1960's M41, hoping the enablers will help me here

[Markpixs]

Hey,
Have a buy opportunity on a (guessing) 1968 M41 (11080x)with box (worn and mildewy), muzzle break and some of the weights. No magazine but can use the 2206 mags I have. I'm told it's accurate and good-to go functionally.
Some guidance appreciated with the following questions:
Box end label's odd, see photos but no serial no. there or on bottom of the box?
Mildew on the box top, bottom and slight inside, will leaving it it the sun help? Any other real fixes? Also broken corner on the lid.
Are the grips factory, difficult to reach the release (for tactical situations ;-) and cannot disassemble without removing the grips?
Thoughts on condition, some edgewear, looks like freckling on the frame and weird buff out on the model stamping.
They're asking about Ruger MKII Gov't Model money for it, with the condition of the package? A go, right?
thanks in advance

 

[Rule3]

Without knowing the price, hard to say. Mags are really pricey if you find them!

Mildew, lightly wipe with vinegar(or Lysol) and put in sun

 

[CHARLIE699]

4th Ed. puts the box roughly 1977-78. not a match for the pistol.

 

[Markpixs]

Without knowing the price, hard to say. Mags are really pricey if you find them!

Mildew, lightly wipe with vinegar(or Lysol) and put in sun

It's about $600 asking, seems like a no-brainer. I have a handful of mags for a 2206 and they work in 41/46 too. Just 12 rounds vs 10.

 

[Markpixs]

4th Ed. puts the box roughly 1977-78. not a match for the pistol.

That makes sense, the number on the box is about that timeframe. It's coming from an estate, may have mixed up the boxes. Will follow up

 

[Dave686]

It's about $600 asking, seems like a no-brainer. I have a handful of mags for a 2206 and they work in 41/46 too. Just 12 rounds vs 10.

Better snag it if you want it. I got an email from S&W today that this is the last chance to but a Model 41. They are implying they are going to discontinue them and have MSRP at $2200 to $2500. I think the last time I looked at them, MSRP (A year or two) was around $1200??

A new Model 41 right now is $1605 and in stock at Grab a Gun. As soon as this email circulates; I doubt there will be any available.

MODEL 41 | Smith & Wesson

Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

www.smith-wesson.com

 

[ameridaddy]

At ~ $600 and if the mechanics are all good, but it's not too pretty, that makes it a no-worry-I-can-shoot-it-all-day-have-fun gun. Can pick up a magazine here and there as you go along. Grab it!

 

[4T5GUY]

Have a buy opportunity on a (guessing) 1968 M41 (11080x)with box (worn and mildewy), muzzle break and some of the weights. Are the grips factory, difficult to reach the release (for tactical situations ;-) and cannot disassemble without removing the grips?

The grips are not factory, (Herrett's ?,) but appear nice. They could be resold if they aren't working for you. Vintage factory ones are available.

The weight set appears to be in nice condition. I've seen scratched up and or a bit rusty ones sell for $250.00. Higher condition ones more. It could be resold if you weren't interested.

Jim

 

[Markpixs]

At ~ $400 and if the mechanics are all good, but it's not too pretty, that makes it a no-worry-I-can-shoot-it-all-day-have-fun gun. Pick can up a magazine here and there as you go along. Grab it!

Picking it up tomorrow, will follow up with a better report and photos

 

[Golddollar]

Good for you. I was going to recommend grabbing it. I only have 4 of them!

 

[SASFixer]

Hey,
Have a buy opportunity on a (guessing) 1968 M41 (11080x)with box (worn and mildewy), muzzle break and some of the weights. No magazine but can use the 2206 mags I have. I'm told it's accurate and good-to go functionally.
Some guidance appreciated with the following questions:
Box end label's odd, see photos but no serial no. there or on bottom of the box?
Mildew on the box top, bottom and slight inside, will leaving it it the sun help? Any other real fixes? Also broken corner on the lid.
Are the grips factory, difficult to reach the release (for tactical situations ;-) and cannot disassemble without removing the grips?
Thoughts on condition, some edgewear, looks like freckling on the frame and weird buff out on the model stamping.
They're asking about Ruger MKII Gov't Model money for it, with the condition of the package? A go, right?
thanks in advance

Sunshine may kill the mildew and dry out the box. Probably anything will help the box except fire. That M41 was neglected and left in the box too long, it is a Florida firearm, I expect nothing better.

