Model 41 at LGS

[Gar L.]

I was browsing a local gun shop today and found a very nice older M41. The gun was probably from the late '60's (sn 1117xx), 7 3/8 barrel with muzzle brake, box and waxed wrapping paper, one original magazine plus two additional mags with plastic followers. The blueing was at least 99% and grips were near perfect. I could tell the gun had been shot, but very lightly. The owner was asking 1,499.00 and wouldn't come down at all.

I didn't buy it, but I'm still thinking about it. I already have three other M41's,so I really don't need it, but older guns like this one, with the cocking indicator and in this condition don't show up very often.

Just wondering what some of the others here would do.

 

[Leon Narozny]

I paid $1500.00 for my 1967, complete with all the tools, serial number box,false MB, 7 3/8" with MB. I think that is the high end price, but
I have no buyer remorse. It shoots like dream, and I do not think
it would bring any less than what I paid. Look at the prices on GB, and
most of those are bare, no box or accessories. Its your money, but if you
love the gun......go for it!

 

[Troystat]

Might be priced a tad high but they don't make them like that any more so you might be buying it at a price that in a few years you won't regret. I have a late 60's 41 and it is a really nice pistol.

 

[Gar L.]

After thinking about it for a few days, I've decided not to buy it. I'll probably kick myself later though.

 

[Barrie]

To ask that much for a older M41 it has to be in extremely good shape for its age. Yes it is high price wise but we get nailed up here in Canada all the time for guns like this with high prices.

 

[Sevens]

I personally don't own a Model 41 (...yet?!) but I find that they travel in very similar circles to the Model 52, 52-1 and 52-2 in that they are phenomenal handguns and they bring much joy and entertainment, they are extremely well built, fine examples of history and craftsmanship and there are simply nothing that replaces them other than the real thing.

At the same time...
These are not rare guns, no matter what a potential SELLER may wish for you to believe. For sure, you absolutely ought to own these guns, but don't feel pressured in to snapping one up and don't buy in to any tactic that makes you think you will never find one because "they are getting harder and harder to find!", which is also a boringly common sales tactic.

In fact, I would make the very spirited argument with a lot of faith and belief that they may be as EASY to find right now as they have been in a few 5-10 years or more. This is obviously not because Smith & Wesson is making more of them (they are not... unless you agree that new production "PC" Model 41's are the same thing as a classic 60's/70's Model 41, and the 52's are long long gone and will never return) but this is quite simply because older 41 and 52 lovers are passing on or piecing out collections and/or folks are inheriting these guns from Fathers and Grandfathers and Uncles and these folks find little use in them and they are turning up a lot in used gun circles. (the exact same phenomenon is happening with the amazine custom PPC revolvers, and there are just ridiculous guns hitting the used market for what I consider peanuts considering what they can do and what they cost to build back in the day.)

The point of my rambling post? The pistol you saw is a fine investment and a pure joy to own, but no, I also wouldn't feel compelled to buy it at that price, and I would keep looking for another at a more enjoyable price. And if you are now actively looking (if you were not actively looking before...) you will find many opportunities to spot these great pistols. They are not rare.

 

[gmborkovic]

I have been watching several early 41s down here in Fl. at the gun shows. None of them are moving but lots of looking. As a former FFL holder with two shops, I sold everyone I ever received from my distributors. Flat out retail in 1970 was $141, that was the price. Of all the ones I sold, I never got a complaint. Are they over priced, I dont know. Best

 

[Gar L.]

I was in a different LGS today and saw another M41 for sale. This one was made around 1987. Had a 7" barrel that had been d&t'd and had a BSA red dot mounted, also had a nice set of target grips plus the original grips. Two mags, but no box. $800.00 plus tax. Real nice condition, maybe 98%. Seemed like a no brainer to me, so I brought it home.

 

[schuebob]

Model 41 is a fine choice for occasional target work. I've owned 5 of them and have a cocking indicator version now with 4 barrels, plus a new 5" production with laminated panels. The 7" is wispy and has conventional adj. sights, not all all wide bladed as you find on a HS Victor or the even wider rear on Pardini SP. I know you are not shopping, but a HS Citation in ~7" with barrel weights would be an economical choice. The 41 has a softer/non-crispy breaking trigger; try a Victor and see the difference. I recommend replacing the factory grips with either Randall Fung or Nill's (German). I would go cool on any price over 1100. Cabelas Gun Library is a good stop to look. Some Muzzle breaks collect debris like a magnet, FYI.

 

[Tom S.]

I was browsing a local gun shop today and found a very nice older M41. The gun was probably from the late '60's (sn 1117xx), 7 3/8 barrel with muzzle brake, box and waxed wrapping paper, one original magazine plus two additional mags with plastic followers. The blueing was at least 99% and grips were near perfect. I could tell the gun had been shot, but very lightly. The owner was asking 1,499.00 and wouldn't come down at all.

I didn't buy it, but I'm still thinking about it. I already have three other M41's,so I really don't need it, but older guns like this one, with the cocking indicator and in this condition don't show up very often.

Just wondering what some of the others here would do.

There is a brand new PC one at a LGS here in Waterford for less than that, in case you're interested. And he's had it for a while, so he might be willing to deal some on it. PM me if you want details.

