Model 41 Problems

[Steve Gile]

I just acquired a used S&W 41 (s/n A136***) so it's an older cocking indicator piece. Previous owner sold it to be in perfect working condition, it's not. I am having light hits, extractor issues with spent cases, reliability is only about 30%.

It came with reduced recoil spring in it. I went back to an original recoil spring. I've used CCI SV, Aguila Std & Match, Federal Gold Match, Wolf, SK Jag, and it makes no difference. This gun is not reliable, at all.

HELP, need suggestions on how to make this gun work.

Contact me off line please at [email protected]

 

[JN16184]

I bought a used 41 a while back and was having issues, too; it was no where near as reliable as my other one. I figured out that the bolt had a lot of trash in it, resticting the firing pin. I kept running solvent and Break Free through it, until I could move the firing pin and not feel any more grit in there. It's much better now.

 

[Jimmymac46]

Clean it, then clean it.....then clean it again. Model 41 tolerances are tight. 22 ammo is dirty. Not a good mix.

Would start by removing the grips. Then spray the heck out of it with the new aerosol cans of pressure solvent. I will bet you will see the crud drip off in volume. I use the stuff on nearly every gun I shoot. Be careful with plastic parts...it will scar the finish.

Then get a good, perhaps new tooth brush and scrub the chamber, bolt face and all along the frame rails. If you feel safe in doing so, remove the firing pin and scrub all surfaces. Use a brass or even steel brush in the chamber....over and over again. A nylon brush will not do the job.

Finally, don't shoot bulk or low end ammo in it. It is a target piece and needs and deserves target ammo. Don't forget to spray and clean the magazines also. When at the range, clean it with a bore brush and the tooth brush after every box of 50. Good luck.

 

[Leonard]

You may want to change the extractor and its spring. Or at least test it to be sure the cases are held tightly against the bolt (slide ) face.

 

[7cstevan]

Clean it, then clean it.....then clean it again. Model 41 tolerances are tight. 22 ammo is dirty. Not a good mix.

Would start by removing the grips. Then spray the heck out of it with the new aerosol cans of pressure solvent. I will bet you will see the crud drip off in volume. I use the stuff on nearly every gun I shoot. Be careful with plastic parts...it will scar the finish.

Then get a good, perhaps new tooth brush and scrub the chamber, bolt face and all along the frame rails. If you feel safe in doing so, remove the firing pin and scrub all surfaces. Use a brass or even steel brush in the chamber....over and over again. A nylon brush will not do the job.

Finally, don't shoot bulk or low end ammo in it. It is a target piece and needs and deserves target ammo. Don't forget to spray and clean the magazines also. When at the range, clean it with a bore brush and the tooth brush after every box of 50. Good luck.

I'll chime in here--Everything by JimmyMac is spot on for sure.
I should say I don't actually own one, but 4 of my shooting buds in bullseye league do own them.

2 of them shoot fine--2 of them are relegated to cases because they jam, so they are somewhat noted for it. That's part of the reason I haven't bought a 41--never know what you'll get.

Still, they have to be scrupulously clean as others say. You might try a method recommended by High Standard in their manuals for decades too.

Remove grips, field strip and soak in kerosene (I find odorless mineral spirits works well too) for 24 hours. Laquer thinner will work too. Use a tray like a pyrex baking pan. You will see gunk and grime float out of it and settle even when you think it is clean. Then blow it out with spray cleaner or computer cleaning "air in a can".

PS--buy a new baking pan--won't help the cleaning but will keep the woman in your life happy! (ask me how I know!)

 

[RGPM1A]

You probably only need to clean the firing pin/extractor tunnel in the slide. To do so remove the slide and push out the pin in the slide. You can then clean the firing pin, firing pin spring, extractor and extractor spring as well as the tunnels/grooves for them. Should fix you right up.

 

[benzer]

I also bought a used Mod. 41. Had a lot of problems with it. I did'nt do anything to it, just sent it to S&W and they fixed it up right. New bolt, hammer and other things and did'nt charge me a dime. Great service. I shoot mine clean or dirty and it works like a fine Rolex watch all the time.

 

[Roadster Guy]

I Agree

I also bought a used Mod. 41. Had a lot of problems with it. I did'nt do anything to it, just sent it to S&W and they fixed it up right. New bolt, hammer and other things and did'nt charge me a dime. Great service. I shoot mine clean or dirty and it works like a fine Rolex watch all the time.

I also bought a used 41, and I thought the warranty applied to only the original owner. I finally sent it back because of terrible groups, thinking I was in for a big bill as it was seven years old. S & W replaced the barrell at no charge, shoots great now. If all else fails, send it back to S & W for repair.