Recently I’ve got back into shooting my .22’s, (mostly because I have a huge supply of ammo.)

All of my .22 pistols are vintage and have the different barrel options if available. This includes my 41. I have a representation of all the factory barrels, (except the EFS but that one doesn’t interest me.) None are drilled and tapped.

After shooting yesterday my match grade barrel/scoped Sport King is the most accurate. I decided to get a 41 barrel that is drilled and tapped so I could put an optic on it. I haven’t been paying recent attention to 41 barrels and was shocked that I just couldn’t order/buy one. Anywhere. I don’t think I want or need a Clark one.

What happened to 41 barrel production? Is this a new issue or has it been going on for a while? Even used ones seem unobtainable.

Jim

IMO with the current manufacturing situation it really doesn't surprise me. S&W is making their most popular models right now due to the demands out there AND they never made a lot of 41's during more 'normal' times so having 'spare' barrels to sell shouldn't come as a real surprise.
Watch this forum - they appear occasionally.

I had a good Model 41 collection with every barrel. I sold all but one, and kept the original barrel, but I shoot it with a Clark barrel.

The Clark barrel is excellent for shooting tiny groups. I would recommend the Clark barrel to anyone wanting to shoot their Model 41 without malfunctions.

I truly doubt that the beloved M41 is a top selling S&W these days. More than likely shooters in the market for 22 pistols are buying less expensive models from S&W, Ruger, Browning, etc. Therefore it is understandable as to why S&W has cut back on M41 barrels.

The most accurate and easy to shoot barrel for me personally is a 5" Sport/Field barrel that I picked up brand new a few years ago. One of our LGS's bought 4 of them (from a collector) from the late 50's or early 60's and they were still in the Factory packaging. I purchase one and since that time I have never put the original 5 1/2 Bull barrel back on the gun.

Ironically, I paid more for just the Field /Sport barrel than I paid for the entire gun back in 1979. I was happy to do so for the unused Factory bbl.