I have a Model 41 that's very hard to field strip. The trigger guard takes an awful lot to pull down to remove the barrel. Installation is just as hard. I actually have to smack it pretty good upward to close. Anyone else have this issue? Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks, Bill

You should NOT have to pull it very hard or smack it! A M41 is the top of the line S&W target pistol and should take down and reassemble like a $1,500 - $2,000 high end pistol should!!

The parts might need some minor adjustment as it might have been fit too tight. Without having the gun in my hands, I don't know if your assessment is normal stiff because it's new, or just another example of poor fitment.

Is this M41 new? Vintage? How much was it shot? Does it function normally in all other respects?

Potentially, the newer it is the more difficult it can be to do this presuming it's brand new. It should loosen as time goes by with repetitive cycles. IMO

Do you know if the barrel is the original one as shipped from the Mother Ship? I bought a few later barrels that needed fitting to conquer the problem you describe. Not tough to do, just go slow in the right place. It's kinda hard to stick metal back in place.

This is an older 41 I bought used a several years ago. Serial number is A6311XX. Was sent back to S&W a few years back because it would jam after one shot and the slide was difficult to pull back. I don't know if it's the original barrel or not. Is there any way to tell?

Advice from an old guy, move it down the road.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I'm not a good resource on Model 41 variations. I suppose one might be able to say some feature on the barrel isn't consistent with the frame's era. Examples might be a muzzle break barrel or sighting variations. Again, others know far more than me.

My question was focused on the thought that if it were a barrel not shipped with the frame, you might need to have it fitted.

I wouldn't give up on it. Too tight is probably easier to fix than too loose.

One hint: When you reinstall the barrel, MAKE SURE it is all the way forward and there is a visible gap between the barrel and the frame when pushing back the trigger guard. If it is not in the correct position it won't go back easily. Pull the barrel forward while closing the trigger guard.

When disassembling, put your middle finger inside the trigger guard and pull down on it while using your thumb against the frame. Makes life easier!

Call Clark Custom. They will give you good advice. They work magic on M41s.

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Dick

I've swapped barrels on a 41 several times; it's a relatively new 41. The current barrel is older than the gun. Mine has gotten better with use; the first couple times were a real bear. Put a dowel through the triggerguard to pull it down, and leaned the guard against the bench to close it.
Neither was the case with an older 41.
BTW, I do have a hard time racking the slide on mine.
Moon

I got a new 41 performance center last year. Nobody could get the
damn trigger guard to pull down-one of the guys at the dealer is a 22 expert, and he and I together could not get it to pull down.
SW kept it two weeks, fixed it and sent it back, but it is still pretty stiff. It is working towards being reasonably workable.
I have some old 52's never a problem with them-they were built better in those days.