Please tell me about the screw(s) which hold the muzzle brake/ false muzzle on the Model 41 barrel
1. How long are the screws?
2. Are the screws the same length for both parts?
3. What is the thread practice?
4. Are the screw heads slotted, Phillips, or Allen?
5. Is the Smith & Wesson part number 6511?
Hi Bob!
I’m afraid that I can’t all five question but here’s my best shot:
1) 3/8” long by 1/8” diameter
2) Yes
3) ? Don’t have a pitch gauge but very fine machine threads. I’d guess 40tpi.
4) slotted. The head is cylindrical, flat headed and polished & blued to match the M41’s finish.
5) yes. If you have a time machine, It’s #6511 muzzle break screw $0.10 in 1959.
Bastogne71 covered the key points on these screws - 3/8 by 1 1/8" slotted head - same for both.
A few comments. The screws are fairly rare and too often the wrong screwdriver messes them up, affecting the looks and value of an otherwise mint to near mint piece. That is why I have kept a few original screws in new condition. I have recommended that the brake be removed and replaced with the False muzzle to protect the bbl tip and to save the Brake as it is no help to accuracy and cruds up quickly and is generally damaged (finish) in cleaning. The screw is best replaced with a hex head screw to save the original and damage to the brake or false muzzle.
I used to sell a kit of 3 hex screws and hex wrench to provide the suggested protection. The demand has since dropped off, so I have not offered them in some years, as with other 41/46 parts.