Model 41 mag release issue help

[Dueeast]

Love my new to me (1977) 41. However it only works with the one mag that came with it. A brand new factory mag functioned properly except it wouldn't eject. It was hung where the mag release interfaced with the small cut in the side of the mag. Bought an older mag with the figure 8 follower and same problem. Both times I had to take the factory grips off and "coax" the mag out with a punch and a tap Any recommendations?

 

[armorer951]

You might try removing the mag release assembly and cleaning, checking for burrs etc. Also, adjusting the button to a more "upward" resting position will provide for more movement of the "catch" away from the slot in the magazine when the button is pushed down.

To check for proper adjustment, confirm that the position of the plunger and the bottom of the button are just even with the frame surface when the assembly is at rest.

Use caution if you remove the assembly (push the plunger down and unscrew the button) as the plunger under the button is spring loaded. You may want to place the frame inside a clear plastic bag during removal. The bag will catch any parts that grow wings. (don't ask me how I know this)

 

[chief38]

My M41 is a vintage model manufactured in 1979. I find that older M41's work best with older vintage magazines with the metal followers.

I have tried newly manufactured factory magazines in my M41 more than once and they did not insert, extract or feed properly. After S&W replaced them, the new ones did not function any better so I returned them for a refund and bought used original metal follower magazines on eBay. They all work perfectly - problem solved. They are also thicker, better made and will last forever! Yes, the cost is more for used ones than for new ones, but there is a reason why and there is a difference - they always work!

 

[SonofaGunsmith]

I have found new magazines may require a slight squeeze in my Bridgeport vice. Take vernier caliper and measure the old mags, then check new ones. It will show they need a gentle squeeze. Ive done half dozen and they fall out of the gun when depressing the release and all work fine. I don't like the orange follower 12 shot magazines. The new magazine followers are not that robust. Something to be said for the old gear.

 

[ameridaddy]

I have found new magazines may require a slight squeeze in my Bridgeport vice. Take vernier caliper and measure the old mags, then check new ones. It will show they need a gentle squeeze. Ive done half dozen and they fall out of the gun when depressing the release and all work fine. I don't like the orange follower 12 shot magazines. The new magazine followers are not that robust. Something to be said for the old gear.

I've had a similar experience with not only M41 mags, but others as well. Measure the one that works with calipers, then check others. I've been surprised how many mags are .003-.004" fatter than the working one in one area (sometimes you can even see the rub marks where they're tight), or the latch slot is different by .002-.004" from the working mags' slot.
A judicious squeeze or careful filing can work small miracles.
Go slow and check often.

 

[Rowlf]

I've also adjusted the magazine release button for best throw/action and squeezed magazines to standardize dimensions with my late 1970s magazines. I also like to deburr and polish friction points.

A friend sold his M41 to concentrate on using a 1911 conversion in Bullseye competition (You get higher 45 scores usually if you only have one type of frame/trigger to work with) and gave me 9 new production magazines. Most needed tweaking to drop freely. It's nice to be able to go through Timed Fire and Rapid Fire stages without having to reload magazines.

 

[Drm50]

I had 11 m41s, 8 were old models - 3 new. Back when there was rumors that S&W was dropping the 41 the scalpers went into hi gear. Mags going for as much $79 @. Soon as I got chance I bought 3 for $32@ and shortly there after 12 at $28@. At time had 6 old and 3 new. The old mags worked perfect in all. The new mags wouldn’t work in 2 of the 51/2 HB that were manf near end of old model production.
I used jewelers files on the locking holes in mag body. It didn’t take much and they run like poo thru a goose. I took mag releases apart and after viewing it decided made more sense to tune the magazine to the gun, not the reverse.