Model 41 generation

[leeharrysouth]

I am looking to purchace a model 41 for bullseye shooting. I keep hearing about secound and third generation models. I have read that it is best to get a second generation model 41. I realy dont know if this is correct, but, would like to know what I am looking at. Can some one tell me what year third generation started and the way to tell the second from the third.

Thanks

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

I'm not sure where this "second" or "third" generatin 41 stuff comes from and I've been collecting them since about 1964. Here and in "RimfireCentral" there are loads of opinions on 41s.

My personal preference is for those made thru 1978 (A465000) with the cocking indicator. Since then, quality issues have come and gone, with many good ones but too many with problems from bbls, fitting, slides, ejectors, extractors, bolts, mags, etc. The earlier ones tend to be more consistant with SV ammo. Obviously abused and heavily used (50,000+ rounds) may have problems of any period. Many pistols of any make or model are purchased and sit for long periods, so nice older 41s are not that hard to find (the older ones will need a super cleaning due to old crud/grease etc.). The newer D&T bbls generally fit the older frames with less trouble. The old standard Bullseye 41 was the 5.5" bull bbl with the rear site the same as the great S&W 52 mid-range CF.

But enough of this- do your research - and you will find I'm really right!! HaHa!!!!

 

[leeharrysouth]

Seems as it is very hard to know just what years were bad years. Were problems consitent for certain years are just kind of good luck bad luck deals. How would one know witch pistol to stal away from.

 

[Loco Weed]

I've got a 5.5" bbl 1979 with a smooth trigger and trigger stop and a very nice finish. Also have a 5.5" bbl 1997 model with a grooved trigger, no trigger stop, a lessor finish than my 1979, and is drilled and tapped (D&T) for a scope mount. I wouldn't hesitate to buy any model... they're all good, just some might be slightly better than others. If you plan on mounting optics you'll want a more recent model; IIRC they started D&T around 1994. Check out the serial number sticky at the top of the page. I wouldn't buy a .22 short model because mags are nearly impossible to find and command a high premium (over $200 each). People tend to take good care of their 41s and a pistol with a nice finish shouldn't be hard to find.

 

[leeharrysouth]

I have done a little research since the above post and this reserch has left me hesitant to buy a new S & W Model 41. I guess it has left me hesitant to buy any model 41 that has not been use proven. I currently shoot Ruger. In particular a MK-II with 5.5 inch bull barrel. It shoots very well, but, needs trigger job and to be drilled for ultridot sight mount. That will run me a few hundred bucks. I have no question that the model 41 is a fine purpose built pistol and I sure do like the way they feel in hand. Yes, I intend on having one sooner or later. But, I think maybe I need to take my time and scout the shoot outs and gun clubs for a lightly used but proven pistol. I have purchased new and got burned before. A lifetime warranty aint much good if ya have to wait four to six months each time the firearm is sent in for repair. I am pushing sixty and it sure drops my sholders to find that our manufacturing base has droped in quality control. In my yonger days, if a man purchased a new firearm of such high cost there was no question of its out of the box quality. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[CGM]

As a bullseye shooter (I'm not a collector), I'll share some observations:

1- Don't sweat the year of manufacture. They are all pretty much the same in terms of operation. There are a lot of myths about what year is better....that is all they are : myths.

2- Beware of lusting after M41's. Yes, they are pretty and feel good in the hand. However, they are a pain in the ass in terms of being ammo finicky. You will have to stick to a narrow brand of ammo which works well. Usually cci standard velocity.

3- The lowly Ruger is the most disrespected gun around. However, in our range, the top shooters in our 2700 league shoot a Ruger for the 22 portion. All you need to fix on the Ruger is the trigger pull.....Most any gunsmith can do this for you for $50. At this point you have a gun that can do anything in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, it will shoot any ammo....all day long. Bottom line.....scorea are a measure of a shooter's skill and level of practice: it is not the gun!

Conclusion: I'm one of the idiots that got rid of a great Ruger to get better scores with a 41! Guess what......I't did not happen! Mind you, I like my 41 but only because its prettier and warms my heart....but not because it's better!

So....if you want one...go ahead and get one. But if its scores you are after, keep your Ruger . Just fix the trigger...lot's cheaper.

 

[leeharrysouth]

Thanks CGM. You have provided good honest information. Mind you, I have read much the same argument on other threads. I guess that is why I started getting cold feet on swithching to the 41. Just the other day a very experianced gun dealer and close friend gave me just about the same advice. His position was that yes a perfect 41 may have the ability to do a little better in score than the Ruger. But, that is with a perfect pistol, perfect hand fit and the right ammunition. I think for now I will have my MK-II worked and sight base mounted. Give it some time. Dont get me rong. Smith & Wesson makes some very fine shooting and looking firearms. I just feel that for the money it is too big of a gamble.

Thanks

 

[oldRoger]

I have two mid-60s M41s. They are fine pistols. Currently I use aftermarket barrels. Given what Tom Beckwith says as the truth from one who knows, still I would say that a "bad" M41 is bad only by comparison with a "good" one. I know a lot more very satisfied owners of M41s than unhappy ones. My second 41 was purchased from an "unhappy" owner, who had "adjusted" it to "improve" it. It took about an hour and a new mag release to fix it.
A large number of people on this board have reported very good luck with new M41s. If I couldn't find one with a cocking indicator I would buy a new one in a minute.
A proper 41 trigger will break at about 2#s have no creep and in fact almost no movement to break and as much or as little over travel as you want. IMO the 41 trigger is the best factory trigger on the market.
The turnaround from S&W warrantee service is usually quite short but likely unnecessary.
Clark Custom will tune an older pistol for a very reasonable price.

Ammunition; I shot a mountain of Peters Standard Velocity in M41s. I now use CCI-SV it is very consistent and reliable. It is more than accurate enough for these old eyes and hands. The barrel test (CCI-SV) on my Bully Barrel "LoRider" is a ragged 10 shot hole from 25 yds. Many people on this board have reported shooting a wide variety of ammunition, target shooters prize consistency, hence CCI-SV.

 

[leeharrysouth]

Thanks Old Roger and all others. Your points on this subject are well taken. All good arguments. I guess I just need to make my mind up on what way to go.

 

[BillyKen]

Hello guys, I post this in an older thread and get nothing, and want help please, My Grandfather, die on 1999, I know he was hunter and practice some shooting on his youth when living in the country, but later the family come to the city. No body on family touch his stuff, only my Grandmother, she past away last year, in some visit to old house I find a really old wood chest, and between other old stuff I find a Smith & Wesson Model 41, serie A2049XX, don't look very nice, lost almost all the blue and wood is damage, it has 7 3/8" barrel and some muzzle breake and cocking indicator, it shot pretty well.
Can you tell me when it was made and how much could it cost, worth to buy new grips or some blue job, any ideas, Thanks.

 

[oldRoger]

BillyKen I do not know how much it would cost probably about $225 for polish and blue. I recommend Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing their web site is fordsguns.com
Grips are available new from S&W or you can watch for them in the classifieds here.

 

[Iron Sight]

Mdl 41 Serial numbers

Summary of S&W M41 Dates of Manufacture - RimfireCentral.com Forums

 

[BillyKen]

Thanks for the information.