Model 41 problem, sort of...

[Minshooter]

Purchased a used 7" M41 at a very good price, because of a minor, but detectable bulge about 2" from the muzzle.
I thought I'd cut it just before the bulge and make a "field" barrel, but also turn the muzzle and thread for a suppressor.
It's one of those from the Millet rear sight era, so I figured what could it hurt.
But, since it was drilled and tapped, I thought might as well put on a scope and see how well it shoots even with the bulge.
So, at 50 yards, from bags and headache inducing trigger control, it will put 10 CCI SV into 3/4"! And I'm probably inducing some degree of shake.
This is with plain old bargain basement CCI SV; have still not even tried the expensive ammos.
So... What to do? Leave a very good shooting barrel alone, or mess with it and make something fun?
(I know, first world problems)
Thanks

 

[Rick H.]

Tough decision, but if the barrel shoots well I would have a hard time altering it. I have a newer PC M41 that I just had threaded by EWK for a suppressor and it was a hard decision for me. The machine work they did was outstanding. Still not sure how it shoots yet, but it's great for a suppressor now.

Rick H.

 

[Jerry in SC]

If it’s not leading or unless you’re having some issue cleaning the bore, I’d leave it as is. You could always have the barrel re-lined if it bugs you. Folks would pay good money for sub one inch groups at 50 yards

 

[Bastogne71]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Why would you want to spend the money to fix something that is giving you excellent results? Shoot it and enjoy the experience! That’s what I would do.

 

[Yendor357]

I tell ya what to do….

Post pics of the barrel and targets! A handgun scope is a real eye opener, isn’t it?

I love M41s. They’re one of the greatest handguns s of all time.

Last year, I bought 7 inch barrel off EBay, I think. It has the BoMar looking rear sight. And it is drilled and tapped for a scope. It shoots so good, I can’t bring myself to scope it because I’m afraid I’ll mar the perfect finish. It’ll put 5 CCIs under an inch at 25, off a rest, no problem.

Oh, and post pics…

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have one that dates to 1978 , with the shorter barrel . I picked up a 7in barrel with the comp from here . Keep an eye out and if you find one at a good price , pick it up . Then you're prepared if the barrel starts acting up , just throw the other barrel on and send the bad barrel off , no down time .

 

[Exaviator]

You bought it cheap, and it is obviously not your only target pistol, so I would follow your initial feelings. Let's face it a life without some fun, is not really a life...

 

[Golddollar]

Purchased a used 7" M41 at a very good price, because of a minor, but detectable bulge about 2" from the muzzle.
I thought I'd cut it just before the bulge and make a "field" barrel, but also turn the muzzle and thread for a suppressor.
It's one of those from the Millet rear sight era, so I figured what could it hurt.
But, since it was drilled and tapped, I thought might as well put on a scope and see how well it shoots even with the bulge.
So, at 50 yards, from bags and headache inducing trigger control, it will put 10 CCI SV into 3/4"! And I'm probably inducing some degree of shake.
This is with plain old bargain basement CCI SV; have still not even tried the expensive ammos.
So... What to do? Leave a very good shooting barrel alone, or mess with it and make something fun?
(I know, first world problems)
Thanks

Send it to me!

 

[BC38]

First time I've ever heard of a 22 with a bulged barrel.
That must have taken some doing...

 

[chief38]

Well..... a few pictures would be nice. If you're printing 3/4" groups at 50 yards (POA=POI) I would leave well enough alone. Remember, barrels can be found for the M41 and usually just fit right on. If you want a Sport/Field barrel, just get one and in the meantime you've got a real shooter - bulge pr no bulge!

 

[Sevens]

First time I've ever heard of a 22 with a bulged barrel.
That must have taken some doing...

If a magician could gather ALL the bulged handgun barrels across time I suspect we would find the largest single share to be .22 handguns.

Rimfires have the largest occurrence of suspect ammo and a squib in a .22 is the least easily detected of perhaps anything.

I had an early H&R top break with a bulged barrel and my buddy has a Ruger Mk I with a bulged barrel and both shot beautifully.

 

[gwpercle]

It shoots Too Good ... Fix It !
Gary

 

[geno58]

Send it to me!

Congratulations on a great deal. In my younger days that bulge would've bugged the heck out of me. Now in my older years, I say shoot it and just enjoy it.
I current shoot a S&W model 46 7" and a model 41 5" inch.

 

[BC38]

If a magician could gather ALL the bulged handgun barrels across time I suspect we would find the largest single share to be .22 handguns.

Rimfires have the largest occurrence of suspect ammo and a squib in a .22 is the least easily detected of perhaps anything.

I had an early H&R top break with a bulged barrel and my buddy has a Ruger Mk I with a bulged barrel and both shot beautifully.

Interesting.
I've seen a LOT of posts and photos of bulged barrels in this and other gun forums over the years, but I don't recall ever seeing one about a 22LR before.
I always figured that was because the cartridge shoots such light bullets with such small powder charges.
OTOH, a lot of 22LR semi-autos have pretty thin barrels, so I guess it wouldn't take as much to bulge one.
I would think it would be almost impossible to bulge a 22LR revolver barrel though, since they have such thick barrel walls.