Model 41 malfunctioning or not?

[wetdog1911]

As you might have read on this Forum, most M41's work best with the CCI Std. Vel. ammo. I'm sure there are exceptions but that is mostly what M41 owner's (inc. myself) use. I know my particular gun does not like Remington Std. Vel. ammo but shoots flawlessly with the CCI. Even if your M41 functions OK with other brands you should try the CCI for accuracy too (that is if you can find any).

All I shot in my 1990 M41 was CCI SV. Still do, but it's old stock, well before the QC issues that seem to more prevalent recently.

Then, I joined RFC in 2002 and practically lived in the M41 sub forum. This was when the issues with the 'new' pistols was a constant discussion. Most of that didn't concern me, but 2 things stood out that DID concern me. One, was the new magazines compared to the older ones. On the blister packs the "for use in" stamp on the back just listed the 422 and M41 and the 'problematic' newer ones had 2 more pistols in addition to those 2, 4 pistols in all. I went on a prolonged search over several years in area gunshops and GB and ended up with 15 of the 'good' mags. They were still pretty common back then and at the same price,or lower, of the new ones.

The other thing was the high praise for the performance of Wolf MT (rebranded SK Standard Plus), in the M41s and .22s in general for pretty much the same cost (then anyway), as CCI SV. I tried a brick and the 41 just shone. Everything improved, both function and accuracy (even for me).

The icing on the cake came a bit later with an Ad in the SGN was selling cases of the Wolf MT for $186.00 fresh from Germany. I bought a case, but the ship sat in Boston harbor for 3 months from red tape. While that happened, I spoke to the importer and he asked if I would like a second case? He said, "It's only going to get worse", meaning the gov't red tape/slow walking. Made sense and by that time I had the funds for the second case, so, I added another. Once released, they had it to my door in just over a week. So, 10,000 rnds of SK Standard Plus for under $0.04/rnd!

Nope, I'm not selling any! Money is less important to me than having it safely stored in ammo cans in a controled environment.

Rob

 

[Kp321]

I guess I need to explain my opinion that I wouldn't want a new one. I have two, 1971 and 1990 models that have been flawless. They are both a little worn finish wise but the price reflected the condition. Either shoots as well as I can hold, don't think a new one for twice the price could do any better. I am a shooter and that's what I bought them for.

 

[lowriderfxr]

I'd like to make a suggestion. I love the Model 41. I have 3 older ones with cocking indicators and 1 PC version. I also have a model 46 with the 5" field barrel. All of them malfunctioned for me. One day , I realized it was me and the way I was holding the pistol. I started resting my thumb on top of the safety like I do when I shoot a 1911 or 2011 and the malfunctions stopped. It doesn't take much upward pressure to partially engage the safety and make the gun stop running. I saw a new shooter from the UK shooting a friend's gun at a rimfire steel match and his friend was shooting it fine and then he couldn't fire it more than twice without a malfunction. I made the suggestion to him about the safety and it ran flawlessly for him as well. I know this seems like a simple fix and it may not work for you but it did for me.

 

[Blind Boy]

I bought mine new in 2008 with a 7" barrel. It was the second (and last) new firearm I purchased. It has several thousand rounds through it and functions just fine on CCI standard and Eley match pistol. SK pistol has the occasional stovepipe but I fixed that by not using it. I love it.

 

[wetdog1911]

I guess I need to explain my opinion that I wouldn't want a new one. I have two, 1971 and 1990 models that have been flawless. They are both a little worn finish wise but the price reflected the condition. Either shoots as well as I can hold, don't think a new one for twice the price could do any better. I am a shooter and that's what I bought them for.

Yeah, the finish on my 1990 was a highly polished frame and a matt finished bbl, just starting the cost cutting. When I got a Bianchi holster specifically marked S&W M41, the finish really got worn. But, woods walking was even more fun than the range. I bought it to shoot, not just admire.

No MIM and hand assembled/fitted, it ran like a house afire, and still does, problem free. Once I switched to the SK made Wolf, I cannot recall any failure of any sort. Really don't recall any with the CCI SV either, but that was also 30 or so years ago.

Rob

 

[Kevin G]

chief38,
As a southpaw I view the High Standard slide release to be on the correct side.
I do tolerate its location on the wrong side if on a better quality gun like the 41.[emoji3]
Kevin G

 

[Troystat]

I have an early 70's version and the only time I have trouble with it is the first round fired after it has been cleaned, other than that it works great and has not been a problem no matter what ammo I have tried. That being said CCI SV is my normal ammo.

 

[oysterer]

Thank you all for helping me make the decision.

I went to the LGS on the fence about the new model and wanted to tell him to let me off the hook. Never owned a new production smith, revolver or auto and just could not make the jump.

I show up there and 1979 model 41 had just came in. Coincidence...a master plan of the universe? Wow, very little fired, few handling marks and a little pitting on the forward slide, oh well, little ren wax and it's a shooter. What a gun. I absolutely love it. I tried all kinds of ammo and with CCI SV and Fed bulk pack it runs and runs and runs. It's addictive shooting it and it's accurate. Will post some groups here soon. It all ended well and again...what a gun.

 

[wproct]

Wow, very nice! That worked out well.