Model 41

[FifthWheel]

S&W Model 41, from 1980. Looked pretty good but someone refinished the grips and didn.t do a very nice job and it wouldn't extract my snap cap from the chamber but the price was right so I brought it home with me. Field stripped and removed the grips. I drenched the grips in stripper so I wouldn't ruin the checkering. I paid particular attention to cleaning the chamber because I've read that is where a lot of extraction issues begin on these. Chamber was not damaged and to my surprise the internals looked pretty fresh. When I put it back together I chambered my snap cap,opened the slide and my cap ejected across the room! Went to the range the next day and put 200rds Federal bulk through it and it ran just about flawlessly and shot nice 2-3" groups at 30' offhand. Not bad for me. My collection is complete, for now.

[g8rb8]

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes. You can fix a lot of "problems" with a model 41 with a good cleaning. Looks like you got a good one.

[Tom S.]

Just a heads up on the Federal bulk: some is high velocity, some is not. Pay attention to the label (I didn't). 41's were designed for standard velocity ammo. While you can get by using high velocity, it's not recommended.

Undoubtedly one of S&W's finest endeavors!

[Ranger98]

Brownells has a recoil buffer for a model 41 that will alow you to shoot High Velocity (Mini Mags,etc) Their Part number is 071-000-011WB.The cost is $8.08.

[FifthWheel]

Originally Posted by Ranger98

Brownells has a recoil buffer for a model 41 that will alow you to shoot High Velocity (Mini Mags,etc) Their Part number is 071-000-011WB.The cost is $8.08.

I'll get a couple, thanks.

[Barrie]

The gun is designed for reg ammo such as CCI-SV. It was never designed for the High Velocity ammo period. Its your gun but I for one do not recommend doing it. There's more to it then just springs that can wear out as well. I doubt very few of us use the recoil buffers in our guns. Mine will never have one.

[Bigdog357]

Nice pick up, the 41 is a great pistol and a great addition to your collection. I stick with standard velocity ammo in mine, never gives me a minute of trouble

[leinster lad]

I run one of those buffers in my M41 with no issues at all.
I reckon it can't hurt, right ?

I did notice a witness mark on my slide where the recoil was being stopped
by the trigger guard.

This no longer happens with the buffer installed, which must mean less stress on the frame and slide.

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by leinster lad

I run one of those buffers in my M41 with no issues at all.
I reckon it can't hurt, right ?

I did notice a witness mark on my slide where the recoil was being stopped
by the trigger guard.

This no longer happens with the buffer installed, which must mean less stress on the frame and slide.

Same here. Even though I use standard velocity ammo, I also have a buffer. As you said, it won't hurt anything.

[kidcom]

Barrie makes a very good point. I always use CCI (SV) ammunition. Better to be safe then sorry in the long run, even when using a recoil buffer, which I use as well.

[Arc Angel]

Don't laugh your, 'donkey' off, OK; but I used to use my S&W Model 41 for nighttime home defense. (I used to keep it with 3 extra magazines; and because it had a long highly pointable barrel and minimal muzzle flash, even in the dark, I could completely shatter a grapefruit-size target with it at 10 - 12 yards.)

Because I've seen too many of them tear apart I wouldn't use a plastic buffer. Instead, I called Wolff Gunsprings and got Dave to send me Wolff's, 'Xtra Power' recoil and firing pin springs. My Model 41 has always performed flawlessly; and, even after 30 years, still looks very good.

https://www.gunsprings.com/SMITH%20&...1/mID58/dID261

(Using high velocity ammo hasn't been a problem for me; but, if you want them, you're going to have to phone and ask Wolff for their, 'Xtra Power' Model 41 FP springs.)

[Ranger98]

Wow!
Didn't mean to start an argument,the buffer was just a suggestion ..

[FifthWheel]

Thanks for all the tips and complements! This 41 and an old K-22 are my only S&W's and they're my most accurate guns. In SA I think the K22 is almost as good as the 41, nice trigger! I'm going to try SV ammo in the 41.

[Troystat]

Love my 41, they are a treat to shoot when they behave, mine likes just about any ammo I have tried but I stick to CCI SV as it is not super expensive and it is more accurate than I am.

[Barrie]

Any one who uses CCI-SV ammo seems to never have any problems with their M41's or M46's as well. Even with a buffer installed in them the mini mags are more powerful and harder on the gun period. I enjoy my 41 too much to abuse it in any way at all. Same goes for my M46 also. Ranger98 perhaps I am old school but thats my view and I am not offended by your statement at all. Every thing is cool as far as I am concerned.

[fyimo]

Congratulations on buying an awesome pistol.

[Barrie]

If the grips are too badly damaged you can get replacement grips for it for a fairly reasonable price as well. I believe its Altemont who sells them.

[FifthWheel]

Originally Posted by Barrie

If the grips are too badly damaged you can get replacement grips for it for a fairly reasonable price as well. I believe its Altemont who sells them.

No damage at all. They just looked like someone poured a can of varnish on them but they look new now after I stripped them. I'm surprised they needed that because the rest of the gun looks new inside and out. It's a keeper

[Barrie]

Good glad to hear. You should have many years of enjoyment from this gun as they are one of the best target guns in the world built by anyone to-day.