I’m intrigued by this pistol... I only wish the seller would come down on the price: way high! -no box, one 12-rd magazine. Shipped 12/92.

I have zero experience with this model but, it seems like it would be a fun range “plinker.” I’d love to bring it along on my next range outing with my favorite range buddy... my 85 year old dad.

What say you with M-41 experience?
-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

Here is a winner for sure.

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Makes one wonder, “Where is that pistol now?!

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

Seller must like it an awful lot.. $1600 for a laser etched 41..or just plain crazy..

I know it’s hard to say from only pictures, but do you have any thoughts on approximate value?

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

1/2 asking price.

If I was in the market, this would ring the bell.Model 41 S&W - Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com : 869267862

I would bet that Jerry and Kay Miculek now have it.
Kay is Mr. Clark's daughter.

I see them for $1,000 to $1,200 in this area. Just today I saw a distributor price of $1,400 for a new Model 41, retail was $1,600 plus. I used to be a serious shooter and the gun is up to the task. If you are a plinker, then a Victory .22 may be more appropriate.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

I have a late 90's version - it is my favorite pistol. I bought it new, paying about $650 for it. Going price for one like mine (used) is around $800-$1,000, maybe more due to the virus-induced gun shortage. I think $1600 is still a little too much!

That's way overpriced, in my opinion...I wonder if the seller built in some room for haggling?

A friend bought one NIB the other day. IIRC, it was made around 2008. He paid $1100 and brought it over yesterday for it's initiation. Lots of fun.

If it ever stops raining, and you feel like driving 3 hours one way to save $500, Collector's Firearms in Houston has a few Model 41s that you can get for around $1,000. You can save a few dollars negotiating in person. Or just buy it online. Collectors only carries quality stuff. Can't hurt to call and ask them about what they have and if they will shave a few dollars off the asking price, but this is not the time for bargains on firearms. They had dozens of first, second and third gens a few months ago and are down to only a few now. PM if you have trouble finding them.

M41's are certainly fine guns, and I even own a couple of them. However, they can be a bit ammo sensitive and I've been advised to stick with SV as using HV ammo in them may beat them up a bit.

I don't consider them as "plinkers". I may take them along if I wanted to try to fit in at some high-falutin' fancy-pants gun club, or something, but for woods walking, general holster carry, and range work there are better options.

I find that my Ruger MkIV Target, after upgrading it with Volquartsen trigger, sear, sights and firing pin, shoots as well as my M41's at around one third the price (modifications included), or 1/4 the asking price for the one that you're showing. I don't worry too much about dinging it up, and it is sooo much easier to disassemble and clean than most other "plinkers". -S2

I have a early 70's model 41 and it and other 41's I have shot have all been delights to shoot. That price seems about 3-4 hundred too high but that might just be me. Some 41's seem to be ammo sensitive but mine is happy with what ever I have tried, that being said I shoot CCI SV almost exclusively.

Thanks for the suggestion, Rick. I’ve bought firearms from Collectors’ when they were still on Fondren. I haven’t been to the new location. I’m sure it’s just as impressive as the former locale.

I think I might try to haggle this one down a bit before traveling to buy, there. I do a lot of business with these folks; I appreciate the feedback on what the market is actually commanding, these days.

When I do head to Houston, I’ll see my folks (both in their 80s) and hopefully get to the range with my dad.

-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

It all depends on how patient a person can be. I would certainly think that a pretty nice one could be had for $1000 - $1100. I happened on mine, a 2007 model a few years back for $800 plus tax. It was virtually like new, but no box or papers with it. I knew immediately that I had better jump on it. They are such a quality pistol, and yes they can be used as a plinker. Let us know when you get yours purchased please.

$1,600 for a M41 is crazy! Unless the prices have gone up recently, that vintage should sell for about $1,000.

My M41 (1979 vintage) is in pristine condition, has the original box, all paperwork and tools and I would never imagine I could get that much for mine - not that it's for sale.

Pass and keep looking.

Others have given you feedback on the pricing, so I'll just offer the following to answer the rest of your question.

