I'm going to look at a Model 41, ANIB, this coming week. I know nothing about them. How many variations are there and when were they produced.
Thanks

Sounds like you need the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. If you are near a good bookstore like Barnes and Noble, they typically have a copy and you can skim the page or two on the Model 41 for more info. I’ll try to quickly summarize for you:

The model 41 was introduced in 1957-1958 and is still made today. The original design hasn’t changed very much considering the how long it’s been in production although some features have been changed/deleted along the way for one reason or another. They were available in the following barrel lengths: 7 3/8” with muzzle brake, 5” lightweight field, 5.5” heavy, 5.5” heavy extendable front sight and 7” with certain barrels available at different times. The 7” barrel replaced the 7 3/8” with muzzle brake in 1978 which is the same time the cocking indicator on the rear of the frame was deleted. Barrels were factory drilled and tapped for a scope mount after 1994. Current guns are available in either 5.5” heavy or 7” barrel versions.

Early guns up to 1970 tend to have an excellent fit and finish while functioning well. The guns made from 1970 through 1978 have very good fit and finish too and function well. As previously mentioned some features were deleted in 1978 and guns made after this point tend to have less collector value but are still great shooters for the most part. I’ve read posts about guns from the 1980s up to the present production guns having problems but this seems to be random and not specific to one year or another.

Overall, it is a fantastic gun and a real joy to shoot, provided you find the ammo your gun likes. Most folks seem to have good success with CCI standard velocity.

From another online forum:

Serial #___ Date of Mfg.
104XX_______ 1958
149XX_______ 1959
189XX_______ 1959
295XX_______ 1960
1120XX______ 1969
114XXX____ ~ 1969
"A" Prefix_____ 1970 with A115001
A145801_____ 1972
A225XXX_____ 1973
A235001_____ 1974
A265001_____ 1975
A295001_____ 1976
A414XXX_____ 1977
A475001_____ 1978
A5824XX_____ 1979
A5841XX_____ 1979
A7175XX_____ 1981
A7981XX_____ 1982
ADB38XX_____ 1983
A875000_____ 1984
TAA1985_____ 1985
TAK7879_____ 1986
TAT2512_____ 1987
TBL7955_____ 1988
TFJ1141_____ 1989
TFNxxxx_____ 1990
TFRxxxx_____ 1991
THD23XX_____ 1991
TZUxxxx_____ 1993
VAMxxxx_____ 1994
UAMxxxx_____ 1997
BMC29XX___ > 1998

I guess that covers it!!

Thank you, that is a great help. I keep telling myself that I need a SCSW but then I tell myself that I don't want to get that involved, but the things keep turning up, S&W, I mean.

I have three of the 5 1/2" bbl models and they were all ANIB. This is a premium pistol and people tend to take very good care of them. Keep your eyes peeled and one to your liking is sure to turn up.

I got a look at the 41; it dates to 1979-1980 by the date listing above. 7", in box, all tools, papers, screwdriver, etc in box. He had $650.00 in it, would take $700.00. It is in 98%+ condition. Should I go for it?????

Seriously its a good price at $650 to $700.

__________________
Len

Go for it? You should run for it. That is a great price and with those extras and condition I've seen them go for $900 +.