Model 41 barrels

[ray2849]

Has anyone compared the accuracy of the Model 41 barrel from the Performance Center to a barrel from Clark? I was considering the upgrade based upon several guys recommendations at the range, but I was wondering if anyone here had any actual experience with this upgrade.

 

[boatbum101]

If I wanted to upgrade I'd send it to Alex Hamilton @ Ten Ring Precision for one of his Lothar Walther barrel liners . My 41 started keyholing @ 50yds & I had him do mine . Now it'll put 10 rounds of cheap Aguila SV in 3/4" @ 50yds . 41 barrels & extractors have always been luck of the draw for years .

 

[Jebus35745]

Boatbum, what did the liner cost to be installed? Ray, Go to rimfire central and look at the S&W model 41 area and there will be some info on the accuracy of the Clark bbl's. They claim they are as good or better then the Smith bbl's. Larry

 

[Beemer-mark]

.....there will be some info on the accuracy of the Clark bbl's. They claim they are as good or better then the Smith bbl's. Larry

Why would anyone spend money to get a barrel that was worse or even as good as the factory barrel?? -

 

[boatbum101]

Well Alex did mine about 8-10 years ago . I looked around for the invoice & Ransom Rest test targets . Can't put my hands on them , but they're around here somewheres . Just checked prices on Ten Rings website & to reline it's $ 150 - 175 depending on barrel length . He back then charged $ 50 to RR test with 10 different ammos , now it's $ 150 to test . Clark wants $ 375 for a barrel with scope mount , so I guess between shipping etc it would pretty much be a wash . The problem with 41 factory barrels is & has always been bore dimensions are all over the place , along with a poor extractor design & being sprung so heavy most match ammo won't function . Cut 2 coils off the mainspring & gun will function with the softer match ammo IE: Eley , SK Jadg , Lapua etc . That & replace recoil spring with a 5 1/2lb so bolt face / breach face battering is lessened . Alex uses Lothar Walther liners with a tight uniform bore . The very best American factory 22lr barrels ever were the Hamden mfg'd High Standard . Dimensionally correct & consistent . If you got lucky & got a good factory barrel on your 41 consider yourself blessed . Now before y'all break out the rope ask yourself who competes with a 41 these days . Only 2700 ( Bullseye ) shooters & how many have non factory barrels & been tuned by a good 'smith ? Majority of higher level shooters are using AW 93's , Hamerli 208's , Pardini's , Marvel / Nelson / AA conversions etc . You'll never see a 41 at an Int'l match . My 50 yr old HS 107 Military has a better trigger , is more accurate & is bone stock . I mainly shoot a Marvel conversion on a 1911 lower setup the same as my wadgun with a 3 1/2lb trigger , mainly because there's very little difference between it & my 45 wadgun other than caliber . IMHO the 41 can be a competitive pistol , but only after being tweaked sometimes exstensively .

 

[chief38]

My M41 (made 1979 5 1/2" heavy bbl.) shoots better than I can right out if it's box. Seriously, at 50 feet indoors I can group just over 1" with a 10 shot group off hand (with an occasional flyer). No optics. I seriously doubt a custom barrel would help since I would bet the stock pistol is capable of doing even better if I shot it from a Ransom Rest. Most target grade pistols like the M41, High Standard, Browning, etc can out-shoot us.

Unless you are a SERIOUS COMPETITOR, just spend the money on ammo.

 

[drawman623]

I purchased a 5.5" Clark barrel for my Model 41 yesterday. Jim's barrel replacements for my Ruger Mk 1 and High Standard enhanced both pistols years ago when I got them. I was assured the inherent accuracy of the new Clark 41 barrels is also a step up from stock accuracy. Clark Custom has proven themselves to me many times over many years.

 

[garbler]

I've shot and owned three upgrade barrels all on Hi Standard Bullseye guns and know dozens of much better shooters than I who swear by Falcon Machine/Lombardi who uses Walther liners in custom machined barrels; Clark who also uses Walther liners and used to machine various rifled blanks per job all of which are Ransom rested and supplied with confirmation targets ; and Ten Ring who are the new kid on the block and have worked hard to carve out a good rep with Bullseye competitors.

Final analysis: Any of the above will supply a barrel and chamber capable of Ransom Rest accuracy or a couple couple clicks above 95% of today's shooters. Remember a good target upgrade is not just the liner it's also the crown and most critical the chamber.

Good luck

 

[gwpercle]

My Clark barreled Ruger Mark II puts my S&W model 41 to shame, but the 41 doesn't have a Performance Center barrel, just the stock barrel.

If I ever get a few bucks the model 41 is going to Clark for a barrel, trigger job and reliabilty package like the Ruger has, that ruger shoots like a dream...just lovely, shooting it puts a big smile on my face. (best money I ever spent)
Gary