Mod 41 problems

[H Richard]

A close friend has a Mod 41 that he bought back in the 80's and it was always a 100% functional tack driver. He drifted away from shooting, and the gun was set aside for over 20+ years. He recently got it out and it will not shoot but 1 or 2 rounds, then the hammer evidently follows the slide down. He took it to a local gunsmith and it was sprayed out with crud blaster of some kind and blown out well. Still the same problem.


He sent the gun off to S&W and they originally wouldn't work on it as it had a "modified" barrel. (Top strap machined as weaver rail) for a red dot. S&W replaced the barrel with a new barrel and claimed the gun was fixed. When it was received back (12 weeks), it acted the same way, 1 or 2 rounds then the trigger did nothing (hammer followed slide). It is now back at S&W again.

What do you think could cause this problem? A wonderful gun put away for 20 years I imagine the lubricant has jelled and turned to tar, but should have been cleaned. I would have recommended he immerse it in Kroil and let soak 2-3 days then blow it out. Something is evidently causing the hammer follow, but I'm not familiar enough with the innards of a 41. Ironically he also has a High Standard Victor, put away at the same time. He got it out and it has successfully fired several magazines full with no problems.

Any recommendations if S&W returns it again and still the same problem?

 

[Hair Trigger]

The gun needs to be totally disassembled and cleaned. The gunsmith should have done this, rather than spraying cleaner into it, because the cleaner won't penetrate all the crud. S&W didn't do it, because their days as true gunsmiths is gone and all they'll do is parts swapping, and they didn't have to disassemble the action to replace the barrel.

The firing pin tunnel is probably all gummed up and the trigger sear may have accumulated dirt and crud that prevents it from consistently engaging when the gun is cocked. M41's are notorious for poor performance and function when dirty.

 

[chief38]

I agree with Hair Trigger. The gun must be totally disassembled, cleaned and re-tested. I’d also have looked at the Sear and spring before replacing the barrel. I’d also try a different main spring as well.

I am just wondering why S&W did not have this issue when they presumably test fired the gun. I would hope they at least did that!

I also agree that the Factory now employs parts assemblers and not true and experienced Gunsmiths.

If it worked 100% perfectly when stored away, unless he has Gremlins in his safe it more than likely has to be related with crud, dried oil and or spring fatigue.