Model 41 purchase.

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

I'm thinking about possibly buying a Model 41. This would be my first pistol purchase as I've always been a revolver fan. There's a brand new Performance Center available and the price will be in the ballpark of a little wear, with box, papers etc. older version. I'm sure the overwhelming opinion will be buy an older Model 41 but I'd like to hear some opinions anyways.
Thanks.

 

[zonker5]

Ask yourself if you really need a pistol of the level of a model 41. I had a 41, it was a wonderful gun. Accurate, well made, reliable.....and expensive.

I found the limiting factor in my target shooting was the Indian, not the arrow, and that the 41 was over kill for my shooting. I sold the 41 and bought a Browning Challenger that I shoot just as well (or badly) and had some ammo money left over. Rugers and Buckmarks are also quality pistols.

If you do decide on a 41, I'd go with the older one. I am told the ones with an "A" prefix on the serial number are the best.

-Z-

 

[Camster]

The PC versions are too ugly for my taste,but bottom line is that you should buy what you like.
This gun sounds like the easy route,something you're considering,just because you found it in a dealer's case.
It can take time to find the right older one,with a risk that it's not quite what you think,as you'd be shipping it in ,via an online sales site.
Personally,I'm fine with the newer models(if you consider my two 1998 guns as newer models)-I don't need to hunt down the early versions.

 

[Troystat]

If you like it buy it, worse case in a few years you sell it for what you paid for it. I have an 1970's era 41 and I think it is a really nice pistol but the new ones are nice and I am sure it will shoot well. Who knows how long they will keep making them and there are a lot of the older ones out there but not that many of the performance models. I would say buy it and shoot it as often as possible. Also read up on cleaning them, the 41's seem to shoot better when clean, especially the chamber and extractor areas. Let us know how it goes.

 

[smithfan4152]

41 purchase

Right now the market seems to be flooded at this time with model 41s, both current production models, and the older models, Early A and Pre A series.
This means you don't have to spend as much as you would have a few years back. I would not buy the PC version, but it's your money.
The nice thing about the model 41 is the versatility of switching barrels, from fixed sights to optics, in a moment's time. So it really depends on whether or not your willing or wanting to spend the money to indulge in one of the finest 22 pistols of all time.

 

[TTSH]

Assuming excellent condition (few 41's I've seen have ever been seriously abused), the older the better for sure.

But as Zonker says, it's a big investment vs. the average, everyday .22 target or plinking pistol so make sure it fits your needs, uses and expectations well. I own two of them... but I also own a bunch of other .22 pistols too, which I generally get to enjoy more often. Unless serious competition shooting is in your future, it might be better to start off with something a bit less costly. I'm personally very big on the S&W 422/622/2206 pistols if you want something similar.

 

[Barrie]

I suggest test firing a M41 first before you buy one. We all know you will like the pistol as they are a great product altho expensive. You do get your moneys worth when you buy one as mine is a 1958 year model which still shoots really well. I have a M46 also which is very close to being the same gun also as a bckup gun. There are less expensive Smith products on the market as well which shoot as well as the M41, TTSH has suggested some of them plus there is the models such as the22A and the Talo and others that have some nice options on them for a much lessor price. They all preform very well for their price levels. Just make sure it feels good in your hands and looks good there as well. Thats the gun to buy.

 

[tim c]

i owned and shot an A series with cocked indicator on frame in BE competition for years with very few alibis do to FTE or FTF, I just recently sold it to upgrade to a Walther GSP Expert.
You can't go wrong with an old 41 a few members on my team have had problems with FTF in the new ones.Good luck

 

[wx7b]

You will not regret buying one. I bought an A series slightly used in the early 80s and it will be one of the last guns I ever sell (if I had to). The kids will be fighting over it while others are throwing dirt on my casket.

 

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

Thanks for all the input. I'm in the market for a .22LR handgun. Looking over the revolver models that I liked such as versions of the Model 34 and Model 18 having minimal wear, box, docs, etc. they were priced around the $800-$1000 level. That's within striking distance of a Model 41. That's what started me thinking about a Model 41.

 

[g8rb8]

I have a model 41 with a 7" barrel from the late 80's. If I had to pare down to a bare minimum of firearms the 41 would be one I would keep. My dad, son, nephew, and I all love that gun. I will be biased in my endorsement of your decision to buy a model 41 if you should decide to do so. I imagine about any vintage will be just fine.

 

[Camster]

I have a model 41 with a 7" barrel from the late 80's. If I had to pare down to a bare minimum of firearms the 41 would be one I would keep. My dad, son, nephew, and I all love that gun. I will be biased in my endorsement of your decision to buy a model 41 if you should decide to do so. I imagine about any vintage will be just fine.

I've downsized quite a bit.My first handgun purchase,a Model 41,is still here.
I just like quality stuff.I don't buy cheaper stuff on the basis of my less than great shooting skills.

 

[McE]

I'd recommend against it for a first gun. The thing with buying a gun is, you'll soon want something else. There are plenty of 22lr semi autos out there that would be great first guns for a fraction of the cost, that you can shoot a ton of standard bulk ammo through. While not as popular, you could just as easily cut your teeth on a S&W 422.

 

[wproct]

I'm assuming that you have looked over the appearance and features of the new PC 41, as they look somewhat different than the older 41 pistols. Some folks like the look and some don't. As far as quality of the newer models is concerned, I have never been dissatisfied with my 2007 model, I think that the quality is quite good. As far as spending more money than you should based on how much you will shoot it or how well you might shoot with it, there are more ways to enjoy a fine pistol that just shooting it. Pride of ownership can be quite enjoyable. Look forward to hearing what you buy.

 

[Bastogne71]

Shenandoah Sharpshooter,

Why don't you come on down I-81 to Roanoke and try out my model 41's?Mine are a 1965 with indicator and a mid 1980's model. Five barrels we can swap around to see which suits you best. Sorry, but I, as many do, prefer the older models so I can't help much with a hands on with the PC edition.

 

[oldRoger]

Try as I might, I simply cannot shoot my old 14 as well as I can a self-loading pistol. When I shoot the M41 I simply get tighter groups.

 

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

I got to see a Model 41 at a local shop today. I'm probably going to go for one. Most have advised buying the older versions. Are parts etc. easily available for all or is there a point where earlier versions are more problematic for parts?
Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Troystat]

I have not heard that parts for new or older ones being in short supply. If the one your looking at looks nice (new or used) and your reasonably happy with the price go for it. If it is used and the shop has a range maybe you can get them to let you test fire it. Let us know how it goes and show us pictures if you get it.

 

[Barrie]

I have had absolutely NO problems ever getting parts for 1958 M41. Basically even a new barrel should fit onto my old gun and shoot fine. Same goes for the extractors and spring kits as well. Grips or any other part replacement that is required.

 

[Grayfox]

I have a Model 41 with both the 5.5 and 7 inch barrels. Great gun and I really enjoy shooting it. But as others have mentioned, I'm not capable of bringing out its true potential.