Model 41 and tuning springs? (Wolff)

[99DC99]

Hi,
So I got possession on my 1968 m41 during the week - and after a small disheartening problem with 4 new mag's (problem sorted) I got it to the range yesterday.

Wow...I usually don't shoot iron sights, but my group was down to 1.5 inches at 10m.

I'm waiting for an EGW RD plate to mtg. my RD (old tired eyes with an astigmatism)

This pistol is unreal for accuracy. The weight and balance (5.5 inch barrel) is excellent.

I now know why this firearm is considered the best .22lr target pistol just about anywhere...

So...a question for you guys with more experience with the 41.

What is the story with Wolff tuning springs- why the need and how do you work out when and why you need to change the recoil spring to a lighter version?
Is it for different barrel lengths on the 41?
Or is it to "cure" a poor extraction ?

I'm curious if its worth getting a set (when mine is not having problems ).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Bastogne71]

What is the story with Wolff tuning springs- why the need and how do you work out when and why you need to change the recoil spring to a lighter version?
Is it for different barrel lengths on the 41?
Or is it to "cure" a poor extraction ?

I'm curious if its worth getting a set (when mine is not having problems ).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

There is only one OEM recoil spring reguardless of which barrel is used on the model 41. This spring drives the slide and since the barrel is locked to the frame, the spring has no effect on the barrel no matter the length or weight.

Some do use a lighter spring to "cure" extraction problems but I think that this is putting a bandaid on the real problem. The pistol should function properly with he factory spring but if doesn't, there is something else that needs to be fixed.

 

[505Gibbs]

If it's not BROKE - don't try any fixes!
If you break it - go with Wolff - IMO. Be sure you put the spring in the correct way. I believe it's the open towards the muzzle. If I'm wrong on the orientation will some other member correct my comment.

 

[BB4XL]

Here is some helpful info.
Model 41 maintenance

 

[Hasbeen1945]

When I got my 41 it NOS. Made in 1980. I tried CCI Std. vel. This is supposed to be great in these pistols. I was having too many stovepipes.
I also had some Remington target. I tried it no problems and accuracy was good.
That just goes to show you every gun is an individual.

 

[chief38]

When I first bought my M41 back in 1979 I purchased a few different Wolff recoil springs as it would sometimes hang up and jam with standard velocity ammo. The 1/2 pound lighter spring helped a little but then I discovered the real problem, the extractor! Once I swapped out the Factory extractor for a new extractor I put back the original factory spring - has not had any issues since that time with CCI standard velocity 40 grain ammo. Years later I discovered Volquartsen extractors and installed one - IMO they are the best - never a hic-cup!

Although I do not normally shoot high velocity ammo out of a M41, if I ever did I would probably use a 1/2 lb. stronger spring to absorb come of the extra recoil in hopes of not beating up the gun. I have heard of some using high velocity ammo to "break in " the gun when having ammo hang up issues. Again, I can not verify if that would actually work or not as that would depend on exactly why the hang-up was happening.

 

[minuteman]

Recently acquired my first M41, early 2000s with 5 in bbl. Shot maybe 6 to 8 different kinds of ammo in it and the only thing it didn't function with are the CCI Quiet. A couple of subsonic rounds even functioned. I was thinking about ordering the Wolff spring kit mentioned but decided I didn't need it based on my experience at the range. Sweet gun, should have bought one years ago.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I've been trying a variety of ammo in my older 41 but I bought a couple of buffers [no ones mentioned them] and installed one along with new springs when I got it. Cheap insurance. Been running Federal bulk box lately for 2 gun .22 matches. Plenty accurate in the M41 and AR.22.

 

[mauiblue]

About 10 years ago, I was having problems with my Model 41. It was basically a single shot pistol. FTF and FTE galore. No joy. I decided to break down the gun, clean the pistol thoroughly, and replace all springs and extractor. I used an aftermarket extractor and purchased Wolff springs. Furthermore, I do use Stinger ammo occasionally (I know, I know) and decided to use the medium weight recoil spring. Ten years later, no FTE and FTF. Fabulous product and vendor.

 

[chief38]

Mauiblue:

Just for the heck of it….. why not try standard velocity CCI 40 grain ammo and the standard spring again. You stated you've replaced the extractor and the high velocity ammo has probably more than worn in parts quite well at this point. Heck, it might just work now. I'd be curious to hear back if you do try it.