I'm thinking of buying an early (50s/60s) Model 41. One thing I am wondering is: What is the purpose of the diagonal cuts in the top of the slide and the bottom of the top strap, underneath where the rear sight is mounted?


And, since it's hard to tell from pictures, how is the top of the slide finished? So when you pull the slide back and look down on it, is it high polish blue like the rest of the slide? Or is it matte?


Here's the area I'm talking about:

I always thought the serrations were a signal of "quality" to justify the price and intended to reduce fouling build-up (which probably doesn't happen there).

The top of the barrels were matte, with serrations/checkering down the center to reduce glare.

Don't get me wrong, they're great guns!

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"I also cook."

I've had a few '41"s over a few decades. I've always had the same question about the milled sawtooth pattern on the top of the slide. I've never seen an answer that conclusively answers the question.
It seems like S&W would not spend the $$ on the machining operation needed to make those grooves without good reason.
Hope one of our members can shed light on the question.

The top of the slides on mine are all matte, definitely not polished like the sides.

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Hand tighten only

The angled cuts are there to help keep gas from coming straight back into your face in case there was any.
My 41 is matte on the top.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest