Mod 41

[first-model]

When I bought my Model 41 back in 2019, I waited patient and scored a 1958 vintage Model 41 with a low four digit serial number.

It hasn't disappointed. I've run several thousand rounds through it and it's always a stellar performer. Earlier this year I detail stripped it and replaced all of the springs, and it's still running like a champ.

I've shot the new 41s and they're fine guns (and as was noted in this thread, they're covered by S&W's lifetime guarantee), but the early 41s were essentially handmade "halo" guns. And if you're patient, I'm sure you could find one too.

Mike

 

[S2000]

Good advice. If I had bought an older one too I could have been shooting it for the last 5 months while the new one was back at S&W for repairs.
Bought a new one two years ago, been returned 5 times for all kinds of issues. I was told they were going to replace the gun with a new one, I hope I live long enough to see it.

 

[S2000]

You never saw mine, lol.

 

[Model46]

I have two 41's. One from 1959 (7 3/8") and one from 1965 (5 1/2"). And more 46's than I care to admit. I've never had an issue with any of them. I like the older guns. Just can't bring myself to buy a gun with laminated stocks and laser etchings.

 

[SonofaGunsmith]

Only issues in a vintage gun is wear and tear you can't see. The poking at them when they didn't cycle. Brownells sold alot of chamber reamers that folks used when they had problems. I personally would have to gage pin the chamber to understand how tapered or "bell mouthed" it is. This totally affects accuracy. Some are so bad the chamber needs sleeving. The barrel & slide/bolt faces should be free of large dents or metal displacement. The magazine throat should be free of defect. Slide stop should not look pounded on or look altered at ejection stop. Of course the extractor should be not altered and in good condtition.