Help dating a model 41

stk622

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Can anyone help me date my new (old) model 41???

SERIAL NUMBER 286xx

I also need a manual the go with it and papers if anyone can help me out!

Need right date first though!
 
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I was going to give you advice on dating older women :)
 
The book shows on pg 401 : model 39, 41, 46, etc, with serial #'s starting in 1954 @ 1001 continuing through 115000 in 1970 when the letter "A" was added. After the "A" was added it shows a more specific yearly serialized range.
Yours falls into the 1957 to 1970 range and I can't find a more specific date but there is some maybe helpful info found on pg 279 stating commercial prod started @ ser#1401 for the m41.
Some more dates follow below to help you more closely nail yours down hopefully.
1959:Introduce 5" lightweight bbl.
1960:Introduce m41-1 in .22 short only.
1963:5.5" heavyweight bbl Introduced.
1965:5.5" with extendable front sight Introduced.
 
Looks like some time in 1959. If you don't want to invest in an SCSW, go to rimfire central dot com then to Forae then to Manf. then to S&W. Can't say for sure it was there, but somewhere on line I saw a manual. Try a Google, maybe?
 
Looks like some time in 1959. If you don't want to invest in an SCSW, go to rimfire central dot com then to Forae then to Manf. then to S&W. Can't say for sure it was there, but somewhere on line I saw a manual. Try a Google, maybe?


SCSW? I'm not sure what that is.......

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP!!!
 
The book shows on pg 401 : model 39, 41, 46, etc, with serial #'s starting in 1954 @ 1001 continuing through 115000 in 1970 when the letter "A" was added. After the "A" was added it shows a more specific yearly serialized range.
Yours falls into the 1957 to 1970 range and I can't find a more specific date but there is some maybe helpful info found on pg 279 stating commercial prod started @ ser#1401 for the m41.
Some more dates follow below to help you more closely nail yours down hopefully.
1959:Introduce 5" lightweight bbl.
1960:Introduce m41-1 in .22 short only.
1963:5.5" heavyweight bbl Introduced.
1965:5.5" with extendable front sight Introduced.

I have it in every one of those configurations! Same gun.... 5 Barrels! 5 Mags....extra slide stop and winters trigger guard extra also.... NICE Piece.... no one so far has seen anything like it that I've shown...and some knowledgeable guys have seen it....

although none of em come here so what do THEY know!?

Thanks again to all who have responded! If someone has an old manual and papers to sell let me know.
 
Dating of pistols is based on available information. The best way to learn when a unit is shipped is thru Jinks. The problem arises in the fact that a series of frames are run and numbered, but later assembly is not in SN order - pulled from "as delivered to station" order. As an example, "first year shipped" does not match the SN order of number sequence. Apparently some frames have ended up in the eddie currents and not shipped for a few years. Lazy "&" and CI units cutoffs are very fractured compared to SN order and ship dates. Even the conversion from cutout to foam liners is scrambled. In summary - it ain't perfect - but a good approximation. But is it that critical??
 
Dating of pistols is based on available information. The best way to learn when a unit is shipped is thru Jinks. The problem arises in the fact that a series of frames are run and numbered, but later assembly is not in SN order - pulled from "as delivered to station" order. As an example, "first year shipped" does not match the SN order of number sequence. Apparently some frames have ended up in the eddie currents and not shipped for a few years. Lazy "&" and CI units cutoffs are very fractured compared to SN order and ship dates. Even the conversion from cutout to foam liners is scrambled. In summary - it ain't perfect - but a good approximation. But is it that critical??

Tom----

No it is not critical. A good approximation is welcomed and appreciated!
I'm just trying to learn how stuff is dated etc and this has been a great help, and to have the feedback from you guys is great.

I found some very nice stuff a few weeks ago and bought it all. This was one of the pieces. I was able to figure out dates on most from Supica book but it's sometimes confusing for a "beginner"....

I had always loved the Smiths and recently got back into it....

Love the old ones best.

I'm thankful for your advice, information and time!!!!
 
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