day.

I think you've confirmed the thoughts on the newer M41s pretty effectively.

Great plinker, but not your daddy's bullseye pistol. Well made, and the matte finish arguably goes better with a suppressor, but it lacks the highly polished blue that appealed, and still appeals, to many shooters over 50.

I have the habit of buying 2 new mags every year for my M41. My 41 is a 1st year issue build and the new mags work quite well in it at all times. Same goes for my M46 as well.

The M-41 can be very finicky.

I like to shoot CCI SV up to CCI segmented HP.

When I shoot CCI SV the OEM recoil spring is installed.

Anything else, the recoil buffer and a different wolf spring is installed.

My 41 loves Rem Thunderbolt and CCI SV when it's on sale.

Attached Images

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Yes - some (most) are ammo finicky. That said, I personally know at least 12 - 13 M41 owners including myself, and ALL OF THEM do seem to function perfectly with the CCI standard velocity fodder. I am unaware of anyone who owns a M41 who can say that with other brands - but I would guess some do get lucky.

Since CCI is a very popular brand and can be found anywhere, I do not look upon this truism as a hinderance. While the CCI label does cost a bit more, it also gives incredible accuracy - so I see no real down-side.

Mine work well with Eley Tenex. Never tried the CCI stuff. Might have to shoot a box or two.
Bob



The new PC 41 is an awesome pistol. This one is a keeper. It groups and functions well with RWS R50 and Eley Tenex


Bob

Is there is any real difference in a 41 PC model and standard model other then the rail, grips and logo?

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Cranky Old Retired USN Guy