Model 41 Barrel Widths

[drice0517]

I recently bought a Model 41 and have a few questions about the barrels that came with it. It is an older model, (1979-80 A serial number) that came with the original box, two S&W mags, and an extra 7 inch barrel. Both barrels are factory S&W.
The 7 inch barrel is a considerably more narrow than the the 5 1/2 inch barrel that came on the pistol. The 7 inch is 0.700 and the 5 1/2 inch is 0.825 inches. The seller told me that the 7 inch barrel didn't "come" with the pistol, but was about the same age as the pistol. The barrel seems to mount like it should on the frame, but I haven't shot the pistol with the 7 inch barrel mounted.
My question is are these barrel widths normal..? I'll try to figure out how to post photos in the next day or two. I just joined the forum and haven't figured out how to link the photos to a URL. Thanks for any help and information provided...!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The most common factory barrel lengths are the two you have. There was also a factory 5" barrel that had similar contours to the 7", called the Sport. Not sure if the Sport was sold on guns from the factory or only as an accessory. The real model 41 experts will be along shortly.

 

[drice0517]

Thanks for replying Alan...! The 7 inch barrel doesn't sit "flush" with the sides of the frame like the 5 1/2 does, so I'm trying to figure out if this is the way the barrels are supposed to fit to the frame.

 

[Boscoe]

I suspect it is to keep the weight at 41 oz, which I think is the limit on some matches.

 

[drice0517]

That would make sense Boscoe...I've never been part of any competitions or matches or competitions, but I hope remedy that soon at our local Sportsman's club..appreciate the reply...!

 

[NavyVet24]

I think the 5" barrel you are referring to was called a "Field Barrel." I found one last year.

 

[murphydog]

I think the 5" barrel you are referring to was called a "Field Barrel." I found one last year.

Yup, don't have one...

 

[sceva]

yes; the long barrel is narrower than the 5.5" heavy barrels. perfectly normal

 

[Bastogne71]

The 7” barrel is longer but narrower than the 5.5” heavy barrel but the weight of each is very close to the same. As Bosco said, this was done to keep the weight just under the bullseye limit.

The M41 was introduced in 1957 by S&W with a 7.375” barrel with a muzzle brake. In 1959 this barrel was shortened to 5” and called the Field Barrel . It was sold as a complete pistol or just the barrel as an accessory. Your 5.5” Heavy Barrel was introduced in 1963. Skip to 1978 when the muzzle break was eliminated and the long barrel was shorted to 7”.

I hope you enjoy your model 41 as much as I do mine! And welcome to the forum!

 

[chief38]

My M41 purchased new in 1979 came with the 5 1/2 Bull Barrel. It shot very well but I always thought it was a bit heavy for my liking. After many years, I tried a friends 7" barrel on my gun and it was not much lighter.

About 6 or so years ago a LGS got in 3 brand new in the box 5" Sporter / Field barrels. I brought in my M41 to make sure whatever I bought fit properly and I picked one out. I actually paid more for the barrel than I did for the gun! That said, the new 5" sport/Field barrel is about 1/2 pound lighter and shoots better (for me) than any others I have tries including the original one. I understand the reason they make 22 target pistol barrels heavy but I don't particularly like it or shoot well with that heavy barrel.

So..... my M41 has not had any other barrel on it except the Sporter/Field barrel since I came home with it 6 years ago. I luv it!

 

[drice0517]

Thanks for the replies and information folks, and for the welcome to the forums. I've been a big fan of the S&W revolvers for years, being particularly partial to the 60s and 70s j-frame models.



This Model 41 is in great condition and I look forward to plenty of plinking time the next few months. Appreciate everybody's time..!

 

[Mike0251]

1965 2 barrel set here. Both barrels measure exactly .700" wide.
7 3/8" weighs 520g (18.34 oz) with aluminum muzzle break
5" weighs 354g (12.48 oz)