M41 question

[GSP Fan]

I'm looking at a NIB M41 with a 7 inch barrel. The serial number is TYA1125 the product code is 101804. In trying to find the year of manufacture I didn't find the serial number but as the Julian system was used also would the DOM be Oct. 18 2004?

If purchased it would be used. I know these have a reputation for being finicky as to the ammunition used. Any big red flags if this was produced in 2004?

Asking price is $1400

All input is appreciated

 

[505Gibbs]

The product code has nothing to do with the mnfg date.

 

[Yendor357]

$1400 seems to be a bit high for a used 41.

I feed my 41s CCI anything. I’ve shot a lot of high velocity ammo thru my M41 in the 35+ years I’ve owned it; doesn’t seem to have hurt it a bit.

My 7 inch 41 will give any iron sighted 22 rifle a run for its money.

 

[GSP Fan]

The gun is NIB with all the paperwork and accessories

 

[gmborkovic]

Yea, any big red flags? The price. Way to high. Shop around.

 

[Sevens]

I will guess that serial number to be spring or early summer of 1992. If you have a picture of the original box end label, YES there is a Julian date on there in most cases however the six digit product code is not a date of any sort and never has been. The six digit product code refers to model and features.

If this pistol is indeed from the early 90’s, I would genuinely like the odds that it is a good shooter. I agree with all others that $1,400 is a silly price and I would not get suckered in to that.

I would take literally any early 90’s Model 41 over any Model 41 made in the last 10-15 years. I am a true believer that the new ones are -HOT- garbage. It’s okay if others disagree with me, but that’s where I am at.

 

[Oldsalt66]

New in box, or new old stock?

Either way, I'd pay $1400 but offer a bit less first.

 

[GSP Fan]

It's listed as NIB. My military discount would take $70 off right away but add tax and shipping plus the FFL transfer fee and all that will add $100. Condition and the 7 inch barrel are attractive but I'll let it sit awhile and see what happens.

 

[nathanours]

Two in like new condition with 7” barrels and boxes just sold on the main gun auction site in the last couple weeks, one for $1000 and the other for $1060. One a 1986 and the other a 1997, the gun you are looking at is likely a 1991 or 1992.

That asking price is more than a third over current going price.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I'm looking at a NIB M41 with a 7 inch barrel. The serial number is TYA1125 the product code is 101804. In trying to find the year of manufacture I didn't find the serial number but as the Julian system was used also would the DOM be Oct. 18 2004?

If purchased it would be used. I know these have a reputation for being finicky as to the ammunition used. Any big red flags if this was produced in 2004?

Asking price is $1400

All input is appreciated

I will guess that serial number to be spring or early summer of 1992.

If this pistol is indeed from the early 90’s, I would genuinely like the odds that it is a good shooter. I agree with all others that $1,400 is a silly price and I would not get suckered in to that.

I would take literally any early 90’s Model 41 over any Model 41 made in the last 10-15 years. I am a true believer that the new ones are -HOT- garbage. It’s okay if others disagree with me, but that’s where I am at.

I think Sevens is close on the date, maybe a bit older than that. My 7" M41 is TAF and it is a 1985 manufacture, the 4th Ed SCSW lists that prefix as such. I also agree with him the older ones are much better than the newer ones. As for the price, I gave $1200 for mine 4 years ago and it was ANIB. In the end, they are worth what you're willing to pay based on how bad you want it and how nice it may be when you find it. Mine runs well as long as it is clean, and wants ammo faster than 1250 fps, so stuff like Yellow Jackets and the better Federal work well in it. Slower stuff likes to stovepipe, I suppose because it won't kick the slide back fast enough for good ejection. It's got a trigger as good as any of my S&W DA revolvers shooting SA, just a hot breath is all it takes.

 

[chief38]

The gun is NIB with all the paperwork and accessories

If the M41 you speak of is NIB, then $1,400 would be reasonable IMO. A new one would be more money and probably not half the quality.

I feed my M41 CCI standard velocity 40 grain bullets and it eats them all day long with zero hitches - tens of thousands of rounds have gone through it. I have tried Remington Target standard velocity 40 grain and it doesn't shoot as reliably or as accurately. CCI SV 40 gr. is my sole ammo for my M41.

 

[GSP Fan]

I appreciate all the responses. I'm going out of town today for s SXS shoot and will revisit this when I get back.

 

[Rick H.]

I don't know where most of the responders to this thread live, but in my upper Midwest area $1,400.00 for a used Model 41 in really nice shape isn't bad at all. Don't let the masses kid you, new or old buying a M41 is a **** shoot. A new one gets you backed up with a warranty, old does not. Prices on the big auction sites seem to be anywhere from $1,000.00 and up for almost any condition. If it has a three day inspection it would be a plus. At least that would give you a chance to really look at the pistol and bore scope it if you have access to a scope. I bought old, vintage first per the advice of others and got burned. Bought a PC M41 years later and it went back to the Mothership for a slide stop lever and no issues since. The repair cost me nothing but some gas to FedEx and some time. I run Green Tag in mine now and it works great and the ease of installing an optic is a huge plus. I will never sell my PC M41 as it's next to perfect for me. Gamble throwing over a grand down on a used one with no warranty? No thanks!

Rick H.

 

[505Gibbs]

FWIW to this conversation the MSRP on the 'motherhood's' web page is $1749 with the 'fancy' Custom Shop model is at least $200 higher!

 

[Stewboy]

Does anyone know the S&W's warranty policy on a 2nd hand M41? That's a consideration b/c if you have problems, and you have to pay to get them fixed, then $1400 will be more like a down payment. I seem to remember that it was one or two years on a new pistol: they'd remedy all problems and pay for shipping. If I were buying used, I'd go for something around 1k for that reason.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Don't let the masses kid you, new or old buying a M41 is a **** shoot. A new one gets you backed up with a warranty, old does not.

From the plethora of M41 threads I've read in the last several years, you need the warranty with a new one, not so much with an older one. The old ones that cause trouble generally just need new springs. The new ones have all sorts of issues and most come from poor workmanship or machining.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Does anyone know the S&W's warranty policy on a 2nd hand M41? That's a consideration b/c if you have problems, and you have to pay to get them fixed, then $1400 will be more like a down payment. I seem to remember that it was one or two years on a new pistol: they'd remedy all problems and pay for shipping. If I were buying used, I'd go for something around 1k for that reason.

Smith has, historically, not asked too many questions about the provenance of guns I've sent in. I wouldn't take that as a blanket statement that older guns will be serviced. The good news; not aware that there has ever been a 41-1, so, presumably, parts shouldn't be an issue. Have a sneaking feeling that some things, like the trigger bar, are now stamped, but mine has a superb trigger. Mine is fairly new, though its 'field' barrel is older.
Guns I've submitted have always been in great shape, and they know my name in Springfield, with service records going back 50 years.
Anyway, 41s are where you find them, new is more expensive than $1400, but I'd still see if you can talk them down a little. But for a minty example, it's not an awful number, and it shouldn't be too hard to be rid of it, if you're not happy.
Moon

 

[Hair Trigger]

The good news; not aware that there has ever been a 41-1,
Moon

There is a M41-1. Looks just like the M41, but is chambered for .22 Short only. Fewer than 1000 made from 1960-1973 and values are 3x or more of a similar condition M41. It has different springs and an aluminum alloy slide. Slide stop and extractor are different and only has a 5-round magazine.