1957 model 41

[DrMikep15]

Hi all!

I have a model 41 that I originally purchased from my local gun shop/range where I shot competitively with it for several years between the late 70's/early 80's. It was always my favorite .22 of all time!

The "funny" story about this gun is that in 1986, I sold it BACK to the same shop and never gave it another thought. Fast forward to 2007. I decided that I really wanted to get another model 41.

So, I called a shop and asked if they could order one from S&W. They said that they could but also said there was a 41 that has come in on consignment that morning. I went there straight away and bought it for $800.

After looking it over, it turns out that it was the exact same gun that I had sold all those years ago. I know cause I still had the papers from 1986. It also turns out that, after emailing Smith& Wesson yesterday, the serial number shows that it was made in 1957 (1st year released) and is one of the only 679 made that year.

I'm not getting any younger and it's really difficult to do the kind of shooting I'd like so I'm going to sell it. I don't have the box or the original grips. (I didn't lose them, they weren't included when I bought it The second time) I do however have a Clark target barrel and the original 5 1/2" Bull barrel along with a beautiful set of walnut target grips (the kind that fit onto your hand like a glove)

Long story right? What I'm looking for is what it might be worth.

Any help?

Thanks

 

[Freischütz]

I would move this to the semi-auto pistol section of the forum. There you'll get answers from people specifically interested in semi-autos.

You'll also need to supply some pictures so people can assess the gun's condition. Otherwise they are just guessing.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Cool story on getting it back after 19 years.

I would search online for completed sales prices for a basic value estimate (gun only). The extra parts will add an unknown amount to the value, depending on how much a potential buyer wants them. Unless the stocks are a fit for a buyer (no way to tell that unless you do a face-to-face sale) their value is probably a wash without having the original stocks.

 

[tlawler]

I don't think that's a 1957 gun; serial number is too high. I'd put it in the mid 60's.

 

[Bastogne71]

The serial number dates you model 41 to August or September 1965. Number 74978 was shipped on 9/16/1965. Most likely yours shipped close to this one but S&W did not ship in serial number order. I've often thought that an answer from Smith & Wesson was unreliable as they've shown in this case.

If you paid $800 for the entire package, you most definitely got a good deal.

 

[murphydog]

The serial number dates you model 41 to August or September 1965. Number 74978 was shipped on 9/16/1965. Most likely yours shipped close to this one but S&W did not ship in serial number order. I've often thought that an answer from Smith & Wesson was unreliable as they've shown in this case.

If you paid $800 for the entire package, you most definitely got a good deal.

The package was $800, but 15 years ago.

 

[DrMikep15]

About the date…

I emailed S&W directly, and they told me that it was made in 1957. I always try to get info from the "horses mouth" so to speak. Thanks for the reply anyway! Cheers!

 

[Highmaster]

How do you figure first year with that 7xxxx serial ?

 

[ol777gunnerz]

I emailed S&W directly, and they told me that it was made in 1957. I always try to get info from the "horses mouth" so to speak. Thanks for the reply anyway! Cheers!

You may have emailed S&W, but not the historian, who is on the private side. I have #12,900 which shipped in early 1958, per the actual history dep't, not some young pup at the new S&W Company.

 

[first-model]

You may have emailed S&W, but not the historian, who is on the private side. I have #12,900 which shipped in early 1958, per the actual history dep't, not some young pup at the new S&W Company.

S&W uses the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson to estimate shipping dates (as do many of us). It's a very unexacting science.

A 74xxx serial number would date, in my estimation, to 1965 or thereabouts.

Mike

 

[Mike0251]

73590 here, 1965 confirmed with letter and some history on 1957 serial numbers within the letter.

 

[kleiss1]

I have #48990. Where would that put mine. I was once told the late '60s.
Thanks.

 

[RCL-09]

I have 2029X shipped 1960

 

[luvsmiths]

I don't think that's a 1957 gun; serial number is too high. I'd put it in the mid 60's.

Same here. First year would be a 4 number serial IIRC as I had one.

 

[sndbggr1484]

I had Model 41 serial 113XX and it was shipped in September 1958

 

[first-model]

I have #48990. Where would that put mine. I was once told the late '60s.
Thanks.

By my math, the middle of 1964. Give or take, as always.

Mike

 

[ND Farmer]

I have #4075, not lettered but I'd guess early 58 even with that low of a number. Besides how long until the 5 1/2" barrel came out.