What are the main differences in the first production model 41s and the later models? Did they improve as they went along? From a shooting standpoint is one superior to the other?

The most obvious changes are that the older ones (pre 1979) had a cocked indicator on the rear. The fit and finish was (IMHO) better as well. I believe it was in the 1980's the Company started using laser engraving on the slide instead of roll markings and then a decade or so after that they went to the laminated (plywood style) grips. The bluing finish changed about 20 some odd years ago and became more of a black finish than true bluing which is reported to not be as durable as the old style. It is also my opinion that the older guns were just better made over-all.

Other than a few other very minor changes to springs, the gun is pretty much the same design as far as I know. Mine is from 1979 and has had tens and tens and tens of thousands of rounds through it. It was a little finicky at the beginning, but after I swapped out the factory extractor for a Volquartsen extractor, it hums along like a fine Swiss watch. About 8 years ago I bought a NIB "Sport / Field" barrel made in the 60's or 70's which I like better than any other barrel they ever made. After putting it on the M41, the original 5 1/2" Bull bbl. has never seen the light of day - lol.

BTW, most M41's love the CCI 40 grain standard velocity rounds.

Thank you for the information. I think I would like an older model better too. I now know far more than I did about them.

I like the older stuff too.

Here is what the Cocked hammer indicator looks like.

Attached Images

Cocking Indicator .JPG (65.5 KB, 55 views)

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

Thank you! Another reason to find an older one.

Hello Mr. Iron, stay in touch with your new purchase of an older M-41.
Try and shoot before you buy.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I am in no real hurry to buy one. A model 41 is on my list and so is a K-22 Masterpiece. It would be nice to try one before I buy it. Most of the time that is not feasible unfortunately. Any particular reason that you suggest it?

The model 41 has changed very little since its introduction in September 1957. There have been a few minor changes since then but here are some of the major changes:

September 1957 the model 41 started regular production models starting with number 3001. The first number shipped was 3193 on 9/17/57 but S&W did not ship in number order so there are known lower numbers shipped after 3193.
The first big change was the relief cuts behind the trigger starting with about 16300.
The serial number was moved to the right side in 1961.
In 1968, the lapping of the barrel ended
The “A” prefix was added to the serial number in 1970 starting with number A115001.
The bigest change was the elimination of the cocking indicator and the 7 3/8” barrel with the muzzle break in 1978. The 7” barrel replaced the 7 3/8” barrel.
In 1984 the three alpha serial number started with TAA0001
When the model 41 was suspended in 1992, the production facility was moved.
Production resumed in 1994 with the “new model” starting with number UAA0001. The barrels were drilled and tapped for sight mounts and the safety was changed to eliminate the ability to lock the side when on safe. I think that this should be called the M41-2 since the safety is not interchangeable with the older models.
Laminated stocks were introduced in 1997.
Over the life of the model 41 the finish progressively went from the beautiful high polished bright blue to what we have today.

I have not mentioned other changes that did not affect the function of the pistol enough to mention such as different magazines and various different barrels.

If you want a shooter, it doesn’t matter too much which one you might want but for a collector it is a major consideration.

As Roy Jinks says “ I hope this helps”

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SWCA #3526

This helps me very much. Thank you! Any Idea why they put the relief cuts behind the trigger?
I would like an early one better just for the coolness of it. The collector aspect is somewhat irrelevant for me. I would never sell it. That would be my son's problem lol!

Chief38 mentioned above that most Model 41s like CCi Standard Velocity ammo. In fact, that is what an S&W representative told me they use for all 22LR test-firing.

Ed

I have an older model 41, as I recall, the sight plane was checkered rather than grooved and at one time I had purchased a 5.5" barrel for it but I decided against it because the finish was noticeably different, much darker and more polished. The finish on the grips appear to be an oil finish, not
the later glossy finish. I think I can safely say that the overall quality was much better on the older model.

Have only had 2 model 41s, '89 and '73, '89 moved on and '73 with original 5.5" barrel still here along with 7 3/8", 5.5 optic and 5" field barrels.
Personally I think the older the better and the 5" field barrel is my favorite and seems just as accurate off bench as the others.

I’ve got 12 m41s. All older models with cocking indicator. That is a good reference to pick out older models but actually if you lay them out by year of production you can see the fit and finish declining. At some point the grips have been subbed to Altamont, S&W grip shop is closed. I don’t know much about new models and don’t follow them. I’ve had 4 new models in last 2 years, one brand new. I have not had any serious trouble with 41 of any age, function or accuracy. I have a few of each including 5” but no 5.5” with extendable sight. I don’t want one.
Running gears are same design but safeties are a little different. I had been playing with safeties to make easier to operate with bigger thumb piece. Also modifying mag releases to shorten them to protect accidental release when Herret 1911 grips are used. This is not a problem for range guns but I was putting together a holster gun. Still not carrying live round in chamber.

You say if you lay them out you can see a gradual decline in fit and finish. Anywhere along that time-line was the decline more pronounced?

Yes, it’s all in the new models. I would say middle 90s new model still had nice blue and from a point there the decline started. I think the oldest new model I had was 1994- newest 2021. The
1994 had walnut grips, the others all had Altamont laminates.
Seems to be that early guns are darker- black blue and then went to lighter but still highly polished lighter shade in about 70