At the Rock Island Auction on 24 June they sold a 5 1/2” heavy barrel model 41 with a compensator. I know there’s nothing impossible when collecting anything from S&W but this is a variation I’ve never heard of. It appears that the muzzle has been machined to fit the comp and the barrel drilled & tapped for the retaining screw. The comp would be put into the machined recess and secured with the screw. Could this be a factory made option or is it a aftermarket change? Any help is welcome.

Pictures are still up on Rock Islands completed auctions web site. Look up lot #1139 on 24 June 2022 auction.

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SWCA #3526

The only M41 I have ever personally seen with a Factory Comp. was the 7" bbl. version. That does not mean they never tried it on the 5" version, but I am unaware of it if they have. Since the pistol has been made for 5 decades, anything is possible.

Definitely a lot of effort to fit the brake and very nicely done. First 5 1/2 heavy barrel I've seen like this. Interestingly the serial number puts the frame just after the introduction of the heavy barrel and just before the release of the extendable front sight....