Model 41 or Colt Match Target
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I've never shot the Colt but I own a model 41. I'd go with the 41 for no other reason that IF you have issues then S&W is there to assist.
The Colt hasn't been made for years so I don't know how easy mags are to purchase and, with all that Colt' been through the last decade or so, I don't know that they have the personnel to aid should you need it. Just my $0.02!
TSQUARED
Member
I would opt for the S&W 41. The Colt Match Target was a fine target 22 but was more sensitive to ammunition requirements than the S&W 41. As previous responders have stated you also have the availability of S&W service should it be required on the Model 41.
I have two Colt Match Targets, both 4 1/2 inch barrels. One is the second model, with the side mag release, and the other is the third model with the bottom mag release at the heel of the grip.
I also have several Model 41's that I have collected over the years.
As for accuracy the Model 41 is the winner. The colt's are also quite accurate, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 25 yards.
The model 41 will group 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards.
The Colts are beautifully finished and a work of art. They also shoot and handle very nicely.
The model 41's, espically the older ones are also a masterpiece of metal and tooling.
The Colts, sadly, are no longer made and probably will never be manufactured again by Colt. So there is no warranty or spare parts from Colt.
The model 41 is still being made by Smith and Wesson and parts are available. However the model 41 is one of those pistols where parts will seldom break, at least thats been my expierence.
In fact one of my model 41's that was made in the early 90's has about 25,000 rounds through it. Nothing has ever broke and reliability is nearly 100%.
Takedown for cleaning is a snap with the model 41. The Colt, not so easy.
If you can, buy one of each, they are both worth having.
Al
I also have several Model 41's that I have collected over the years.
As for accuracy the Model 41 is the winner. The colt's are also quite accurate, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 25 yards.
The model 41 will group 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards.
The Colts are beautifully finished and a work of art. They also shoot and handle very nicely.
The model 41's, espically the older ones are also a masterpiece of metal and tooling.
The Colts, sadly, are no longer made and probably will never be manufactured again by Colt. So there is no warranty or spare parts from Colt.
The model 41 is still being made by Smith and Wesson and parts are available. However the model 41 is one of those pistols where parts will seldom break, at least thats been my expierence.
In fact one of my model 41's that was made in the early 90's has about 25,000 rounds through it. Nothing has ever broke and reliability is nearly 100%.
Takedown for cleaning is a snap with the model 41. The Colt, not so easy.
If you can, buy one of each, they are both worth having.
Al
redwagon32
Member
In the 1961 Gun Digest, Gil Hebard tested a group of 22 target autos in a pistol rest(10 shot groups at 50 yards) and the Model 41 came in at .978 inch. The Colt Match Target 6 inch came in much lower in the group at 1.853 inch.
As far as accuracy goes back in the 90's I purchased a 7 inch barrel for my model 41. For some reason it just did not seem to shoot to the capabilities that I expect from a model 41.
So it went back to Smith and Wesson attached to my model 41.
They sent the pistol and barrel back with a test target at 25 yards with 5 shots you could cover with a dime. Ammo I believe was standard velocity CCI .22lr. No charge, S&W is, in my book, the best to deal with warranty issues.
I don't know what they did to that barrel but with the right ammo it will shoot. In fact I mounted a 3x9 scope and shot it over sandbags at 100 yards, yes 100 yards, 5 shot groups with .22lr Winchester Dynapoint Bulk Pack and groups were consistently under two inches several were in the one inch catagory.
Al
So it went back to Smith and Wesson attached to my model 41.
They sent the pistol and barrel back with a test target at 25 yards with 5 shots you could cover with a dime. Ammo I believe was standard velocity CCI .22lr. No charge, S&W is, in my book, the best to deal with warranty issues.
I don't know what they did to that barrel but with the right ammo it will shoot. In fact I mounted a 3x9 scope and shot it over sandbags at 100 yards, yes 100 yards, 5 shot groups with .22lr Winchester Dynapoint Bulk Pack and groups were consistently under two inches several were in the one inch catagory.
Al
