S&W Model 41 5 1/2"HB with Muzzle Brake

[Straightline22]

I had mentioned in an earlier thread that I picked up a S&W Model 41 Heavy Barrel 5 1/2" with a Muzzle Brake attached. (See Pictures) It looks like it was done at the factory. The bluing is the same in the recess as the rest of the barrel. The factory History letter shows it leaving the factory as a 5 1/2" Heavy Barrel with no mention of the muzzle brake. Has anyone seen anything like this before? Would love to hear from you.

Ernie Rice
SWCA LM #390

[Troystat]

You might take some pictures of it without the muzzle brake and show us what that looks like. I would guess it is a modification done outside of the factory though. Let us know how it shoots.

[TOM BECKWITH]

Agree with Troystat on both points. Pictures without brake should be interesting.

[smithfan4152]

This looks to be a full sized 5 1/2 HB, it has not been cut back to have the 7/16 th's dia. pilot to locate the muzzle brake as on the 7 3/8 barrel.
You can still see beyond the muzzle brake on the face of the barrel, the recessed crown. This has been done to the HB before to add a threaded extension for suppressor's. Instead of a 1/2 inch thread, they would have gone 7/16 th's.

[Barrie]

Myself I have a feeling this barrel has been cut after leaving the factory at some point in time. Just something about how it looks as the crown is too big for the normal size I think. I don't recall ever seeing the Muzzle brake going in so far on any M41 that I have ever seen. I have the 73/8th barrel on mine with the brake and the end of the barrel is flush with the brake and not indented inward. I wonder what the serial no. range is? It almost looks like heat marks near the end of the barrel left by cutting marks as well. Of course it could be my eyes playing tricks as well.

[Aussie Collector]

Interesting attaching method.
I suspect an after market mod or lunch time special.
I also noticed what look like heat marks from the cutting process that gave the barrel the nib and clearance for the brake to fit into the end.

You may find this post interesting...
Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake

[Barrie]

Aussie you see the heat marks as well as I do. That was one of the things that drew my attention right away. Even the angle of the cut does not seem correct to me as well.

[Straightline22]

Here are some pictures with the muzzle brake off. I really can't see any signs of heat. But, I will leave that to you. When taking off the muzzle brake, it is tight fitting and not loose at all. It is extremely accurate to shoot. The barrel is of the earlier type with the lazy ampersand.

Ernie Rice
SWCA LM#390

[Barrie]

This barrel I strongely believe has been either relined at one point in time. Its definitely been custom reworked for a different purpose as my barrel ends Flat NO Indatations or machineing on the front at all. I also do see heat marks in your picture as well on the front edge also. Bandsaw heat and very light polish job by a very good barrel person.

[TOM BECKWITH]

Straightline - thanks for added pictures A shot from the top of the front sight would add to the info. Does the brake backend hole appear to be enlarged? The stub looks larger diameter than a standard bbl stub (7 3/8" bbl), and set back slightly. Possibly necessary if bbl was used to center work? Jim, your thought? Highly doubtful to be factory or even a "lunchbucket/Givernment" job. Interesting modification by someone with time or money to ?waste?, but sure ain't the first or last one.

[br25004x4]

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

Interesting attaching method.
I suspect an after market mod or lunch time special.
I also noticed what look like heat marks from the cutting process that gave the barrel the nib and clearance for the brake to fit into the end.

You may find this post interesting...
Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake

Would like to view the link to that thread. However I'm not allowed to it says br25004x4, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons

[824tsv]

I'm pretty sure you have to be a member of the S&W Collectors Association to be able to see those posts.

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by 824tsv

I'm pretty sure you have to be a member of the S&W Collectors Association to be able to see those posts.

He is a member, as noted by the S&WCA Shield next to his avatar. In fact, run your mouse pointer over the shield and you'll see he's a life member.

[H Richard]

Here is what that post says;
Old 03-05-2015, 08:11 AM
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Roy G. Jinks Roy G. Jinks is offline
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Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake
Roy G. Jinks
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I have never seen or heard at the factory of any 5.5 heavy barrel fit with a muzzle break. Roy
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Old 03-05-2015, 04:40 PM
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Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake Model 41 5½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake
Jamie Carney
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Thanks very much for your reply.

I did have a post on the general forum, not sure if you had seen it. Model 41 5 1/2HB with brake Genuine or mixup
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson mentions a 5 ½” heavy barrel with muzzle brake, quoting the book, “rarely seen muzzle brake on a 5-1/2” heavy barrel”. I suspected it may have been a mixup with the 5 ½” barrel with extendable front sight or the 5 ½” barrel in .22 short.

Thanks for all you help.
Regards
Jamie.

[824tsv]

Originally Posted by Tom S.

He is a member, as noted by the S&WCA Shield next to his avatar. In fact, run your mouse pointer over the shield and you'll see he's a life member.

Where is the S&W collectors shield next to member br25004x4?
That was to whom my post was directed to.

[Barrie]

I do not see a sheild either anywhere on his page?

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by 824tsv

Where is the S&W collectors shield next to member br25004x4?
That was to whom my post was directed to.

Sorry - I missed that. I thought it was directed at the poster of the link, Aussie Collector.