Model 41 Bolt Face Extended from Slide

[GW30]

I recently acquired a 80/81 Model 41 which has a bolt face that extends about .010 past the end of the surrounding slide. The gun appears to be unfired, so I'm interested in learning whether the extended bolt is a problem that will eventually cause excess peening of the breech face - or if this is somewhat normal for M41's. See attached pictures.

By comparison, the bolt face on my 1982 M41 is almost perfectly flush with the surrounding slide.

 

[6string]

It's normal for it to be a bit proud like that.
Not a lot of guys know it, but, S&W does (or did?) make three different bolt face inserts. Each varied by how the firing pin and casehead counterbore was oriented to the chamber. One was oriented slightly left, another was slightly right, and one was neutral.
It was intended to correct certain reliability issues.

PS, INFO ADDED 2/14:
My info source for the above is Jim Clark, founder and gunsmith for Clark Custom Guns. They published information about L/R biased bolt face inserts, which was supplied with Clark aftermarket model 41 barrels. These were (are?) used for the Clark reliability package offered for the S&W m41.
I can't say for certainty, but the Clark custom barrels look very much like they began life as partially completed S&W factory barrels.
It wouldn't be the first time that S&W offered custom fabricated parts for gunsmiths. For years before they ever offered a semiauto pistol in 45 ACP they sold oversize 1911 barrels to the Army Marksmansip Unit for custom fitting to competition pistols.

Maybe the bolt face inserts were made/sold solely to Clark?

 

[SonofaGunsmith]

It's normal for it to be a bit proud like that.
Not a lot of guys know it, but, S&W does (or did?) make three different bolt face inserts. Each varied by how the firing pin and casehead counterbore was oriented to the chamber. One was oriented slightly left, another was slightly right, and one was neutral.
It was intended to correct certain reliability issues.

old parts sheets there is only one part number for the bolt, Ive never seen biased pocket bolts but maybe they exist. There is guidance for aligning the bolt via the slide rails. L vs R bias and procedures for aligning.



The bolt face sticking out varies on all of these guns. It must be flush or proud, the bolt recessed in the slide would not be good.

 

[Rowlf]

Can you post a picture from the top of the slide? Sometimes the bolt is not supported by the slide and breaks the bolt pin.

 

[GW30]

Here's the top of the slide.

 

[Rowlf]

Here's the top of the slide.

The bolt looks to be supported by the slide in that picture, which is good.

 

[SonofaGunsmith]

S&W bolts are crudely made on the exterior, good where they need to be but Ive seen some really poor examples. This slide assy looks fine. Proof would be in the condition of the bolt pin and fit in the slide upon disassembly/assembly.

 

[armorer951]

How does your barrel look? Seems quite a bit of protrusion of the boltface to be impacting the rear of the barrel repeatedly without creating damage.

 

[GW30]

The breechface / barrel are perfectly clean. The gun does not show any evidence of being fired. The bolt pin is straight and the bolt fits snugly in the slide. I removed the bolt to inspect the extractor since it lacked tension. Cause was a rusted extractor spring.

I may get another bolt and test measurements vs the original before firing it, but thanks to all for your responses and guidance.