Does a Performance Center Model 41 really perform better, accuracy-wise?

lrrifleman
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lrrifleman

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Greetings!

Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas!

I am toying with the idea of purchasing a Smith Model 41 for the rimfire stage of NRA 2700 (Precision Pistol), and I have a loaded question.Having shot iron sights for over 50 years, I don't see myself utilizing an optic; hence, I see the picatinny rail being a cosmetic change.

My question: does the premium for a Performance Center Model 41 really get the owner any degree of enhanced performance, or is it merely a cosmetic upgrade?

As always, thanks in advance for your help!
 
Almost all the evidence strongly suggests that these new production 41’s are nowhere near the quality of older guns and there is mounting evidence that S&W has outsourced their QC to the end buyer.

Let’s be plain and clear:

If you spent one day searching ONLY this forum about folks’ experience with new production S&W Model 41 pistols and even more so, the new “Victory” model, I personally think you’d have to be totally out of your gourd to even halfway consider either of these guns.

On top of that, the new “PC” 41 is ugly.

Even buying a used one seems like a horrible idea, but the idea of getting a brand at retail price seems absolutely ludicrous. Just a horrendous idea.
 
If you must have a S&W model 41, I'd suggest buying an older one and send it off to a pistolsmith to have the barrel relined and a "reliability" job, at the same time. There are other good options, like getting a 1911, .22 conversion. The best are Nelson and Marvel. A Ruger MK IV with a trigger job will outperform most S&W model 41's concerning accuracy and function. Hammerli 208s pistols are expensive, but are out-of-production. They are exceedingly reliable and accurate. I suggest you join the Bullseye-L Forum if you are seriously considering getting into "2700" match shooting.
 
After reading another post about all the troubles another member has had with one , I was going to ask this same question . I was lucky and found a nib 1979 model a while back . I've really got to wonder if a "PC" model can shoot better than it . I highlighted PC , because most of us know there is no such thing anymore , and I speak from experience . Do yourself a favour and go hunting for an older one in very good shape , they are out there . If I had to do it again I would have bought the other one the seller had . It was the longer barrel with the cocking indicator . Really I should have bought both , but he had a 60-10 which was nib which also went home with me .
 
I have been in the 2700 Bullseye game off and on since about 1980, and I have been using a 3T Model 17. I have been holding my own, but age is affecting my thumb, which is causing a small problem shooting timed and rapid fire SA. I have been toying with the idea of either a Model 41 or a Ruger MkIV Target. Really, I'd like to get a Colt Woodsman Match Target, but I don't think that is a realistic goal. I have followed the PC Model 41 nightmare posted by another member, and that was part of my motivation to ask my question.

Thanks!
 
I have a early 70's model 41 and it is easily an X ring gun at 25 yards, I have not shot it at 50. I doubt there is any accuracy advantage to the Performance Series of model 41's. If it was me I would buy an older model 41 and give it a go. If it shoots reliably and is accurate then you are home free. If not send it to one of the gunsmiths mentioned in the Bullseye-L Forum which is a great source of info regarding bulleye shooting. I shoot my 41 in a bullseye league. Most of the top shooters are using Pardini's but accuracy is not the reason, the reason they shoot Pardini's and other Euro pistols is ergonomics and triggers. That being said If you like your model 17 (I have one and love it) you will like the 41.
 
IF you NEED bells and whistles buy the PC! OTHERWISE avoid it since it is no better than a stock 41 - IMO!
 
I have a recent production model 41 and four Browning Buck Marks. Get a Buck Mark, or two for the price of one model 41. I would probably sell my model 41 before any of my Brownings. Just saying.
 
I suggest buying both old and new PC. I have and they both just work and just shoot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I would go for the older model 41s. I wouldn’t be quick to have anything done to it or any gun before I shot it. I buy a lot of S&Ws in my old age.
Only buy hi condition guns. You know what I don’t care what model it is, an average guy owned it and it hasn’t even been broke in. If it was owned by match shooter you can tell easy. I have a late production 41, I haven’t shot yet. 4 old models that shoot & funtion fine. They look like new. The new production is D&T for optics. I’m thinking of trading it for an older one and get cash boot.
 
if you're serious, get a 41

maxfam said:
I have a recent production model 41 and four Browning Buck Marks. Get a Buck Mark, or two for the price of one model 41. I would probably sell my model 41 before any of my Brownings. Just saying.
Click to expand...

I've had a Buckmark Target 5.5 for about 35 years. Many thousand rounds through it. replace recoil spring and a little plastic retainer to it in that time. replace a couple trigger parts to improve trigger pull.
About 5 years ago I bought a 41. After a lighter recoil spring replacement it runs fine. The trigger is much better than the buckmark and with equal ammo more accurate. If you have the money and are competing in bullseye as I did, I'd get the 41. For informal or action type matches you will be well served by a Buckmark.
Yes I did see a increase in score with the 41
My 2c.If you get a Buckmark or Ruger do not try a 41. For me its all about the trigger and the others dont have it
 
Last edited:
Let's be honest and ditch the theoretical stuff about accuracy. I've had my share of model 46s and 41s and they are more accurate than most of us can ever hope to utilize. Same with K-22s and other quality target pistols. Very few of us can shoot high 90's consistently in 25-yard slow fire.
The only way you're going to be able to tell any difference in accuracy between a 41 and a PC 41 would be to use a Rasom Rest and experiment with every type of target ammo.
I find a lot of people are gimmick guys and like to make modifications and buy add on items that do nothing more than make them feel good, which may or may not give you a slight confidence advantage. A wise investment is a pair of grips that fit right.
Never heard of getting a barrel relined unless you have a defective barrel.
Personally, I think you would be more than happy with an older model 41. Most of them can be found in mint condition because most people don't shoot them that much anyway. The average shooter buys them and goes like heck for a couple of months and that's about the extent of it.
Good luck in your quest.
 
These 1993 and 1965 models are amazingly accurate and trouble free so far. Many good deals out there to be had on the early models and as mentioned above most have been used very little. Both of these came from different estate sales, and both of them were never fired by the previous owners.
 

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moosedog said:
Let's be honest and ditch the theoretical stuff about accuracy. I've had my share of model 46s and 41s and they are more accurate than most of us can ever hope to utilize. Same with K-22s and other quality target pistols. Very few of us can shoot high 90's consistently in 25-yard slow fire.
The only way you're going to be able to tell any difference in accuracy between a 41 and a PC 41 would be to use a Rasom Rest and experiment with every type of target ammo.
I find a lot of people are gimmick guys and like to make modifications and buy add on items that do nothing more than make them feel good, which may or may not give you a slight confidence advantage. A wise investment is a pair of grips that fit right.
Never heard of getting a barrel relined unless you have a defective barrel.
Personally, I think you would be more than happy with an older model 41. Most of them can be found in mint condition because most people don't shoot them that much anyway. The average shooter buys them and goes like heck for a couple of months and that's about the extent of it.
Good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice/comments right here...!

This question reminds me of when I bought a Les Baer 1911 a few years ago, and paid extra for the “1 1/2” Guarantee.” I’m sure the gun will shoot 1 1/2” groups at 25 yards, but I’m also sure that I can’t! ;). At least not off hand... I just bought it with that option because I wanted to know, in my mind, I had the most accurate gun available. Maybe it helps the gun’s overall value, too?

I’ve got a M41 from the early Seventies, very nice, reliable, and accurate gun. For whatever reason, I tend to shoot my .22 Smith and Colt revolvers more...
 
I see nothing that suggests that the PC model will shoot more accurately. My preference would be for an older model but I would like to shoot it before I buy.
 
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