Does a Performance Center Model 41 really perform better, accuracy-wise?

[BE Mike]

Excellent advice/comments right here...!

This question reminds me of when I bought a Les Baer 1911 a few years ago, and paid extra for the "1 1/2" Guarantee." I'm sure the gun will shoot 1 1/2" groups at 25 yards, but I'm also sure that I can't! . At least not off hand... I just bought it with that option because I wanted to know, in my mind, I had the most accurate gun available. Maybe it helps the gun's overall value, too?

I've got a M41 from the early Seventies, very nice, reliable, and accurate gun. For whatever reason, I tend to shoot my .22 Smith and Colt revolvers more...

I thought that those 1 1/2" guarantees from Les Baer were for 50 yards.

 

[boatbum101]

And most LB 1911's are incapable of repeating this inch & half guareentee . Barrel fitting is dubious at best . A Model 41 regardless of vintage is a crapshoot . I assume you will be competing outdoors @ 50yds . I'd go to matches & tell them of your interest . Most will lend you guns to try & if cultivated can be a source of proven competition grade guns for years to come . At 73 I'm often one of the youngsters . Point being many BE shooters are old & theres always good buys to be had .
I shoot a Marvel 22 conversion with lower setup exactly as my 45 . Same trigger etc . Still shoot a Hamden H-S 107 for backup . All the S&W 41's & 52's have gone down the road . Try before you buy .

 

[Jamesatrange]

Gents. What is the easiest way to determine what's an older model 41 and if the barrel matches it or is in the same birthdate range since they are easily interchangeable.
I believe the lazy ampersand and possibly roll marked wording is indication on the barrel but easiest serial number indication I'm not sure of.

 

[Drm50]

Moosedog makes a very true point regarding accuracy of pistols. When I hear guys spouting off about their XX run of the mill pistol shoots as well as a match gun, there can be two reasons. #1 is the owner is not much of a shot. Therefore he can do as well with Jennings as a S&W 41. #2 says it all he is full of #2.
My experience with Target grade gun started with a K22. As a kid I had a Ruger S-6. Compared to my buddies H&Rs, IJ s, ect it was a target gun. When I shot the k22 it was downright amazing. It amazed many of our friends too. Night and day would be good description.
Guys that could shoot a handgun some, could shoot better. That doesn't mean they advanced to Olympics. It's same with m41. If you are a good shot with your run of the mill shooter, you will do better with a 41 or any of the other match grade pistols.
Being 72 I can't shoot near what I use to, but I'd bet money with a 41 I could outshot most guys with standard pistols like Buckmarks, Rugers and the lesser S&W models.
Back in the 60s a K22 was around $100. A tidy sum for a working man with a family. Not many would justify $100 for a 22. The same goes today with a 41 going for north of $1300. Most guys don't need that much gun for informal target & plinking.

 

[Sevens]

The way I've always looked at accuracy is that I will go out there and shoot to the best of my ability, and this is a range of course. I could do poorly — I could do well — I will probably do somewhere in between.

Now if I can minimize error with the handgun and minimize error with the ammo then I can tell myself that what is happening on my target is ME.

I'm not a competitor, but I can damn well see the difference (every single time) when I'm shooting one of my ringers over what I produce when I'm shooting some high volume production "combat accuracy capable" handgun.

This is where confidence builds. When you can step to the line and not worry that your handgun is going to throw shots where do did not intend. Having that in your pocket has some value as a mental edge, tells me that I'm able to do what I can do, and not worry that the hardware is taking some of my own ability away.

 

[350mag]

If you want to add a optic sight go to the PC with the rail. If not then I'd go with the first best deal. I have both old and new but PC with the rail to me is unbeatable for its versatility.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[boatbum101]

If one wishes to spend that kind of money there's better pistols to be had . Consider that the 41 is based on the prewar Walther Olympic . Next compare barrel to what's considered match grade , especially land to groove ratio / width . Won't even discuss chambers . Trigger again much better to be had . OK this is a S&W forum but in the current day better options for a serious 2700 shooter are available .