I cannot identify this 4.5" barrel for the Model 41, unsure if it's factory, stamped S&W .22 long rifle or something I cannot identify, only seen one other in a picture like it, I've had this pistol with the 5.5 & the extra 4.5" for years, Ser# A225XXX, finally pulled it out & know I'm trying to figure out what I really have? Help--- Barrel is slimmer, different rear sight, both the 5.5 & 4.5 easily attach to the frame with no problems. Is this barrel the hunter they call the lightened 5" barrel??
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Model 41 .22 4.5" barrel
- Thread starter tbardoxie
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
smithfan4152
Member
barrel
Hello,
well it's a rare barrel, only that I believe someone shortened up the 5 inch sport barrel, which in the beginning was a cut down 7 3/8 barrel to 5 inch.
You will find the 7 3/8 barrels to have the same rear sight, and the same width. It also appears that they have milled away just above the breach on the ejection side, they appear to have done a nice job.
Hello,
well it's a rare barrel, only that I believe someone shortened up the 5 inch sport barrel, which in the beginning was a cut down 7 3/8 barrel to 5 inch.
You will find the 7 3/8 barrels to have the same rear sight, and the same width. It also appears that they have milled away just above the breach on the ejection side, they appear to have done a nice job.
Aussie Collector
Member
I agree with smithfan. The 4 1/2" started life as a 7 3/8" barrel at the factory. Someone has trimmed it down to 4 1/2" moved the front sight and trimmed behind the breach to improve ejection.
Can you post a picture of the front sight from above also the muzzle crowning as it would be interesting to see how it was done.
The other barrel as you say is the 5 1/2" heavy barrel.
I have never heard the term model 41 hunter barrel, the 5" barrel is known as the field barrel.
welcome to the forum.
Can you post a picture of the front sight from above also the muzzle crowning as it would be interesting to see how it was done.
The other barrel as you say is the 5 1/2" heavy barrel.
I have never heard the term model 41 hunter barrel, the 5" barrel is known as the field barrel.
welcome to the forum.
Last edited:
Based on the pictures the short bbl shown is a non-factory or "lunch bucket" cut down. As noted above, pictures from the front end and from the top would be interesting. It is probably a second or third variation due to the screw-in bbl weight and lazy "&", as the first runs were made as 5" bbls (not drilled for weight). I have a lunch bucket 4.5" Bull bbl that has the correct front sight attachment. Would guess your front sight may be screw attached as others that were aftermarket modifications - and bbl flat cut or possibly counter bored.
Aussie Collector
Member
aftermarket cut barrel. It started life as a 7 3/8 barrel, it was then factory cut to 5". Since leaving the factory cut to 4 1/2", front sight moved. On the factory converted 7 3/8" to 5" the front sight was glued making the move very easy.
I don't believe the front sight was glued, but a very good machinist made these modifications none the less, possibly from a S&W machinist ?? Have no idea, but whoever did it knew what they were doing as far as I'm concerned. Shoots great, no jams, nice groups with standard ammo.
The additional pictures help. Everything indicates a non- S&W modification. The sight appears to be correct but should be wider to fit the cut. These bbls came with ramp and partridge front sights. The picture from the top looks like the ramp was well blended in? The angled cut behind the chamber is less severe than most, with some cutting out half of the extension about 1" back or more. As noted earlier, most of these modifications used a screw to re-attach the front sight - easier and strong. I have several variations of modifications and have passed up a number of others. That bbl is a good size for field carry. Nice looking for a 45-50 year old bbl.
Thank You Mr. Beckwith & Aussie Collector, as I stated earlier this safe queen has been locked away for years, just about forgotten until I dusted a few things off & looked at this barrel, Humn came to mind & had to ask the question...What is this?? Actually being a O'l High Standard guy, sorry Smith fans, but this 41 really shoots respectable groups, no a medal winner but well above average.. Thanks again folks!!!
smithfan4152
Member
4.5 barrel
I am really surprised it groups nice, since it appears there is very little crown.
Who ever moved that front sight back was extremely good, I can't see any seam at all. You can't just cut 1/2 inch off the sport barrel, and have the ramp at the rear be in proportion to what the original set up was.
When you look down at the side of the front sight, do you see any seam?
The only split I see is from the front, Thanks for the additional photo's and for sharing.
I am really surprised it groups nice, since it appears there is very little crown.
Who ever moved that front sight back was extremely good, I can't see any seam at all. You can't just cut 1/2 inch off the sport barrel, and have the ramp at the rear be in proportion to what the original set up was.
When you look down at the side of the front sight, do you see any seam?
The only split I see is from the front, Thanks for the additional photo's and for sharing.
Last edited:
Aussie Collector
Member
Im with you on the grouping and cannot see any crown.
The seam on the front sight is obvious, the photo from the top is too blurry to see the seam.
A better picture from the top would be great.
Regardless of the origin its a great looking barrel.
I'm trying folks, here are pics of the front sight, I think that's the best it's going to get with my camera. Now the hunt is on who manufactured this 4.5" barrel, I greatly appreciate all the comments, now I know it's just a shooter & a well made keeper! I understand the no crown of the barrel, but it really shoots nice for what it is..
Attachments
tbardoxie - good pictures. Guessing the smith started with a 7 3/8" bbl in order to remove the front sight - the milled it off the cut bbl and attached it to the front of the remaining bbl. Neat work and guess the front sight is slightly higher than an original. Would guess it was done in the 60s. Would be interesting if you could track down the smith and possibly get the story. Thanks for posting - the fun of collecting.
Aussie Collector
Member
Tom i was think the way the under barrel weight hole is pluged looks like the way the factory did some of the 5". that way the front sight would be easier to move. The front sight move is a much better job than the barrel shortening considering it looks plain cut with no crowning.
All in all a great interesting barrel and as you say adds to the fun of collecting.
A nice interesting piece to be in a collection.
All in all a great interesting barrel and as you say adds to the fun of collecting.
A nice interesting piece to be in a collection.
Putting a crown on it may or may not make a difference. The purpose of a crown is to make sure the bullet leaves the barrel evenly on all sides, and to help prevent nicks or dings in on the edge of the rifling. In theory at least, if the end of the barrel is square to the rifling (which is somewhat questionable looking at the pictures) and has no imperfections, crown won't improve the accuracy any.
