Originally Posted by Bastogne71

The model 41 has changed very little since its introduction in September 1957. There have been a few minor changes since then but here are some of the major changes:

September 1957 the model 41 started regular production models starting with number 3001. The first number shipped was 3193 on 9/17/57 but S&W did not ship in number order so there are known lower numbers shipped after 3193.
The first big change was the relief cuts behind the trigger starting with about 16300.
The serial number was moved to the right side in 1961.
In 1968, the lapping of the barrel ended
The “A” prefix was added to the serial number in 1970 starting with number A115001.
The bigest change was the elimination of the cocking indicator and the 7 3/8” barrel with the muzzle break in 1978. The 7” barrel replaced the 7 3/8” barrel.
In 1984 the three alpha serial number started with TAA0001
When the model 41 was suspended in 1992, the production facility was moved.
Production resumed in 1994 with the “new model” starting with number UAA0001. The barrels were drilled and tapped for sight mounts and the safety was changed to eliminate the ability to lock the side when on safe. I think that this should be called the M41-2 since the safety is not interchangeable with the older models.
Laminated stocks were introduced in 1997.
Over the life of the model 41 the finish progressively went from the beautiful high polished bright blue to what we have today.

I have not mentioned other changes that did not affect the function of the pistol enough to mention such as different magazines and various different barrels.

If you want a shooter, it doesn’t matter too much which one you might want but for a collector it is a major consideration.

As Roy Jinks says “ I hope this helps”