Model 41 Recoil Springs ..

Andy the Aussie · #1 08-15-2009, 12:59 AM

....chatting with a mate about .22s this week and he mentioned that one should not be running high velocity .22 in a Model 41 as the factory recoil spring is set up for .22 target ammunition and the HV will batter the pistol as a result.

This of course leads me to two questions....

1. Is there substance to what he says ?

2. Where can one obtain a stiffer recoil spring for a Model 41 should one wish to use HV .22 ??

Thanks

Andy

rbert0005 · #2 08-15-2009, 07:16 AM

Yes there is. And why would you want to run HV in your 41?

Bob

oldRoger · #3 08-15-2009, 12:18 PM

Andy;
I think the point is that you will not see much velocity increase if any in a short barrel between the various velocity .22lr ammunitions. I think the loads are designed to achieve max. vel in a 16” barrel.
Assuming that to be true there is nothing to gain by shooting hi vel in a M41, S&W says it is OK to do so, but the increased impulse will wear things out more quickly.
Many of us have shot the same M41 for lots of years, I hope to do so for another 20 or so, a little discretion seems in order.
Regards,
Roger.

andyo5 · #4 08-15-2009, 05:53 PM

You might try the Wolfe Springs company in Pennsylvania. They have an internet site.

Andy the Aussie · #5 08-15-2009, 06:50 PM

The particular pistol concerned dates to 1968, I am the third owner (it came to me in 1987), I know both previous owners and that they both used it LOTS, one almost daily for 2 years. It has been ridden hard. I replaced the ejector to get it functioning properly and it has not missed a beat since. The HV question was more academic but there are also times here when that is the only ammunition I can lay my hands on. I will replace the spring(s) but most probably with factory parts.

Notwithstanding the hard use this pistol has had it still shoots better than I.

Thanks for the time guys.

Andy

CGM · #6 08-15-2009, 06:56 PM

Andy,

Wolf springs sells a heavier recoil spring than the normal one. I believe its 7.5 lbs.

Yes, the 41 is meant for sv ammo. But, for years I have used the cheapest available ammo, which usually turns out to be hv. No evident harm to anything. I do use the heavier spring as a precaution....In fact, the heavier spring works with the sv as well in my gun.

Enjoy it with whatever you can get....

Andy the Aussie · #7 08-15-2009, 07:32 PM

Thanks mate....!!

another41 · #8 08-18-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGM

Andy,

Wolf springs sells a heavier recoil spring than the normal one. I believe its 7.5 lbs.

Yes, the 41 is meant for sv ammo. But, for years I have used the cheapest available ammo, which usually turns out to be hv. No evident harm to anything. I do use the heavier spring as a precaution....In fact, the heavier spring works with the sv as well in my gun.

Enjoy it with whatever you can get....

Tell Wolf what you are shooting and they will recommend a Spring.
Enjoy your 41. Shoot it. Wear it out and buy another....but I doubt that will happen. These pistols just Keep On Going.

Iowahunter · #9 08-20-2009, 10:50 AM

I have 2 Model 41's , 1 is mid 60's and the other is early 70's and I picked up the Wolfe Spring pack (stk#131710) from Midway USA for $17.29
Contains a 6, 6.5 and a 7lb spring plus 3 new firing pin springs.
That way you can adjust the spring weight for your ammunition.
I just recieved them this week and hopefully I'll get out to test them soon..

Andy the Aussie · #10 08-21-2009, 07:22 PM

Thanks guys....I was using the 41 in a match yesterday, didn't go so well but that was me and the sight adjustment not the pistols fault. maybe a little better today. I am going to chase up Wolff Springs and see how I get on. This really is a fine old pistol that I have "neglected" for too long (don't fear, I don't mean neglected for it's care, just not used it enough).

Andy