1958 Model 41 Question

[schroed911]

When shopping for a new S&W Model 41 I came across the following:

1958
Model 41
7 3/8" barrel
Very new condition - very little wear on gun or even on what appears to be the orig magazine
Orig case
Extra magazine
Factory muzzle brake - with stock part as well
Disassembly tools
Orig instruction sheet

$999

Questions

1) Is this a fair price?
2) I'd like to use this gun, not just have it sit on display. Should I trust a 1958 pistol or buy newer?
3) Other comments are welcome

 

[gagunner 2]

Are you a collecter or a shooter? If you're a shoooter,you can probably find and buy a new one with a liftime guarentee for that money.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Price is good assuming correct box etc. Suggest you get pictures.
If complete will have cleaning tools, extra bbl weight (pencil size), false muzzle and instruction sheet. "Disassembly tools" does not fit - get ID asto what is ment. As a collector and shooter, I prefer the older 41s. Do some reading in this site for more opinions and info.

 

[schroed911]

I'm a shooter, but appreciate the older craftsmanship. The gun is a really nice piece when put next to the 2010 model.

Will shooting a collectable reduce the value - if properly maintained? Obviously if dropped, scratched, ... decreases value. But shooting is what these were built for.

Besides checking the serial number how else can I verify 1958 originality? How can I check if the box is original?

Prices at the two gun shops near my house for a new m41 are $1130. Seems that a new pistol will depreciate. If maintained, 1958 will hold value.

I've tried the less expensive Buckmark and Ruger MIII and the M41 is a nicer pistol.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

This may letter (Jinks - the historian at S&W) as a first year but most certainly second year (1958). Properly maintained and moderate use (several thousand rounds) it will maintain the value and grow with time. The box should be printed on the end (not labeled) and the SN most likely on the bottom in grease pencil. Although many will disagree with me, the older ones (A465000 and below) are better. The early one as you are considering, were hand tuned before shipping. If you pass, I, among many others will jump on it. Let me know if you pass. Read the many posts on problems with the newer 41s. Basically a quality control/attention to detail problem. [email protected]

 

[schroed911]

Thanks Tom,

I'm going to check it out tomorrow and if I don't buy I'll send you the contact info.

 

[Loco Weed]

I'd want to look it over closely and verify what accessories, including the box, are with it. If everything is there then I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

 

[schroed911]

Checked it out and it's probably a '62 or '63 based on a 458xx serial number. Box is old but not original. Directions are from 1958. Muzzle brake, std muzzle and sight screwdriver. Disassembled, cleaned and fired. No scratches or wear. Barrel, screws in good chape. Very clean gun so I purchased for slightly less than the asking price. Shop provides a 30 day warranty.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

1961 and should be a VG buy. Suggest you do not shoot with brake - use false muzzle.

 

[schroed911]

Thanks Tom,

How do you know it's a 1961? The following was found in a forum post:

Serial #___ Date of Mfg.
104XX_______ 1958
149XX_______ 1959
189XX_______ 1959
295XX_______ 1960
1120XX______ 1969
114XXX____ ~ 1969
"A" Prefix_____ 1970 with A115001
A145801_____ 1972
A225XXX_____ 1973
A235001_____ 1974
A265001_____ 1975
A295001_____ 1976
A414XXX_____ 1977"


I called S&W and they couldn't narrow the DOM.

Why not use the muzzle brake?

 

[jwax]

The muzzle brake is a biatch to clean. After a few hundred rounds, lead build-up is heavy. I've been looking for a chemical approach to cleaning mine, but have not found one yet.

 

[gunnerbern]

The screw that holds the muzzle brake/false muzzle in place tends to loosen during firing. The brake has negligible affect with a .22; I have been shooting a 1959 model for 50 years without one and have held several national records.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Been collecting for years - various letters from Jinks. Remember inventory is not necessarily shipped (or assembled) in numerical order so mfg. and shipped tend to be a little SWAG unless Jinks gives you a specific ship (and to whom) date.

Gunnand Jwax pretty well nailed it on the brake.