Contemplating a model 41. Go new or go old?

[fishwishin]

I’ve always kinda wanted a model 41 and after reading the thread about the one going 150,000 rounds it rekindled my interest. Are there any manufacturing m/quality control differences between the new productions and the 41’s of yesteryear? Anything to really watch for?

Thank you

 

[Barrie]

No the quality to-day is just as good as my 1958 year model. Do your research well and go with the price as parts are easy to obtain if needed and affordable as well. They are a exceptionally well built handgun. Mine has been one of the best handguns in the world as far as quality. Let the Brats fight over it after I am gone. I have a M46 as a Backup gun but it never gets fired year after year. I suggest buying a used one as you will have more money left over to buy the CCI SV ammo for it.

 

[Fishinfool]

Only have owned one - a late 1960's version. Great handgun in all respects. Only sold it when I needed some fast $$, and had found I could shoot my HS Victor just a little better. The blue finish on that model 41 was beautifully polished.

Looked at a new one just a few months ago. The quality of the finish on that pistol was nowhere near what the older model was. Just on that basis alone, I would opt for an older model.

Larry

 

[824tsv]

The blued finish on the older ones is far nicer. My newest is from 1985 and my oldest from 1964 and they shoot the same. I purchased a new 7" barrel with Keng sight in 2014 and the finish is a duller blue, but the quality is very good. My preference would be an older one for looks, but I believe they will all out shoot my abilities behind the trigger.

 

[ladder13]

Mine is from 1994 if I recall. It would be the last Smith semi auto I’d sell. Just a great firearm.

 

[chief38]

I bought mine new in 1979 and have had great luck with it. The new finish S&W is putting on their modern guns is not nearly as nice as the old deep bluing and the newer laminated grips are not my taste - I like the solid Walnut version of the vintage M41's. The new style magazines have also been thinned and cheapened and so I'd personally say go for a vintage version.

You can buy a great, well cared for M41 for under a Grand. One of my friends recently bought a 99% M41 made in 1976 - 77 and it even has the cocking indicator on it. He paid $800 for it and it has a better trigger than most of the M41's I've shot. I told him if he ever wants to part with it - I want it!! I'll take his and sell mine - or maybe keep both!

 

[D Brown]

Model 41

I have one of the newer versions that shipped from the factory in June, 2016. It may not be as refined as the older versions, but I couldn't be happier with the way it shoots.

Model 41

 

[4T5GUY]

I’ve had several 41’s, and have two now. The newest ones are still great pistols. 41’s are on par throughout years, but the cosmetics have changed if that matters. I do not own, or have ever shot a “PC” 41, so I can’t comment on those.

Last year I was lucky enough to get a modified 41, done by a renowned knife maker (for a steal.) It was done on a 1969 41, so I actually found an unmollested 5 1/2” 1969, for before and after examples. I paid $850.00 for the original 41 and it’s in 99% condition and came with 2 original mags. No box.

Vintage, deep blued, beautiful wood, cocking indicator, great condition 41’s CAN be found for prices under newer ones.

Jim

 

[toddcfii]

Red dot

I have a similar want of a 41. I would like to be able to shoot bullseye with it and would eventually put a red dot sight on it. I know the new PC 41s have picatinny rails so that would be easy but I would prefer an older one for looks. Are the older ones drilled and tapped? I seem to remember that they started doing that in some year. Also then what is the best way to get a red dot on there with the d&t version?

 

[oneoff]

If you're willing to be patient, $800 is a reasonable ceiling for a good older one. I've seen a few at this price-point on local trading sites lately, and bought one a few months ago that was pristine from '89 for $600. The kid loved his cheap plastic Sig, and had no idea what his dad had left him!
Be patient, it happens more often that many realize. I flipped that one to a friend for $1000 who was quite aware of what I'd paid for it.
I'd agree with previous posts that new vs. old is a wash from the functionality perspective, but the eye can tell. Based on my results, the old can be had much cheaper, shoots just as good to better, and is classier.
The only reason I'd buy a new one is because I could never bring myself to modify an antique for modern accessories.
You'll be happy either way!

 

[Camster]

I have a similar want of a 41. I would like to be able to shoot bullseye with it and would eventually put a red dot sight on it. I know the new PC 41s have picatinny rails so that would be easy but I would prefer an older one for looks. Are the older ones drilled and tapped? I seem to remember that they started doing that in some year. Also then what is the best way to get a red dot on there with the d&t version?

Factory D+T started in the late 80s, I believe.The best way to put a red dot on one is with a Weaver base or Weigand base.

 

[bob finger]

One of the better ways to mount a red dot on a 41 is to acquire a Clark barrel with integral rail. A further benefit is quickly changing back to your irons barrel when you want to. bob

 

[Troystat]

I have an early 70's version with an 7.375 inch barrel. It is a joy to shoot but the barrel is not tapped for a dot sight. I am thinking about getting a clark barrel and using a dot sight on it. The newer guns have drilled and tapped barrels but they are not as pretty as the older guns if that matters to you. As for magazines I have both the older and newer ones and they both work well.

 

[wproct]

I have owned a total of around 4 model 41 Smith & Wesson pistols in my lifetime. The first 3 were all from the 1980's vintage, (I used to have a terrible habit of trading off perfectly good guns). The one I currently have was made in 2007, has the newer dull blue finish with laminate grips, but it shoots as good as any of the older ones that I previously owned. I bought a really nice pair of factory walnut grips to put on it for show, but use the laminates for daily shooting. I have had good luck with all that I have owned, accurate and no malfunctions. I just don't see them for sale at local gun shows, and when I do, they are pricey, over $1000 if in really nice condition. If a person is very patient, I'm sure you can do better. As for me, mine's a keeper and my kids can decide what to do with it when I'm gone.

 

[mauiblue]

About 10 years ago I wanted to buy a new Model 41 but I couldn't find one online. One night I was perusing Bud's Gun Shop website and they had a new one in stock. I bought it and it is one of my favorite guns to shoot. It is fabulous pistol. I got it for $860 NIB. It is well constructed and if ever needed their repair service is great. I would love an early made Model 41 but I good with the newer production.

Sent from my coconut frond hut using Tapatalk

 

[Hasbeen1945]

Here’s mine. I bought it as new old stock. Picked up the extra barrels. The sport was really hard to find.

 

[johngalt]

The rear sight has changed over the years. The older ones used the M52 sight, in later years they used a revolver sight. I'm not sure what the new ones use. I prefer the M52 sight over the revolver sight.

 

[Camster]

The rear sight has changed over the years. The older ones used the M52 sight, in later years they used a revolver sight. I'm not sure what the new ones use. I prefer the M52 sight over the revolver sight.

The revolver sight was only used for a brief time,circa 1998-1999.I believe that a Keng sight has been used since that time.

 

[Gar L.]

I have four of them, and a M46. 1970, 1978,1987 and a 2015 PC model. They all work flawlessly except the PC which I have had extraction problems with. Also the cocking serrations are cut a little deeper and sharper on the older ones, making it easier to rack the slide. The safety on the PC is also of a different design and doesn't fit into a notch on the slide.