Early M41 Differences

[CKPOMEH]

Hi folks -

I just purchased a nice M41 with SN 20580, and in the process of it, I compared it to a few years later M41 (SN 71362). I noted several differences:

1) Longer muzzle break (as per the SWSC)
2) Model Number stamped on left vs. right side of the frame (as per SWSC)
3) Stocks color is different. I thought the darker ones (on the 71362) are the earlier ones, but this seems to be the opposite here (who knows if those are original)- are the stock on the M41a supposed to be numbered as the magna stocks on the revolvers were until 1974 or so, or not - like the target stocks on the revolvers that are not numbered unless one went back to the late 50s?
3) The beaver tail on the earlier gun is less prominent than the later gun - see pics. Frame has slight differences in the rear with the older frame having shorter beaver tail end (less curve on it). I had not read this in the SWSC and just wanted to share - see if others may have noticed those differences? I compared against a couple of more later M41s, in the A serial range and they both had the taller / more curved beaver tail as well. I have an M46 with SN in the 24166 range and it also shows taller, so the change must have happened in that 20580-24166 range?

See pics, not great shots, but I think visible enough.

Finally, if someone can confirm years of shipment for those three SNs, I would appreciate it - from the SWSC and the features / changes noted there, it seems like they may 1959, 1961 and 1966-7? but I am not positive.

Thanks!

 

[Bastogne71]

1. The muzzle break was shortened from 1 9/16" to 1 5/16" in 1961
2. The model number was moved to the right side about #27500 in 1961
3. The early stocks were usually darker walnut with a matte finish. Around 1970 they were changed to a normally a shinier lighter walnut.
4. A minor frame forging occurred about #46000 in 1964 that I know of but I'm sure that there were others.
5. Smith & Wesson did not manufacture or ship in serial number order so any dating by serial number is an educated guess. I have five model 41's in my database in the 71xxx range with 4 shipped in 1966 but the highest number one shipped in April 1965. Of four in the 20xxx range, one was a 1960, two in 1961, and the fourth in 1962. You can see the problem - only a letter from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation can precisely date your pistols.

 

[CKPOMEH]

1. The muzzle break was shortened from 1 9/16" to 1 5/16" in 1961
2. The model number was moved to the right side about #27500 in 1961
3. The early stocks were usually darker walnut with a matte finish. Around 1970 they were changed to a normally a shinier lighter walnut.
4. A minor frame forging occurred about #46000 in 1964 that I know of but I'm sure that there were others.
5. Smith & Wesson did not manufacture or ship in serial number order so any dating by serial number is an educated guess. I have five model 41's in my database in the 71xxx range with 4 shipped in 1966 but the highest number one shipped in April 1965. Of four in the 20xxx range, one was a 1960, two in 1961, and the fourth in 1962. You can see the problem - only a letter from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation can precisely date your pistols.

Yep - indeed, ranges for the DOBs only at best - thank you, this was super helpful!

I also noted the longer muzzle break has a different color vs. the shorter / later ones - the later ones (I have another from the 1970s) is pretty much black, appearing like how an aluminium would look. I doubt it is aluminim, though...

The longer one seems to have almost red-ish tint into it. Probably some materials differences between those.

I have not opened the barrels to see if the integrated weights are in there, but assume so as the muzzle breaks should be screwd into the internal weights, right?

 

[Bastogne71]

The muzzle break is held on by a screw that attaches to the internal weight. The weight, aluminum or steel, is screwed in the barrel from the bottom so it is not directly attached to the barrel. S&W included a false muzzle cap that replaced the break if so desired. Some competitors believed the break adversely affected their accuracy. I use the cap because the break is hard to clean and, being anodized aluminum, is easily damaged by aggressive cleaning. But it looks so cool on the pistol! Your color difference my be caused by aggressive cleaning chemicals or by manufacturing changes by S&W as you suggested.

The more I learn about serial numbers vs shipping dates the crazier it gets. For example 12112 and 18968 were both shipped together on the same invoice. Then there's 11458 and 11460 that were shipped over three years apart! Most were kind of, sort of sent out in roughly serial number order usually just a few months apart as they were produced & shipped.

 

[Tom S.]

I haven't used the muzzle break on mine, but I wonder if you coated the inside with an oven spray like Pam, if it would help clean up afterwards?

 

[CKPOMEH]

The muzzle break is held on by a screw that attaches to the internal weight. The weight, aluminum or steel, is screwed in the barrel from the bottom so it is not directly attached to the barrel. S&W included a false muzzle cap that replaced the break if so desired. Some competitors believed the break adversely affected their accuracy. I use the cap because the break is hard to clean and, being anodized aluminum, is easily damaged by aggressive cleaning. But it looks so cool on the pistol! Your color difference my be caused by aggressive cleaning chemicals or by manufacturing changes by S&W as you suggested.

The more I learn about serial numbers vs shipping dates the crazier it gets. For example 12112 and 18968 were both shipped together on the same invoice. Then there's 11458 and 11460 that were shipped over three years apart! Most were kind of, sort of sent out in roughly serial number order usually just a few months apart as they were produced & shipped.

Yes, I have seen some with the false muzzle break, and have read the same thing - people remove so they can get more accuracy...I guess the muzzle break could be messing up some with the air coming out through the rifling and impacting its perfect circular motion...? I know mine is dead accurate with the muzzle break, hits where I aim it, any variances are on me...

I did not know the muzzle break was made out of aluminium, thanks for confirming - the color definitely suggests so!

And yes, shipping numbers could be messy, but I do not over obsess with them - if I get a letter from S&W, I get for the authenticity, not for the exact shipping date, it is an added benefit, IMHO.

Wonder if any other earlier guns would also show that flatter beaver tail - any other pre 20XXX SN pictures may help...