OP Update:
So I just got back from my first range trip with my new-to-me vintage model 41, 1974 browning challenger, and my 1980's browning challenger ii. This was my first time shooting all three of these pistols, and let me tell you: things did NOT go as I expected!!
First for the good news: the two challengers were FANTASTIC shooters. Zero malfunctions between the two of them, and I was immediately shooting teeny tiny groups with both of them. Right off the bat, I shot a 1.5" 10 shot group offhand at 15 yards with the challenger ii, which is phenomenal shooting for me. And I was able to easily replicate this group size with the Belgium challenger, which only has a 4.5" barrel! I'm frankly blown away by the quality of the Belgium gun, and it blows my mind that I got it for $450 out the door. And, even though the American made Challenger ii is a big step down in terms of fit and finish, it's still a fantastic shooter and a great deal at under $350! Both these pistols are definitely keepers.
Now for the bad news: things did NOT work out very well with the model 41! I shot this pistol last, and was somewhat shocked to see that my group sizes with the m41 were about double the size as with either of the challengers. Furthermore, I experienced several malfunctions (failure to eject). And, before I could even get through two magazines, the trigger over travel screw backed out, which ended the day for the poor m41. Fortunately I went back to shooting the two challengers and had a blast. The ruger single six that I gave to my mother for Christmas also shot extremely well. It was our first time shooting together since I surprised her with it, and we both agreed it was one of the funnest pistols we'd ever shot.
Anyway, I'm not giving up on the model 41 just yet. I gave it a good cleaning (I'm thinking a dirty chamber may have been responsible for the failure to eject problems), and I also put some blue loctite on the over travel adjustment screw before resetting it. However, if it doesn't perform better at the next range trip (whether it's my fault or the pistols), I'm gonna sell it and use the funds to buy a Belgium challenger with a 6.5" barrel, because I'm officially a HUGE challenger fanboy!!
