Hi

I started to love 22 shooting recently and have an interest in a model 41. My LGS has a old 5.5'' and a brand new production 7''.

I asked him which to choose and he said the old one is from the 1990s and in no way in his mind superior to the brand new production. The 1950s 60s guns maybe better but not 1990s necessarily. True? Your experience?

I put a hold on the 7'' for now. Looks good, feels good and I am curious how accurate that is really going to be.

I heard about more variances in the brand new ones meaning you can get a dudd?

I like it to be accurate but also reliable enough cycling.

I do like to try it in steel challenge from time to time as well in rotation with my trusty tricked out Ruger 22/45.

What can you tell me, great gun, must have, new/old or better move on to something else?

Thanks much

The 41 is a marvelous specimen of old school craftsmanship. For steel challenge? I'd leave it at home. Seriously. A MK II, MK IV, BM or the new Smith Victory would be a much better choice IMO.

For pride of ownership and to show it off to your buds the 41is up there with the best. Remember the 41 was designed in the late 1940's. Machine tools and machinists were much different then. You did ask. bob

Really? How are those entry level guns superior to a M41 for SC?
Assuming iron sights and stock configuration.

I am not a great steel shooter but I doubt I am held back by my M41.
Or Supermatic, either.

I have a recent version of the Model 41 with 5.5" barrel that shipped from the factory on June 20, 2016. I couldn't ask for a better gun. It's accurate and functions great. The trigger is fantastic.

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__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

*I* use 1990 as the cut-off date for old and new. Laser ergraving is a quick 'tell', but the changes took place over a couple of years along with the complaints.

My 1990 M41 is roll stamped and has run perfectly since I got it in 1991. A buds 1991 is laser engraved and had 'issues' to finally get it to 100%.

I would not trade my well used M41 for 2 newer production M41s.

Prior to 1990 they were hand fitted/assembled by one gunsmith, start to finish. Now, they are pretty much just assembled from parts piles, with very little (if any), hand fitting.

No wonder that many older 41s are selling for more than brand new ones. They had that attention to detail while being built that the new ones seem to lack and seem to be more 'luck of the draw when buying one.

Rob

I have owned 2 1980 time period 41 pistols and my current 2007 manufactured pistol, and other than finish I can't tell any difference.

The Model 41 makes an excellent Steel Challenge platform. Here are a few examples...