Model 41 compatibly?

[Vectorxw8]

I have a silly question about the model 41. I have an older one made in 1967, it came with the 7” barrel with the muzzle brake. I have been looking around and have seen several 5” barrels for sale one even has a “Red Dot” scope on it. They all seem to be newer barrels with the hard working “&” stamp not like the "Lazy" one on mine. Will the newer ones fit my frame? Or do I need to get an older barrel? Thanks in advance, Scott

 

[civil1977]

Your barrel is technically the 7 3/8" since it has the muzzle brake and is correct for your 1967 gun. The 3/8" barrel nub is what the muzzle brake fits over. This barrel was replaced by the 7" barrel around 1978 when the muzzle brake was dropped from the Model 41 line.

Newer barrels should fit your frame fine but there are exceptions. The barrel locking mechanism allows for some differences in barrel tolerances and is a very good design. I have a hand full of barrels and a couple of frames and they all interchange without any issue.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

The firs S&W 41s came out in 1957 starting at SN 1401. The 5" lightweight sport bbl came out in 1959 (SN ?? 18000 range). The first ones were made as 5" and were not under drilled for weight and had the lazy "&". Later 5" bbls were made with 7 3/8" bbls cut down with various plug variations and both patridge and ramp front sights. The lazy "&" was dropped about the time the "A" series started - about 1970 - but can be seen on later SNs shipped. Some 5" bbls were made after the 7 3/8" bbl was dropped and had no under bbl drillout.

Net - there are several fruits and flavors of 5" bbls including actual length, front and rear sites, drilled and undrilled, finish, and markings.

 

[Vectorxw8]

Thanks much for the history lesson Mr. Beckwith. You really seem to be the go to person for parts and information on the 41's. I am sure you will see me post all kinds of questions, so it really does mean a lot to me when people take time out of their days to answer. Scott

 

[Bastogne71]

Vectorxw8,
I have an older - 1965? - model 41 that interchanges with a 5 1/2" lazy & that it came with, a red ramp 5" field barrel, a later 5 1/2", and a 7" without any problems. I've had more problems with new versus old magazines locking in place. One will not lock in the older frame but does fine on a mid 1980's frame.

 

[Barrie]

Look for too thick paint on the new mag or some dirt around the locking area of the gun in question. New mags should work properly for this age of pistol. I have had a few newer ones stick a wee bit but eventually wear themselves in with usage.