Model 41 Slide Stop/Ejector

[unclerandy]

Hey guys,
I'm in need of some pics to compare my M41 slide stop/ejector. I'm having ejection issues and I've read here that there are different length ejector cuts. This is for .22LR. The pictures on Brownell's show a much longer ejector than what I have.
Thanks

 

[Rowlf]

KC's Kustom Creations can modify or suggest a modified replacement for better reliability. Your slide stop/ejector looks very different from my modified unit on my 1978 M41.

Mine has the cut about midway and the rear is beveled.

 

[6string]

I think yours is the original style.
The little notch at the rear is quite far back. Later, they moved that forward so the empty case gets a "kick" a little earlier in the recoil cycle.
I can't tell if that's wear (bare metal), or if it's been dressed down a bit with a file to prevent it from dragging on the bottom of the slide. (I suspect wear. Just not sure.)

When S&W "borrowed" from the Walther Olympia, one change they made for the worse was the design of this part. The original Walther design uses a separate slide stop and ejector, both milled steel parts. Because S&W went this stamped part that combines both functions, the ejector also must sit quite low to the line of the bore. Empties thus eject not only to the right, but also slightly upward. This is what causes one of the notorious m41 malfunctions: an empty wedged sideways between the next round feeding out of the magazine and the rear sight extension on the barrel.

 

[Rowlf]

When S&W "borrowed" from the Walther Olympia, one change they made for the worse was the design of this part. The original Walther design uses a separate slide stop and ejector, both milled steel parts. Because S&W went this stamped part that combines both functions, the ejector also must sit quite low to the line of the bore.

I like how you mentioned Grandpa. I find it interesting to compare the family (Walther Olympia, S&W M41, Hämmerli Olympia and 2 series, and Walther/Hämmerli X-esse) to each other.

 

[unclerandy]

KC's Kustom Creations can modify or suggest a modified replacement for better reliability. Your slide stop/ejector looks very different from my modified unit on my 1978 M41.

Mine has the cut about midway and the rear is beveled.

Is a picture possible?

 

[unclerandy]

I think yours is the original style.
The little notch at the rear is quite far back. Later, they moved that forward so the empty case gets a "kick" a little earlier in the recoil cycle.
I can't tell if that's wear (bare metal), or if it's been dressed down a bit with a file to prevent it from dragging on the bottom of the slide. (I suspect wear. Just not sure.)

When S&W "borrowed" from the Walther Olympia, one change they made for the worse was the design of this part. The original Walther design uses a separate slide stop and ejector, both milled steel parts. Because S&W went this stamped part that combines both functions, the ejector also must sit quite low to the line of the bore. Empties thus eject not only to the right, but also slightly upward. This is what causes one of the notorious m41 malfunctions: an empty wedged sideways between the next round feeding out of the magazine and the rear sight extension on the barrel.

Its probably wear. I believe the gun is 1958. I also found the safety spring plate broken which also holds the slide stop/ejector tight to the frame. This will likely fix the issue but wanted to get educated on the ejector styles as well.

 

[Rowlf]

Is a picture possible?

No. It is either KC's mod or whatever the Marine Corps armorers settled on.

 

[smithfan4152]

slide stop

This is the Earliest slide stop, and usually with SV Ammo it's pretty resilient.
Also I think ammo changed somewhat, and they found they had better reliability by shortening the slide stop, near half way.
Be careful when installing or removing, as you must depress that spring, it goes under the opening, it can't be lifted straight out or put back in that way.
Spring is very thin, and will break. Also you may have to grind or make the pin that goes through the frame look just like the one you have. I have had many slide stops, and it seemed they changed the pin shape that comes through the frame, so you need to be aware of this, or your magazine may not go in.
So outside of the 2 LR Slide stops, there have been no other modifications, that spring clip for the safety is easy to find, sometimes Numerich has them, or e-bay. You can also find the slide stops there, or maybe go to the WTB Section.
The only other slide stop is for the 22 short variant, the notch is only .090 from the front edge of the slide stop. Very rare item, but can be made from modified LR slide stop, if you know a good welder.

 

[Rowlf]

Brownells has a later model 940-066-730WB Slide Stop & Ejector Assembly showing the mid-way cut. If you click on the image at Brownells you can see a larger image.

Edited to add: This may be useful too - Smith & Wesson 41 common repairs

 

[Jim Watson]

Not being a bullseye shooter, my two-handed grip on the M41 gets me popped in the left thumb when the gun runs dry and the slide stop rises.
I am reluctant to modify a nice old (1970s) gun so I just need to cough up the $60 for a spare slide stop to shorten.