Misc. Model 41 questions?

[Beeser]

As stated in a previous post, I just purchased a Model 41 with a serial number of 94XXX. It came with a spare set of grips, 4 magazines and another set of grips with a large adjustable flat area on the bottom. I'm very new to the background on this gun and was wondering about the following.

Why would someone, the previous owner in this case, have a spare set of grips? Do they frequently break? Both sets of mine look practically new.

What is the purpose of the larger grip set? It seems that it's used to sit on a flat surface and the adjustment is for zeroing onto the target.

And lastly, all 4 magazines are slightly different. They all have S&W stamped on the bottom but 2 have solid top sections where the first cartridge sits. Another one has exposed metal rails that form the interior slide. This one also has a small hole on the bottom where the others do not. I suspect they all function the same but why the differences?

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I purchased a M-41 some years ago. The 41 I have was made in 1969 and came with 2 magazines, the adjustable target grips like you mentioned, and the factory grips. It also came with the both the steel and aluminum barrel weights. This model also has the muzzle break, which was on the gun, and for some reason, it also came with 3 muzzle caps. Two are original factory caps and the other is made of steel in the white and looks home made.

Like your extra factory grip question, why would the previous owner of my 41 need 3 muzzle caps and why would someone make a steel one anyway?

I haven't heard of the factory grips being prone to breakage. The adjustable target grips are good for to keep a tight grip by sliding the adjustable section to make it tight so the hand doesn't move too much. I have only used the adjustable grips that came with mine once and I could see where they could work well in competition. Since I don't shoot competition, they are a bit bulky for me.

S&W has changed the magazine style on the M-41 many times since it was introduced, so I am not surprised that the 4 you have might be a bit different. Perhaps someone who know more about the different magazines for this model will chime in.

 

[civil1977]

The large grips you mention have an adjustable palm shelf and are for target shooting. You can adjust the palm shelf to fit your hand and give you a more consistent grip. It's not a rest for shooting off of. The metal follower mag is the older, more desirable version. The hole on the bottom allows for easier disassembly. The newer mags have plastic followers and no hole on the baseplate although they can still be disassembled.

 

[Beeser]

Thanks all! Only one of the magazines has the metal follower and was probably original to the gun. Good to know about the target shooting grips. I tried it and was surprised how comfortable it felt.