 

[Bastogne71]

Your model 41 falls in the middle of 1969 range of production. As mentioned above, the box with number A448319 is from 1978 just before the 7 3/8" that's on your model 41 was discontinued. The grips are aftermarket and totally unsuitable for me, a left hand shooter. But they are still very nice if they suit you. The price is right for a shooter grade pistol. Get it and enjoy shooting it without worrying about wear and tear.

 

[millerj7]

Glad you picked that beauty up...not much more than a Ruger or Buckmark. I paid about the same for mine many years ago. If I recall, MSRP was about $1200 at the time and mine was in the shop for $625 due to having been D&T for the old Conetrol mount and a cracked stock. on the plus side for me was the mounted Leupold M8-2x, the proper Bianchi 89L belt holster (remember when we could buy a quality lined leather holster for $30-40?) and the 5" Sport barrel. Took the scope and mount off, Acraglassed the crack, and it became my field pistol ever since, supplying more than a few rabbits, squirrels, etc. for the camp pot. In the meantime I ran across a set of Herretts field stocks that it wears to this day. Never had any F&F issues with any standard velocity ammunition, but it does prefer the premium target stuff...Winchester Mk lll or Federal Gold Medal Match.
Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. I believe it to be around 1960 DOM.

 

[chief38]

Personally I'd pass! Most used M41's are in descent shape. This one appears abused or neglected - not typical of precision shooters. Not orginal configuration either. There are many more in much better shape on the market. Run - don't walk, lol.

 

[6string]

Who cares about the box. The fact that it comes with the weight is a much bigger part of the deal! You should snag it just for that.

Everything else (grips, mags) can be easily acquired.
But, if you plan to shoot it, and are right handed, you might find that the Herrett grip is a real improvement over the factory grip.

I'm really surprised that there was only one comment that even made reference to the weight.

Overall, a very nice find!

 

[bobsguns]

Are the grips factory, difficult to reach the release (for tactical situations ;-) and cannot disassemble without removing the grips?

Not exactly which "tactical situation" a Model 41 would be used in? Is this for someone with recoil issues? Arthritis or something? If so, there's much better options out there, IMO.

The 41 is almost exclusively designed as a match-type rimfire. The skinny bbl Field model is a much lighter weight option, if needed.

I haven't shopped for 41 grips in many years, so I don't know how many options there are out there these days or can be found on ebay?

As a lover of well-built Smiths, with the $$$ you saved on price, I would love to see it refinished back to its original glory. I get it if you have no plans on doing that. It's like the cheerleader captain who turns fat later in life: disappointing.

 

[Markpixs]

Have to apologize, was making a bit of (a bad) joke on tactical. It's the magic word for so many. No greater plans than paper out about 50 yards. I am looking for other grips offering easier takedown/barrel swap.

 

[Markpixs]

Who cares about the box. The fact that it comes with the weight is a much bigger part of the deal! You should snag it just for that.

Everything else (grips, mags) can be easily acquired.
But, if you plan to shoot it, and are right handed, you might find that the Herrett grip is a real improvement over the factory grip.

I'm really surprised that there was only one comment that even made reference to the weight.

Overall, a very nice find!

They fit like magic, was OTD for under $550. From some quick searches the weight was worth about 1/2 the deal.

 

[Rick H.]

Late to the party as it looks like the deal is done. The only point I have is any extras, other than magazines, mean next to nothing for me. Condition of the pistol itself means everything because that it is the best indicator of how well it was taken care of. Had I one word of advise other than outward condition, it would have been to at a minimum bore scope the pistol to see if the barrel was in better condition than the outside of the firearm. If the barrel is in similar condition I would have passed on it. I don't buy anything, new or used today, without bore scoping the barrel. If the barrel is in rough condition you may assume it will be a pig-in-a-poke, but if luck is on your side it may still be a good shooter grade pistol. Problem is luck is a fickle thing.

Rick H.

 

[jcelect]

I believe everyone's estimate of the value of the Olympic Weight set is low! The last set I seen sold was for $500.00!
Rumor has it the model 41 is being dropped from the line of models being manufactured. Watch the prices go up!