 

[Gar L.]

There is a brand new PC one at a LGS here in Waterford for less than that, in case you're interested. And he's had it for a while, so he might be willing to deal some on it. PM me if you want details.

Thanks Tom S., but I already own a PC M41. I was only interested in the other one because of it's age and condition. Just my opinion, but I think the older models were of better quality.

 

[Rick Hottinger]

I've had 41's and High Standard Victors and both are great, I prefer the HS because of the trigger but I recently bought a Walther GSP 22lr and if will out shoot both of them so if serious bullseye shooter like myself try the Walther GSP,

 

[chief38]

I'd say a "proper price" if one can use the word proper, is more like $1,300 for said M41. If you feel this example is just about perfect, even if you do pay a sort of "premium", in a few years it will probably be the going price.

If you are one who refuses to ever over pay, then you can look around a bit longer and most likely you will find one as good for a little less (since I don't know your financial situation I don't know how much the difference means to you). The only thing I can tell you for sure, is that new production M41's are good guns - just NOT as good (IMHO) as the vintage ones. They have Laser engraved graphics instead of Roll Marks, they have laminated grip panels instead of solid Walnut, the new Bluing is not as nice nor as durable as the vintage models, and I believe the one in question even has the cocking indicator on it which while not essential is a really nice touch. If it comes with the original metal follower magazines, they blow the new cheapened ones away. If the original box, paper work and accoutrements are what you like, the price while a bit high - might be palatable in the long run. Your money - your choice.

PS: VINTAGE (used) High Standard Pistols are very high quality, incredibly accurate and have slightly better triggers than the M41 does (IMHO). The deal breaker for me was that the HS models (for the most part) have the Magazine release on the "wrong side" of the gun if one is right handed AND I never cared for the silly bottom mounted Magazine Release HS used. Last but not least, HS is still sort of in business, however they are NOT the original company and I do not know how good, reliable or how QC oriented they are, so parts and service might be an issue. Just saying...........

 

[TTSH]

I was only interested in the other one because of it's age and condition. Just my opinion, but I think the older models were of better quality.

I'd say a "proper price" if one can use the word proper, is more like $1,300 for said M41.

I own two essentially identical Model 41's... my dear departed Dad's 41 from the 60's and my own 41 from the late 70's. Both are in near-flawless condition. The difference between the two is remarkable, both in terms of workmanship and function. I figure my 1978 version is worth maybe $900-$950 although I have no intention of selling it. It's just a number I carry in my spreadsheet more for insurance purposes than anything else.

Dear old dad's Model 41? I'd never sell that one either. It will be passed down upon my passing, if not a bit earlier. Value-wise, I'd call it at somewhere between $1,250-$1,500.

If I am ever forced to sell one, it will be my late-70's version for certain. That super-sweet 60's version ain't going anywhere!

 

[BAM-BAM]

I also have my Dad's early 60s Model 41 (41XXX).........he was on the Dept. Pistol team and one or two nights a week he'd head over to their indoor range (about 2 miles away)..... for an hour or so.

Priceless....................................

 

[gwpercle]

After thinking about it for a few days, I've decided not to buy it. I'll probably kick myself later though.

In ten to twenty years you will kick your self for not buying two ! Here are some of my examples:

1903-A3 Springfield $60.00 ( I thought that was outrageous)
303 British Enfield No4MKI (BSA) $30.00
1911 Swiss K-11 &20.00
Ruger Blackhawk 357 magnum $75.00

At the time I thought the prices were high...I earned $75.00 a week ....but now I have no regrets for buying any of them and you wont either ... you might be able to find a little better deal on a newer one but in a few years all these prices will seem great .
Been there and seen the prices !
Gary

 

[BAM-BAM]

The nice thing about firearms is their value tends to, at least keep pace with inflation.........................some do better and some do much better. But it's rare for a well cared for firearm to lose value against the dollar.

Not so much with cars (most), boats, cameras.... etc.

My philosophy has been to buy them.... if you want it and can afford it ...... kind of like buying/ putting money into land or silver........

Though I must admit the past few years 'prices" have become a psychological barrier.....personally it's hard to justify,to myself, buying a gun for over $750 that you remember selling new for $300 or less.

 

[TTSH]

I also have my Dad's early 60s Model 41 (41XXX).........he was on the Dept. Pistol team and one or two nights a week he'd head over to their indoor range (about 2 miles away)..... for an hour or so.

Priceless....................................

And my dear old departed Dad was shooting for the Springfield Revolver Club (in the old clubhouse shown below), often against local police teams including the Springfield (MA) PD team... and usually beating every one of them!

 

[TTSH]

The nice thing about non-plastic firearms is their value tends to, at least keep pace with inflation......................... some do better and some do much better. But it's rare for a well cared for all-metal firearm to lose value against the dollar.

Fixed it for you Bam.

 

[Jim Watson]

PS: VINTAGE (used) High Standard Pistols are very high quality, incredibly accurate and have slightly better triggers than the M41 does (IMHO).

My elderly High Standard Citation Military is a great shooter.
Its main drawback is the lack of quality magazines. I have two good ones (and one bad one) and that is about it.

So the M41 and its five clips get out a lot more, especially for Speed Steel which, as shot here, calls for five strings in succession.