New S&W 41 versus older models?

[zanemoseley]

I'm looking to get a .22 pistol to compliment my new 1911 Les Baer and allow me to shoot NRA 2700 competitions at my club. I've been looking at pistols and it appears most prefer either S&W 41 or High Standard pistols. Not too sure on how keen I am of going with a HS since I've heard bad stuff about the new operation in Houston. I'd also like to avoid Rugers due to the grip angle and difficulty in cleaning. I'm trying to stay under $1k.

So that lead me to the 41's. I know a lot of people prefer the older models but are they really worth the extra $300-$400, seems like nice used ones go for $1300-$1400. Not to mention it feels like a bit of a **** shoot on whether or not you get one that feeds well. I found a LNIB 41 from 2010 locally for $975 which I can probably get lower. I do prefer the bluing on the older models but I think the EPA has screwed everyone up on that account.

[Barrie]

I would try shooting a friends M41 before you buy one. They do shoot extremely well wether you go a new one or buy a used one. My old 1958 year model m41 still shoots like a champ. It is a pleasure to own and shoot.

[TOM BECKWITH]

High Standard - suggest Victor model Hamden Mfg. Mags. often need adjustment.
S&W 41s - suggest stay with pistols with the cocking indicator (CI) which will be below A465000 (generally) 5.5" bull bbl generally best for iron site Bullseye. Clark bbl for red dot/scope setup

Ammo for either one - Std Velocity - CCI most consistently successful. NO HV in any HS for sure.

[zanemoseley]

Are mini mags damaging to new 41's. The guy with the 2010 41 said it performed well with mini mags and wolf match.

One thing that concerns me about the "golden age" 41's and high standards is availability of replacement parts and repairs. Given they usually cost more than new models I'd hate to have a ton of money in one then not be able to fix it or spend a fortune doing so.

[chief38]

CCI Mini-Mags will not damage a M41 and out of all the "High Velocity" offerings, the Mini-Mags are probably the slowest with a velocity of 1235 fps. Most other Hi-Vel. offerings from others are 1255 - 1330 fps.

Most people like using the CCI Standard Velocity stuff in a M41 which is 1070 fps however it might not cycle your M41 100% of the time. Some work perfectly with it and some don't. My M41 works about 98% of the time with Standard Velocity CCI but since I am no longer competing in matches, it doesn't really make a difference to me and they do seem a little more accurate than the Mini-Mags to me in that gun.

They do make aftermarket recoil springs (Wolf) in various weights (6 to 8 pounds by 1/2 lb. increments) that you can get to make the gun cycle more reliably with lighter std. vel. ammo AND heavier ones (8 lbs.) for Hi vel. stuff so your gun doesn't slam as hard.

[6string]

Hi,
You'll never know until you try one whether you got a M41 that shoots accurately and reliably. They are quite inconsistent. Personally, I think the old ones a better. They used to test each barrel in a fixture for accuracy. Of course, back then most people that shot them did so in 2700 matches.
Once you get into that price bracket you may want to look at other alternatives such as a used Hammerli. Alternatively, there are now several match grade 22 LR conversion units for 1911 that are being used by top shooters in Bullseye.
You may want to go to the bullseye pistol forum at TargetTalk ? Index page. You can find out the details of the Nelson, AA, and Marvel units. Lots of folks like 'em because the grip and trigger can be set to match your 45.
Best regards,
Jim

[smithfan4152]

Some of the Last LNIB or Like New model 41s I have been watching on GB have gone much lower than New Retail.
Unless it is Mint 7 3/8 early.
The 5 1/2 HB no box, 1 mag, 94000 serial # range sold for $930.00.
Beautiful condition. I prefer the old over the new, you can still find so many in Excellent shape. Prices rise and fall, and as far as I'm concerned if you bought Brand new, you would have to wait a long time to generate the Return $$ on your purchase.
Some of these pistols that are selling cheap now, will be bringing in more in the near future.
Also the Model 46, should interest you as well, since they made so few of them, and the Quality as far as accuracy is no different than the model 41.
Provided to that you get the later production 46 that does not have the Square cut out at the breach end of the slide.
Don't be in a hurry, and I am sure you will find a sweet deal on one.

[Barrie]

I agree with a good M46 as I also own one of these and it shoots just as well as my M41. Feels the same as well.

[Laparita]

I have not shot recent made model 41 pistols but I did own one made in the mid 1980s without the cocking indicator and it did not shoot as well as the first gun I own that was a early 1970s gun with the cocking indicator I recently bought an early 1960s model41 and found it to be extremely accurate with the 7 3/8 barrel w comprsator I just received a recent made 5.5 made barrel and I will test it and see how it shoots

[Barrie]

I would suggest removing the compensator on the end of the barrel as they have a tendacy to carbon up and can cause you to shoot high left a wee bit. They are slightly difficult to clean as well. Get the short nose piece attachment and just use it.