Model 41 Safety

[BlackAgnes]

I see many of us have trouble with the safety operation on Model 41s. It usually works very stiffly and is hard to engage/disengage.

Any ideas on how to fix this issue?

Thanks.

Tim

 

[armorer951]

Tim,

There is a plate and screw under the left side grip panel that affords some adjustment by retentioning the plate that sits over the safety lever leg.
Not a perfect solution but helps a bit.

A lot of model 41 owners just ignore this nagging and problematic issue with the poorly designed manual safety. Unfortunately, this is another one of those easily fixable design problems that has been ignored by S&W for decades.

Carter

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

JMO, but what is the purpose of a safety on a target pistol?

If you have a field barrel on that thing, please ignore my post.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I've just sat there and manipulated the safety while watching tv. Seemed to help. I've been using my older 41 and AR.22 in 2 gun shoots so I start with a round in the chamber, loaded mag and gun on safe.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Yeah-- I have my 41 set up as a field gun, so I'd like to have a functional safety. Thanks all!

Tim

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I feel your pain.Mine does the same thing.

 

[Hair Trigger]

JMO, but what is the purpose of a safety on a target pistol?

If you have a field barrel on that thing, please ignore my post.

I was going to say much the same thing. I only target shoot with mine, have never used the safety. It is a pain to engage/disengage. I just don't point it at anybody and keep my finger out of the trigger guard.

Mine doesn't have the cocked indicator, and I always wondered what good it was anyway. If you've chambered a round, it will be cocked, if it is a dud round when you pull the trigger, you know it's no longer cocked, and it locks back on the last round, so....

 

[chief38]

I adjusted mine a bit so it's easier now but truth be told I can't remember using it in decades. It was also quite sharp on the edge and could easily slice your thumb! I used a hard Arkansas stone to barely break the sharp edge so it won't cut me, but not enough to see any bluing missing.

 

[4T5GUY]

I know I keep repeating myself but at least I only respond to every one of @ four Model 41 safety questions now.

Bob Loveless was asked why he spent so much time, energy and attention to his 41 Field Guns but didn't improve their safeties. His reply was something like "because they aren't needed." His idea of a perfectly ideal 41 Field Gun does not have an easily functioning safety.

I've had several 41's from various years and half were near impossible to put in the safe position.

Jim