I haven't owned one of these, but I had the pleasure of shooting one owned by a friend. It is a marvelous pistol, supremely accurate, and with no discernible recoil due to its design and precision manufacturing. Shooting it gives you the feeling you are operating a classic piece of world-class American technology, and the term "plinking" almost seems an insult when applied to using a Model 41 -- although the pleasures of being able to accurately hit anything you aim at are definitely a good reason to buy the gun. It's a target pistol, though, designed as such. I will guarantee you a big smile on your face after the first few rounds you put downrange. Let us know if you buy it, and give us a range report.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Point taken.

Thank you for the responses, everyone. You've shared some real experience with regard to pricing on the used market and your fondness for this design, along with a cautionary word for ammunition to be used.

I enjoy a good deal as much as the next guy, but I like to know where the fair common ground price lies before I show up with cash-in-hand. As I mentioned earlier, I have bought many firearms from these folks and need only to peruse the spreadsheet or peer into the safe to be reminded of many deals that were, I hope, mutually favorable. (This is a business I want to see succeed; I know the owner, and am a patron for a reason.)

As always, I appreciate the shared knowledge and experience here!
-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

I would argue that an FFL that marks a firearm up by 100% of its value needs to be boycotted as often as possible as it is not a business I would like to see succeed. There's simply no reason to try and gouge anyone like that.

There are FFL's out there that would really appreciate your business and to prove it to you, they won't ever disrespect you by asking you to pay double what a firearm is worth. Just sayin'...

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Ban this man,
'89

PM me if you might be interested. If this is allowed. 1960’s no box.

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They are great pistols, a bit heavy for my liking and are ammo picky/specif. CCI SV is the go to ammo.


You can buy a new one for less then that "used" one and there is not a whole hill of beans difference!!. Some will say the old ones are better. Then what I don't know??. A new one has a warranty and will shoot better then 99.99% of any person.


I prefer my Ruger MK II's and SW Victory for range shooting.


"Smith Wesson Model 41" For Sale - Buds Gun Shop

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Still Running Against the Wind

In terms of the experience, target shooting, mine has been (on the early models):

excellent control and handling characteristics, due to weight and ergonomics;

trigger is fairly crisp; once you identify the break, you can continue to practice and push the distance out to 50 yards. Over time, you can push it out further once you identify bullet drop and practice to 75-100 yards;

of the S&W semi-auto .22's, this is the best in my opinion. I personally do not own one currently, but have shot easily ~15K rounds through them. Good luck either way; this has been my subjective experience.

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Rather be outdoors

I go plinking with my '51 Colt Match Target, doesn't seem to be offended..doubt a Smith 41 cares either..

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I totally get why some cringe when they hear plinking and Smith & Wesson model 41 used in the same sentence. Plinking is just a form of having fun while shooting, and a pistol with nice heft and balance, a quality set of sights, an excellent trigger pull, and is known to be easily disassembled for cleaning after shooting can only enhance the fun.

This is a good thread, and lots of good comments and information is being shared.

I dont think you can go wrong with a 41 of that vintage, I have a late 80's I purchased new and I dont seem to have to ammo problems that folks talk about

I paid 1/2 of what you are being
Ask for this 41 off of GB a year ago.
You need to shop else where.
And it came in performance
Center case.

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A model 41 is a serious gun built for serious competition. If you are insistent on top accuracy it will meet the challenge. If you are satisfied with keeping all your shots on a paper plate at 25 yards, you can get by with a considerably less expensive, Either way, the price quoted is above the norm, by at least $400.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Seems high, my LGS has one for $1,000.

Y’all are missing an important fact here. The OP is talking about a M41-1 which is 22 Short only. I doubt that there are many for sale in your LGS, especially for $800. It is a rare bird and the price is probably in line.

Way too high. A few weeks ago, a LGS here had one like new with 7 3/8" barrel in the box with all the goodies for $1,000, and another like new in the original box with all three LR barrels, weights, muzzle brake and two magazines for $1,999. The spare barrels go for $400-$500 each, so you can see where the price should be.

Ignore my last post, I saw 41-1 when it wasn’t there. My bad. I’ll agree, the price is too high.

I just recently purchased this M41 (vintage 1971) from a forum member for less than $1,000. No box and I'd say 95% plus. I could not be happier! I've done a ton of reading about them and know all about the ammo and magazines being hit/miss.

