Couple questions about a model 41 barrel

[rjm6120]

I have a 1985 shooter+ grade model 41 with a 5.5" barrel----wonderfully accurate pistol. I have been wanting to get a 7 inch barrel for this gun as a supplement barrel.

A shooter grade 7" barrel for a model 41 has become available, but I have a couple questions about it:

1) This is for an older model 41 as it has the "lazy ampersand" in the Smith & Wesson stamping. Will I have any kind of a problem with this 7" barrel fitting properly on my 1985 circa model 41?

2) This barrel also comes with a muzzle cap. What is this and what purpose does it serve? Does it add any value at all to the barrel?

Thanks very much in advance for the response(s).

Ray

 

[Old_Cop]

The muzzle cap can be replaced with a muzzle brake. As far as I know it should fit the newer frame.

 

[Sevens]

Disclosure— I have precious little 41 experience EXCEPT for my one single Model 41.

As for the fit, I have a lazy ampersand 5-1/2 top end on my early-90's Model 41 and the whole package absolutely sings. Fit is phenomenal and it runs like a top and is accurate.

My only complaint is the physical shape and surface of the trigger, it is serrated and dangerously so, and the very end of it is nearly razor sharp, none of which makes any sense to me.

My plan is to source a spare 41 trigger and alter it, shape it and install it.

 

[rjm6120]

These responses help me tremendously! Thank you Old Cop and Sevens!

 

[824tsv]

The barrel you are looking at is actually 7 3/8" and was designed for mounting a muzzle brake. If the shooter didn't want to shoot it with the brake, he could remove it and cover up the exposed 3/8" of barrel with the "False Muzzle" that is attached to the barrel you are looking at. The same screw attaches both the False Muzzle and the Muzzle Brake.

 

[rjm6120]

The barrel you are looking at is actually 7 3/8" and was designed for mounting a muzzle brake. If the shooter didn't want to shoot it with the brake, he could remove it and cover up the exposed 3/8" of barrel with the "False Muzzle" that is attached to the barrel you are looking at. The same screw attaches both the False Muzzle and the Muzzle Brake.

A cool feature to have if I were ever able to find a muzzle brake by itself. Thank you for the pics for reference!

 

[Bastogne71]

To test your question I took two model 41's from my safe and swapped barrels just to see if how it worked. The first pistol is #369x with the 7 3/8" barrel like the one you are asking about that was shipped from S&W in November 1957. The second pistol is #TAL12xx that was shipped in February 1986 with a 5 1/2" heavy barrel, pretty close to yours.

The swap went perfectly despite the 28 year difference in the pistols age. The only problem I encountered was the 1986 barrel was a little bit tight to remove from the 1957 frame but it did come off ok.

I've owned several M41's and spare barrels over many years and I've never had a problem with interchangeably of barrels.

Get the barrel before someone beats you to it!

 

[rjm6120]

Thanks Bastogne71......a bit more reassurance is never a bad thing!

 

[4T5GUY]

A cool feature to have if I were ever able to find a muzzle brake by itself. Thank you for the pics for reference!

I don't know your opinion and or experience with eBay but you can find them there. Some I've seen were lightly used and others were in like new condition. ($60.00-$100.00 so not cheap.)

You have the harder part to find. It seems that the muzzle brake and different weights are more available.

Jim