Deals, Deals, Deals: Good or What?

[magnummitch]

I guess ya'll mighta noticed that ol' economy ain't perzackly whut she wuz.... Last year, or month, even. So, I went out to see what I could see, and after committing myself to a N-Series, Nickle-Plated 3 1/2" 27-2 with original Magnas, in 'barely used' condition for a cool $600... I ran into a very nice Model 41 (circa 1980) for the same price, ($600)... But here's the other "deal": Next to the 41 was a Model 46 (with the square-cut frame) for $795.... Also saw one of my old favorites, albeit, with the shorter barrel, the Original Belgian Browning Challenger...for $400. Apparently,as of today, these are fairly reasonable prices...(NOT that I'm getting one TODAY!) But -Eventually...I want to get a nice .22 auto again... but am just learning about the 41's & 46's. Seems the Model 46 is pretty rare puppy- yet prone to damage in the non-radiused models....Any input on this issue? I am getting wary of buying stuff "As an Investment" these days. But would like to get my pesos worth, and a little "Collector Value",never hurts. But for "All Around Value"...What is YOUR favorite auto .22, and WHY?

 

[magnummitch]

I guess ya'll mighta noticed that ol' economy ain't perzackly whut she wuz.... Last year, or month, even. So, I went out to see what I could see, and after committing myself to a N-Series, Nickle-Plated 3 1/2" 27-2 with original Magnas, in 'barely used' condition for a cool $600... I ran into a very nice Model 41 (circa 1980) for the same price, ($600)... But here's the other "deal": Next to the 41 was a Model 46 (with the square-cut frame) for $795.... Also saw one of my old favorites, albeit, with the shorter barrel, the Original Belgian Browning Challenger...for $400. Apparently,as of today, these are fairly reasonable prices...(NOT that I'm getting one TODAY!) But -Eventually...I want to get a nice .22 auto again... but am just learning about the 41's & 46's. Seems the Model 46 is pretty rare puppy- yet prone to damage in the non-radiused models....Any input on this issue? I am getting wary of buying stuff "As an Investment" these days. But would like to get my pesos worth, and a little "Collector Value",never hurts. But for "All Around Value"...What is YOUR favorite auto .22, and WHY?

 

[Camster]

The 41 is my fav-love the takedown,and all steel
design.Personally, that 46 wouldn't tempt even if it was cheaper than the 41,which I would buy.
400 seems about par for a nice Challenger-I have one,paid about that much-I'm a bit surprised that they don't command more as they are very nice guns.

 

[BUFF]

The Model 41, by leaps and bounds. Quality, accuracy, trigger pull, sights, ergonomics (except for the safety), finish. I love mine, had it since 1979.

Ah, yes, the M-41 safety... I have often thought about ordering a replacement safety from S&W and having a good gunsmith make the 'pad' (the part of the safety that your thumb contacts) bigger and longer, more like a 1911's. They are so stiff, the bigger longer safety would give your thumb a lot more leverage.

There are some jackrabbits in the Utah desert that are alive today simply because of the small, stiff thumb safety of the Model 41!

 

[clang444]

I bought a Belgian Browning Challenger with the ~6" barrel last year for $225.00.

The Gun Store owner kept insisting it was a Buck Mark....

Of the two, take the 41 over the 46. 41s were the premium gun, 46s were the lower budget alternative.