5.5 and 7 are current lengths. In the earlier times,30+ years ago, the others were available.
(the 5 incher is usually known as the sport barrel)
Model 41 barrel length preference
- Thread starter drummer
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5.5 and 7 are current lengths. In the earlier times,30+ years ago, the others were available.
(the 5 incher is usually known as the sport barrel)
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When I purchased my M41 back in 1979 it came with a 5.5" Bull Barrel. I shot it that way for 38 years until two years ago when a friend alerted me that a LGS had gotten in a new (still Factory wrapped) 5" Field/Sporter light weight barrel. This particular barrel was brand new from either the late 1950's or 60's (or so I have been told). It fit perfectly, matched the finish of my 41 exactly and so I bought it.
I shoot my 41 better than ever now, mostly because it is 9 ounces lighter! Many prefer heavy .22 target pistols but to me my M41 is just much easier to shoot with the lightweight barrel. The bottom line is I doubt I'll ever reinstall the original 5.5" Bull Barrel! I never shot mu M41 better!!
I shoot my 41 better than ever now, mostly because it is 9 ounces lighter! Many prefer heavy .22 target pistols but to me my M41 is just much easier to shoot with the lightweight barrel. The bottom line is I doubt I'll ever reinstall the original 5.5" Bull Barrel! I never shot mu M41 better!!
MixmodelA
Member
I have two early (1958 & 1960) 7 3/8 w/ MB and a 5 1/2 (1997) and they shoot very well. I like the feel of the longer bbls. I wouldn't want to part with any of them, but my HS Model 106, 5 1/2 inch "Tourny" will out shoot them. But that's just me. A better qualified shooter my have different results. Hope this helps. Thanks! Mick
I shoot the 5.5" HB best. But I shoot the 7" better because it has a red dot sight on it. But then again, I enjoy shooting the 5" field barrel the most. It really depends on the phase of the moon or my mood at the time which one I like best!
HOUSTON RICK
Member
n a target pistol, I would generally go for the longest barrel. It is theoretically more accurate and theoretically (not that it matters much with 22lr) has the highest terminal velocity. In the end, it is personal preference.
Three versions of the Model 41 are currently available new n the Smith & Wesson online catalog: Pistols | Smith & Wesson
Local gun store will probably order one if they do not have it in inventory.
Best of luck!
Three versions of the Model 41 are currently available new n the Smith & Wesson online catalog: Pistols | Smith & Wesson
Local gun store will probably order one if they do not have it in inventory.
Best of luck!
rkittine
Member
I prefer shooting the 5.5", but love the lock of the 7 3/8 with the break. I only have those two.
Midway has 'em in stock right now - often they're out. Seems they get a few at a time and they can go quickly. If they're out, sign up for a notification and be prepared to jump quickly. I eventually got a 5 1/2" and 7" from Midway. I wasn't quick enough to react and missed out a couple times before I scored.
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OLDSTER
Member
The 5.5 inch works best for me. Also prefer the looks of the 41 in that barrel length.
I acquired an earlier Model 41 - vintage of 1971 - with the 7 3/8" barrel and compensator. What I was after was a long sighting radius for more precision in sighting. It proved to be very accurate; I'm quite happy with its performance.
John
John
Jim Watson
Member
I bought the 5.5" to get the "barn door" rear sight, same as Model 52.
The sight on the 7 and 5 inch guns just looks "busy" to me.
If in the current bullseye game, I would have a red dot on a barrel cut down to keep the total weight constant.
The sight on the 7 and 5 inch guns just looks "busy" to me.
If in the current bullseye game, I would have a red dot on a barrel cut down to keep the total weight constant.
tndrfttom
Member
When Bullseye Pistol was the only game in town (and before optical sights) I went with the notion that the the longer sight radius of the 7-3/8" barrel with muzzle brake made it "the gun" to shoot. As my eyes got older I drifted to the 5-1/2" Heavy barrel because I like the rear sight blade/picture better (like the one on the Model 52). Also, the heavy barrel seems to "hang" better for some reason. I can't tell that either gun/barrel length shoots "better" especially now that I need corrective lenses.
I prefer the 5" barrel of My HS Victor.