The pistol came with 2 magazines and after a few hundred rounds and zero FTFs I wanted to buy a few more mags. Well, the vintage mags are expensive so I decided to push my luck with new factory mags. To my surprise, I've since put over 1,000 rounds through the gun (with both new and vintage mags) and still have not had a single FTF - even with the new magazines. I absolutely LOVE this pistol.

And BTW, I can't find any CCI SV so I've been shooting the Federal SV auto loader ammo exclusively as I have few thousand rounds available.

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Pass it on.
Mark

I don't think so???

I re-checked the First post and it is definitely a .22 L.R. Mod 41 Not a 41.01 .22 Short

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

Everybody likes M-41's to some extent. It has a few quirks, a stiff safety being the most prominent, plus occasional ammunition preference, but you will like it, just as every other M-41 owner does for its exquisite trigger and accuracy. If price on this one is too high, find another one. They are not rare, and it's hard to go wrong on a used one.

Guys, just for the record, what I said about "plinking" didn't come across as I had intended. No offense intended to anyone, and yes, the main reason to go shooting is for the sheer fun of it, regardless of what pistol you choose. So, my fault for being imprecise with language.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Model 41's are like a beautiful woman .
They cost a lot , are high maintenance , require lots of attention but ...
they sure are fun to be with !

Yes I have one ... after going through Clark's Custom Guns for a target trigger job and reliability tune up ...she's just a magical think to shoot ... she makes me smile !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Well said. My two went to Alex Hamilton for action work and Walther-Lothar barrel liners.

I couldn't ask for nicer. 22s.

They are on my "never sell" list.

That's what I remember not liking, and it's size exacerbates the problem.

It is more of a competition/range gun than a plinker - and I would guess that I have used the safety a total of 5 times at the range since I bought mine 22 years ago. No much use for a safety on a competition gun, and while the criticism concerning the safety is true, it is somewhat of a moot point for most who shoot a 41.

I bought my M 41 38 years ago. You'll cringe if I tell you how much I paid for her.
I shot it off and on for about a year then put it away for 35 years.
It made it's way back in the line up about two years ago.

Sometimes I shoot these Aguila Colibri subsonic 430 fps and the Super Colibri @ 590 fps.

Very accurate at 30ft and they hardly make a noise.

You can only shoot one at a time so I just load one round in the mag.

It's a great weapon if you have the $ buy it. You only live once!

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Within striking range...
-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

I have started using the Eley bulk boxed SV ammo from CMP and found that it is more reliable but just as accurate as CCI SV in my 41’s.

My son just bought one of the new 7 3/8" versions, shoots as well as I remembered.

I paid retail price...$131.50 for a 7 3/8" in 1972. I also had a 5" field barrel version that came in an S&W factory box as a complete pistol. The guy I sold it to still has it, he even lets me shoot it if I'm polite

Well you've got me beat. I paid $250.00 for mine ten years later.

Really no matter how much you pay for one it's all reflective of the dollar at the time.

I just spent $1698.00 at the Honda dealership for a few
maintenance items for a 2001 Honda Accord with 82,000 miles.
They did everything in one day.

Slap my face, "I could a had another 41"

If I was in the mood to buy one it wouldn't be for the least expensive price unless it was the variation of the M41 I wanted.

41s are special...you can never have too many. I've shot one competitively for many years. I currently have two, with a bunch of extra barrels.
Bob

I see you corrected your wording. I have and love my M41. It is accurate and easy to shoot well. But it is suggested NOT to shoot cheaper HV ammo. Only SV and can be picky. For informal shooting there are much cheaper and less finicky pistols. Browning Buckmarks and Rivers. My Buckmark Target went about 30 years before needing its first part, shoots all 22lr ammo.

Doh!...
I hadn’t thought to ask this at the beginning of this thread:

Is there compatibility of magazines throughout the years?

The subject of my original post shipped in ‘92 and has one 12-round magazine with the orange follower.

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

I’m happy to say I got it for $850.
And, a nearby LGS had a 12-round magazine for $20!

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

I’m glad to see that you got it at a reasonable price! And a 12 round magazine for a third of what it should have cost is the cherry on top!

My M41 shoots CCI standard velocity ammo much more accurate than I can hold the pistol. It’s the most commonly recommended ammunition for the M41.

A word of warning! Model 41’s are very addictive. Next you’ll be looking for another length barrel, optical sights, or a red dot.