Model 41 barrels

[Rogereh]

Does anyone know if an older 7 1/4" barrel with muzzle brake will work okay on a new Model 41?
Roger

 

[hsguy]

My experience has been that the barrel is not always a drop-in and may require fitting.

 

[Rogereh]

Thanks John
When you say "fitting", what would be required? I bid on a 7" barrel with a muzzle brake and the guy selling it said he thought it would fit. Is it something that I can do or do I have to take it to a gun smith?

 

[hsguy]

Roger, fitting requires some filing of the mounting lug. It is a job best left to an experienced gunsmith as it is easy to ruin a barrel. You may get lucky and it might drop right in though, give it a try.

 

[CT Smith Fan]

I was able to mount a 7-3/8" barrel on a mid 80's era gun with no problem.Just my 2 cents.Good Luck!

 

[oldRoger]

I think that it is safe to say that more often than not barrels interchange without trouble on M41s. I have several barrels and they mix and match freely with two older M41s.
In watching this forum and others some people occasionally report problems, they seem to be in the minority.
There is no guarantee but S&W designed them to interchange. It is fairly easy to fix the problem, but without experience and the proper files it's best left to the professionals.

 

[Rogereh]

I'm not a gunsmith but I have 30 years experience in a machine shop so I'm familiar with metal working. I'm guessing from the comments that the notches in the lug may need modified. Now my concern is what if someone has already modified the barrel to fit their gun and now it didn't fit my action correctly? How would I know? I'm guessing that most all barrels would drop in okay but may not lock up correctly when the lever is closed. Too much material on the lug and the lever wouldn't close but too little would let it close but be too loose. Would it be safe to shoot that way?? Or am I completely off track with my guesses?

 

[Loco Weed]

I don't think you're off track with your guesses but I think you are premature. Get it, mount it, see if it fits up okay. If not, then start guessing.

 

[Rogereh]

Well, after all this I decided not to buy it and look for a newer one. Thanks for all the comments.