41 info needed....

[msp2640]

Well I just joined the 41 club! Left the FFLs with my GB found, 1979 S&W 41, 5 1/2" bbl, in the original box with paperwork, earlier today. I'm not a competition shooter, just wanted a well made 22 LR, target type pistol. My questions are....

Did any company other than Weaver make a scope base for this model? The barrel has been drilled on top, for a base with 3 holes, both front and rear holes are about 2.25 CTC to the middle hole. I haven't figured out the thread pitch, yet.

It came with 3 different type clips, all of which appear to be factory. One has a pin (spring depressor?) which is checkered, another has one which is grooved (looks like a bullseye) - both of these are marked only "5" for the round count. Last clip has a checkered pin, marked both 5 and 10 and it also has a hole in the base plate (perhaps to disassemble the clip?) All of them have a S&W on the base plate and all but the last, have an S&W in a circle on the side of the clip. Just wondering, which may be original to the pistol.

Other than the basic cleaning kit, any model specific tools come with this model?

Appreciate the knowledge! Thanks, Bill in MA

 

[Mr. streetglide]

rail

Try this jackweigand.com

 

[rct269]

I never paid that much attention, but I had three 41's in my collection (target only)---the regular everyday version, the 5 1/2" heavy barrel with the "sliding extendable front sight", and a 41-1---figuring that made for a representative sample---and prejudiced in favor of pre-war items anyway.

All that said, my knee-jerk reaction is the 5 round clips are for a 41-1.(???)

Ralph Tremaine

 

[msp2640]

I should mention, I haven't tried to insert rounds into the clips to determine if they're 5 or 10 round capacity, it's just that they were marked in that fashion. Thanks, Bill

 

[msp2640]

Regarding the base, I've seen that Weaver Base #62 will fit the 41. However the hole spacing on multiple different pics of that base, do not match the hole spacing on the barrel of my pistol. As these holes were done after it left the factory, I have no ideal which base or if it was a custom drilled base that they were drilled for. Thanks, Bill

 

[Mr. streetglide]

rail

look at my post .

 

[msp2640]

I did!

Thanks for the link, I went to the model specific base for the 41 and it's a 4 hole base, made for the factory D&T'd holes, just like the Weaver version. This would not fit the holes currently on my pistol. Thanks, Bill

 

[Drm50]

There is a raft of Weaver 1 piece bases, I’ve got a cigar box full of them
would need to know hole spacing. Can check a #62 to see what bottom surface contour is. If it’s 3 hole base BSquare had a steel one piece weaver type base that was kind of universal for off the wall projects.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Congratulations on your purchase
The 5 1/5 Hb barrel was drilled and tapped by a previous owner or is a much later barrel.

Your gun as new would have a steel follower mag and the removable base plate, the type with a pin. The mag spring button sometimes gets reversed.
The 5 and 10 stamped on the mag is different manufacturing production runs. Same with the S&W logo. They will be 10 round mags, unless they are for 22 shorts.
Yes the pin is to disassemble the mag.
As new there would also have been a model 41parts list in the box.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Post some pictures to encourage more comments

 

[Bald1]

I believe there is a base and ring setup for sale now in classifieds. Perhaps seller can give measurements . Also I can’t believe nobody commented on the use of the word “clip”. Lol some guys are sticklers

 

[Bastogne71]

Bill in MA,

Greetings and welcome to the model 41 club

The three hole mount has been discussed here but I don’t recall finding a solution. You might consider modifying a Weaver #63 by drilling it to fit to match the holes in your barrel. If you mess it up, the mount is cheap enough to get another and try again. I wouldn’t want to put any more holes in your barrel.

The late 70’s model 41’s came with the cleaning kit, instructions, warranty card, and two magazines. May have included ads for ammo or holsters.

The 22 short magazines are blocked and will not accept a 22LR cartridge. If you can insert a 22LR, they are for the model 41. Are the magazine followers metal or plastic? If plastic, what color? I suspect that the one with the bullseye pin may be a 12 round from 1992-94. Photos would be a big help.

Your first 41 is at the top of an expensive slippery slope of more 41’s, extra barrels, custom grips, red dot sights, & other accessories. I wish you joy with your model 41!

 

[msp2640]

Thanks

I had forgotten about B Square - that could be the answer. I saw the post on the Buehler mount and that is a 4 hole set up as well. Funny that the clip vs mag thing came up. I read it years ago, that clips were removable and magazines were not, so I've always just stuck with that! Even before posting the original questions, I had used both and proof read it before submitting it. Thanks for the help! Bill in MA

 

[msp2640]

Bastogne71 - We were probably posting at the same time - Thanks for that info. I have an older boxed set of Brownell's filler screws, hopefully I can find three to fit the holes. I'll do a more detailed inspection on the clips, as well. This was more to "scratch an itch" for a nice 22 SA, currently have no plans to get deep into competing or really adding to the pistol. I have a pretty stock SS Ruger Mk 3, which is fun, but just like revolvers, blued steel calls to me! Thanks, Bill in MA

 

[rolandj]

Scope base

I bought a 41 a few yrs. ago that has an odd base on it. It's length is 6 & 3/8" and the 3 hole spacing is 2 & 1/4" like yours. Also, the rear end is machined to fit over a protrusion of some sort. I figure it was made for a bolt action rifle, for it is also machined for fitting over an ejection port. It has no name or numbers on it so I have no idea who made it. I wish it was a 4 hole Weaver 64, but I can live with it. I put an old 2 power Tasco pistol scope on it. The scope is heavy, so I use it as a bench rest pistol. The price did not bankrupt me, and it also came with a like new 5" Sport barrel. Look for some rifle bases that might line up with the holes on your barrel, but don't drill anymore holes. If you need pictures of the base let me know and I will send you some.

 

[msp2640]

rolandj - Thanks for that info, glad to know my pistol is not unique! I spent some time on it earlier this morning. All the clips appear to have plastic followers, hadn't noticed that before. I gave the 41 a quick cleaning and lube, as it really wasn't that dirty. I did have to clean out the holes, as there looked like dust and crud in them. I used 6-48 filler screws, which I had on hand and it plugged the holes perfectly. They sit flush and the slots in them line up with the top strap grooves - actually looks factory done, now. I appreciate the knowledge and insight shared here - Hope to get it to the range this week. Thanks again, Bill in MA