Model 41 barrel length preference
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eljaydubya
Member
I like the 5", (not the 5 1/2"). The balance is better for me.
Old Bullseye (2700) shooters preferred the 5.5" Bull bbl because of the sights and balance. Currently, many shooters are going to red dot type sights and bbl length appears to be "personal choice" with many likeing the 5" without sights and the aftermarket bbls - with weight being a factor.
Peter M. Eick
Member
5.5" bull for me. The 7.5 seems a bit wippy but is better with open sights.
I am shooting a 7 3/8" on my 1958 m41 and use just the standard sights on it. I have a 7" barrel on my M46. For me they shoot fine as we do not use the red dot sights in our shooting leagues in my club at all. No fancy options allowed just me behind the trigger.
It's interesting to see what people prefer. I like the balance of the 5 inch and the way it feels and reacts. But, I really enjoy the 7-3/8 inch when I get together with a few of my friends for a little long distance competition. For beers of course !!!!
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7 3/8" on mine
I think the shorter barrel has only been on it twice is the last two decades
I think the shorter barrel has only been on it twice is the last two decades
fungunnin
Member
I run a cut down 7 3/8ths to 5.5". It has been resleved with a Walther liner. Damn thing is better than I am!
Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.
Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.
How much velocity did you gain with the 7 3/8 barrel?
gwpercle
Member
Another old bullseye shooter...could always shoot higher scores with the 5 1/2 inch bull barrel. Just seemed to hang better when shooting one handed.
Gary
Gary
Kp321
Member
Can't speak to the 5.5" but the 7 3/8" barrels were the ones that came with the muzzle brake. They became 7" after the muzzle brakes were discontinued.
I don't have a short barrel 41, mine is 7", but I shoot a 5" Nelson on a 1911 frame, red dots on both. Off a rest the two pistols are equally accurate but I shoot the 41 better off hand (bullseye competition). I shoot the Nelson on Steel Challenge because the 5" barrel is quicker between targets.
The old bullseye "knowledge" was the shorter barrel would potentially shoot more accurately because of shorter residence time in the barrel.
I don't have a short barrel 41, mine is 7", but I shoot a 5" Nelson on a 1911 frame, red dots on both. Off a rest the two pistols are equally accurate but I shoot the 41 better off hand (bullseye competition). I shoot the Nelson on Steel Challenge because the 5" barrel is quicker between targets.
The old bullseye "knowledge" was the shorter barrel would potentially shoot more accurately because of shorter residence time in the barrel.
Smith & Wesson produced barrels for the Model 41 in 5", 5 1/2", 7", 7 3/8".
There were 2 versions of the 5 1/2" barrel with one having a extendable front sight.
The 7 3/8" barrel had a removable muzzle brake where the 7" barrel didn't have a muzzle brake. If you remove the muzzle brake off the 7 3/8" barrel, there is a 3/8" section of the barrel that extends out that either the muzzle brake sits on, or a false muzzle sits on that are attached with a mounting screw that screws into the end of the internal barrel weight.
There were 2 versions of the 5 1/2" barrel with one having a extendable front sight.
The 7 3/8" barrel had a removable muzzle brake where the 7" barrel didn't have a muzzle brake. If you remove the muzzle brake off the 7 3/8" barrel, there is a 3/8" section of the barrel that extends out that either the muzzle brake sits on, or a false muzzle sits on that are attached with a mounting screw that screws into the end of the internal barrel weight.
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I have a 7 3/8" version (with muzzle brake), a 5 1/2" version (bull barrel/extendable front sight), and what I suppose is a S&W accessory barrel---5", light weight (have heard it referred to as a "field" barrel). I preferred the 5" field barrel when I was shooting.
Ralph Tremaine
