Model 41 with 4 1/2" barrel

[mike-uswest]

A friend brought me a model 41 with smooth grips, non-checkered, and the barrel is 4 1/2" from chamber to muzzle. I have tried it and it shoots nice and looks in very good condition. the serial # TAH2866. I have not been able to find any thing about one with that short of a barrel. He just wanted me to look it over and let him know what I think of it. It appears to be a standard production model. Is this a rare model or what is the history on it?

Mike

[Bullet Bob]

Mike, just to be exact, I'm assuming you measured from the breech face to the muzzle, not from where the chamber ends to the muzzle.

Sounds like a custom job, but people like myself who don't know much are always amazed to find out what was available from the factory for the right people.

Guessing is fun and popular, but I think pictures in this case would help quite a bit.

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

[Housepuss]

Welcome to the forum. Nice to hear from another Oregonian.

In 1984 the triple alpha serial numbers started. Based upon your serial number prefix I would say it left the factory in 1985. No information on that barrel length. I seriously doubt it came from the factory that way.

[505Gibbs]

We'll never know without the proverbial 'letter'!!

[Jim Watson]

Knifemaker Bob Loveless cut some M41s down to 4.5" barrels, but they sure don't look stock.

[mike-uswest]

Originally Posted by Bullet Bob

Mike, just to be exact, I'm assuming you measured from the breech face to the muzzle, not from where the chamber ends to the muzzle.

Sounds like a custom job, but people like myself who don't know much are always amazed to find out what was available from the factory for the right people.

Guessing is fun and popular, but I think pictures in this case would help quite a bit.

Welcome to the S&W Forum.

It is from the breech face to the muzzle. It looks to be factory, no signs of being other work on it.

[824tsv]

"It is from the breech face to the muzzle. It looks to be factory, no signs of being other work on it."
This is going to require a pic!

[mike-uswest]

I'm not greatly computer savvy, tried to post pictures, but not sure how to do it.

[mike-uswest]

I hope this works.

[824tsv]

Here's a pic of my 5" Field Barrel for comparison

[4barrel]

I like it but the top and bottom are different flavors.

[Farmer17]

Bob Loveless guns were intended to be the ultimate .22 handgun to take on trail but have target grade accuracy. It could be one of his or something similar from another gunsmith but whatever it is, it's very cool!

[mmande]

It looks, from the dull finish, to me like a 7" model 46 barrel shortened and the front sight remounted somehow. A picture of the front sight from the top would help.
Just my opinion;
Mike

[4T5GUY]

It’s pretty cool regardless. What does the barrel crown look like?

Doubtful it’s a Loveless or a factory option, but it seems to be a quality job.

The first three pictures are of my 41 that Bob did, the last is an unusual one Bob did that recently sold on Gunbroker, (for $6,136.00.) Every one that he did was different but he insisted on doing a few things the same, notably a reworked/exposed hammer.

Jim

[mike-uswest]

Wanted to get these on, leaving tomorrow for a few days.model 41 # 2 001.jpg

model 41 # 2 002.jpg

model 41 # 2 003.jpg

[Bullet Bob]

If you have time when you get back, pictures of the front sight area from a couple of angles would be interesting, as its much more likely to show any work that may have been done than the rear sight.

[gwpercle]

Front sight would be helpful .
Gary

[Jim Watson]

Yes, front sight will be the key. Rear sight is 7" style.

Smooth grips are not likely factory, at least I've never seen such. They are slim enough to have been cut down from factory.

[mike-uswest]

Some not great.