Looking for info / date for a model 41.

[Lost Lake]

And I'll take all the VG $600 41's you can get me....

 

[kas9412]

I have frequently heard that the earlier models had an absolutely specatcular deep blue finnish, and this is the main difference between the older and new models (along with the CI and the compensator on the long barrel model). Excellent accuracy has remained a constant. I am very satisfied with my 1997 41 in both departments.

kas

 

[oliveview]

I have frequently heard that the earlier models had an absolutely specatcular deep blue finnish, and this is the main difference between the older and new models (along with the CI and the compensator on the long barrel model). Excellent accuracy has remained a constant. I am very satisfied with my 1997 41 in both departments.

kas

What qualifies as earlier, out of curiosity? Obviously, the first decade or so would not only be early, but even C&R! Are you saying that your '97 does, indeed, have some deep solid blueing? How is the upkeep on that? Is it prone to slight rusting in hard to reach areas?

 

[kas9412]

From what I have read, I think there are at least 3 degrees of finish. The early gun's (possibly the first 10 years or so - maybe someone more knowledgeable than I can elaborate) had the best deep blue finish; a middle period where the guns had a more satin look to them (still very nice, but not as nicely finished as the early models - I count my gun in this category) and the late production guns. I have read on this forum and over on Rimfire Central that some of these later guns have a sort of spotty finish on them - that is, the finish is not consistant over the entire gun. I have never seen one of these, so again, what I am saying is subject to individual verification. I also believe that the finish on some on the newer production guns is very acceptable, just not as good as those of the past. I know this is not all that helpful except to say that you need to carefully inspect the finish of the gun you intend to buy to make sure that it is acceptable to you.

My gun, which sees only range use, is still in as new condition. I may not do an absolutely thorough cleaning each time I use it, but I always wipe it down well. It has no rust, and I wouldn't say it is any more prone to rusting that any other carbon steel gun. In my opinion, rust is more of a "care" variable than a finish variable.

kas

 

[travis301]

How about a 41 with serial prefix BMC? Has box/papers. Any idea on year/value? I have an older one,but I was thinking this one may be a buy at $600 at local Cabelas.Thanks,Travis

 

[kas9412]

Travis, you may want to check that serial number; the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson does not show any starting with BMC (at least not that I can find). Price is always determined by condition; however, $600, assuming the gun is not beat up, would likely be a "buy".

kas

 

[travis301]

Here it is,I may go look at it if I can get ahold of them:
Cabela's: Gun Library: Smith & Wesson Model 41 .22 Long Rifle

 

[kas9412]

Yep, you are certainly correct on the serial number, but I looked again and my reference doesn't list it. The "A" series guns ended in March, 1984 at which point S&W started numbering using three letters, followed by a series of digits. This numbering typically begins with "T" or "U". However, the SCSW (my reference) was last published in 2006, so this certainly leaves the possibility that the gun you are interested in has been manufactured in the last 6 years.

In any case, that Cabelas gun looks to be in very nice shape. I would definately go take a look if I were you.

Good Luck,
kas

 

[KDGJ]

The BMC should be a gun built in 1998. Here's a link http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92500 serial numbers.

 

[travis301]

The rimfire link doesnt seem to be working.Travis

 

[KDGJ]

Sorry...Try the rimfire link now.
Ken

 

[Sam Casey]

I'd like to add a couple questions. Recently purchased M41 advertised as a 2 barrel set. It has serial TAD xxxx. Is it a late 80's gun? There are several mags; all marked S&W on bottom with plastic followers; factory? The 7" barrel is drilled and tapped (4 places) on rib; factory? Blue plastic S&W box is correctly labeled to 5" barrel, but there is really no room for 7" barrel. Are barrels sold (packed) separately? All looks as new and unaltered to my inexperienced eye. Thanks for help.

 

[kas9412]

Sam,

You gun was manufacturered in the 1984-85 period, depending on the exact serial number. Yes, the mags are of S&W manufacture. Your 7" barrel is likely factory drilled and tapped, however, the earlier ones were not.

Barrels are indeed sold separately. The guns are sold with either the 5.5" heavy barrel or the 7"; you can then buy the one that didn't come with the gun.

And welcome to the forum!

kas

 

[Sam Casey]

That is helpful. Thank you. One more question. Will I hurt the gun by using hi velocity ammo? I understand best accuracy probably comes from low velocity, but i have a lot of the hi vel that i could use as i familarize myself with the 41.

 

[kas9412]

I use nothing but CCI standard velocity in mine, which is what you will hear a high percentage of the time on this forum. However, some owners have called S&W and have been told that HV ammo will not hurt it, and truth be known, when I first got mine, I shot a little of everything in it. But I had a lot of stove pipes and FTE's when I was shooting the other stuff. I then tried CCI SV, and have been problem free (as long as the gun is clean enough) ever since.

If you do shoot HV ammo and it functions OK, you might want to consider a recoil bufffer or other springs, which can be bought in the aftermarket. I do think that one thing makes a lot of sense; that is, why would you want to shoot HV ammo, when it's usually not as accurate and causes more wear and tear to your expensive target pistol?

If the HV ammo that you have functions acceptably in your gun, I think I would shoot it, but when its gone, change over to SV. (Just my humble opinion!)

I buy CCI SV at Dick's and it is currently priced at about $28/brick, which I find within reason.

kas