Model 41 Military Issued Questions

[pinkm1978]

I have few Model 41 questions related to the Model 41 which were issued to the U.S. Military. I had my 41, which is "U.S." stamped lettered recently. The letter indicated it was delivered to the United States Government, Disbursing Office, Boston MA. Does anybody know what branches of the Military the U.S. stamped 41's were disbursed to from the Disbursing office? Any estimate on how many U.S. stamped 41's were issued? I am guessing nobody has solid numbers, but thought I would ask. The book "U.S. Military Match and Marksmanship Pistols" by Bill Jenkins contains some interesting information related to a couple of smaller purchases and the largest documented purchase to the US Coast Guard in early 1971 which contained 19 41's. Anybody aware of other documented US purchases or care to share some data points of one you may own?

Were Model 41's used by the U.S. Air Force or only the Model 46's? My understanding is the Model 46 were stamped with "AFPG" on the frame and barrel by the USAF, not stamped by Smith like the U.S. Stamp which was completed at the Smith and Wesson Factory. Given this fact is it fair to say "AFPG" stamp should show missing bluing from the stamp since done after leaving the factory? I have heard of some faked stamped 46's so trying to gather some more data points in the instance I stumble across a stamped 46. The pictures I have seen of the stamped 46's don't show a lot a wear from the stamp.

As a data point for those who track these types of things mine with Serial 99XXX was shipped 2/21/1969 and has 7 3/8 barrel.

Thanks for any info anybody can provide.

Mike

 

[Richard McMillan]

I have information on two pistols that might help.
1). A Model 41, serial number 99281, shipped Feb. 21, 1969 to Letterkenny army Depot Pennsylvania.
2). A Model 46, serial number 45105, shipped Sept. 3 1063 to
U. A. Army Base, Boston Mass. (U.S. Property Marked)

 

[pinkm1978]

Interesting, the 41 you listed was shipped on the exact date as mine. Different ship-to location, but same date. Just confirming the 46 was stamped "U.S." but not the 41?

 

[kwill1911]

There were probably both shipped to Letterkenny. The S&W letters often show the "Boston Disbursing Center" as the destination but in reality that was just a billing address. Guns for the Air Force were usually (but not always) shipped to Robins AFB and Army guns were usually (but not always) shipped to Letterkenny. All branches of the service bought Model 41 pistols for their shooting teams. The USAF usually bought Model 46s, which were developed based on a specific request from the Air Force. If a USAF pistol was tune up by their gunsmiths it will be stamped AFPG for Air Force Premium Grade. The Marine Corps sometimes stamped their guns USMC. There is one interesting shipment of Model 41s to Eglin AFB that was not for the shooting teams. These guns were shipped with silencers and early red dot sights.

 

[Richard McMillan]

The Model 46 is marked U.S.

 

[pinkm1978]

Thanks Guys for you comments. As always great information provided on the forum.

Mike

 

[Aussie Collector]

Model 41s were used by the Air Force. The early guns can be found stamped "AF" some later worked guns were stamped "AFPG".

Not all government guns received the "US" stamp. Early shipments did not get the stamp, some later did get the "US" stamp.
Guns went to Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast guard and others. Some direct purchases others through distributors.

 

[kwill1911]

Model 41s were used by the Air Force. The early guns can be found stamped "AF" some later worked guns were stamped "AFPG".

Not all government guns received the "US" stamp. Early shipments did not get the stamp, some later did get the "US" stamp.
Guns went to Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast guard and others. Some direct purchases others through distributors.

Not doubting you but would like to know your sources, SN ranges, examples, etc.

 

[Aussie Collector]

My post is gained knowledge from collecting and studying the model. Specifically which comment would you like further information.

 

[kwill1911]

My post is gained knowledge from collecting and studying the model. Specifically which comment would you like further information.

As is mine. However, I assume you own or have seen examples of military shipments with no U.S. markings and/or those with AF markings. Examples and/or military documents and/or factory letters would be helpful to your fellow collectors. Again, I'm not trying to be argumentative but am always anxious to learn.

 

[Aussie Collector]

As is mine. However, I assume you own or have seen examples of military shipments with no U.S. markings and/or those with AF markings. Examples and/or military documents and/or factory letters would be helpful to your fellow collectors. Again, I'm not trying to be argumentative but am always anxious to learn.

Have I seen Military purchased guns without the "US" stamp, yes. Part determined by, when the guns were sold, and if they were sold direct.

I do have copies of many factory letters that I will not post as they are not for my guns.
I have never lettered any of my guns and have no interest to. I dont know how many 41s I have as I lost count when I ran out of fingers and toes.

What does make studding this model and military 41/46 hard is the errors, no matter how minute, in books, articles and posts on the web.
I will see if I can get a picture of and AF and AFPG stamp. Non stamped US military guns are much more common and would be seen searching this forum.

 

[Barrie]

Are you sure that is a 7 and 3/8" barrel on your model 46 that you have as most 46's came with only the 7" barrel like mine which was produced in 1963.

 

[pinkm1978]

Hi Barrie,

The gun I am referencing is a Model 41 not a Model 46. The barrel is correct at 7 3/8.

Mike

 

[Barrie]

I wondered at 1st as all the 46's came with 7" barrels only in the beginning. Thank You for correcting me on which one you meant. Barrie

 

[Aussie Collector]

There are so many model 41s and model 46s around that have miss matched barrels its not funny. I have 2 model 46s with .22 short kits. These 2 guns have been this way for the past 3 owners going back to the 70s.

 

[Barrie]

Yes I can well believe that. Why don't most of the owners keep the exchanged parts to keep the gun original when they plan to sell it at a later date. To me they just lose money by playing these silly games.