Although Smith claims that the 5.5" model 41 is 41 ounces, the numbers around the net lean closer to 45 ounces. For me, that is just too hefty for off-hand shooting. I saw a 41 with a milled down barrel which created a ramped-sight appearance, and I'd be willing to go that route in order to shoot one. Have any of you managed to reduce the weight of the 41? If so, what did you do?
Model 41 weight
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Although Smith claims that the 5.5" model 41 is 41 ounces, the numbers around the net lean closer to 45 ounces. For me, that is just too hefty for off-hand shooting. I saw a 41 with a milled down barrel which created a ramped-sight appearance, and I'd be willing to go that route in order to shoot one. Have any of you managed to reduce the weight of the 41? If so, what did you do?
Being a "steel and wood" gun, it just lends itself to being heavy - like the High Standards. My previous 41 with 1" UltraDot and Nill's grips weighed 51 oz, pretty heavy. I just purchased another, with a 30mm UltraDot. If no one beats me to it, I'll weigh it for you and post this evening.
One option I've seen, is to get the thinner 7" barrel and have it cut back to 5 or 5.5", and have it re-crowned. I'd guess that might bring it down below 40 oz.
In contrast, my Pardini SP with anatomical grips and dot mounted, weighs about the same as a "naked" 41.
It's all about what you get used to, though. There's a few smaller women in my league that use 41's. And me at 6'1", 210lbs saying "those are awfully heavy".
LOL!
One option I've seen, is to get the thinner 7" barrel and have it cut back to 5 or 5.5", and have it re-crowned. I'd guess that might bring it down below 40 oz.
In contrast, my Pardini SP with anatomical grips and dot mounted, weighs about the same as a "naked" 41.
It's all about what you get used to, though. There's a few smaller women in my league that use 41's. And me at 6'1", 210lbs saying "those are awfully heavy".
stevieboy
Member
My wife, who's no Valkyrie, comfortably shoots her 41 with the 5" barrel, one-handed. After shooting a nice group with it today she handed it to me. I'm 5" taller than she is and outweigh her by 30 pounds. I also work out regularly and there was no way that I could shoot it unsupported. "It just takes getting used to", she said, sweetly, after I gave up.
Here are the milled barrel photos. I can see possibilities for more reduction.
http://tinyurl.com/a7t6hr
smithfan4152
Member
This is a 5 inch field barrel I have modified, the 5 1/2 inch barrel can be lightened up if you don't mind losing the value of the barrel.
I chose to do this since the barrel was not in the best of shape, and so it didn't cost much.
The 5 1/2 inch barrel can be brought down to the weight of the 7 3/8 barrel easily, but you would also lose the stamping on the sides of the barrel, if you wanted to maximize the weight reduction. I also plan to do this to an EFS barrel that is in less than perfect and somewhat pitted condition.
Drop me an e-mail.
I chose to do this since the barrel was not in the best of shape, and so it didn't cost much.
The 5 1/2 inch barrel can be brought down to the weight of the 7 3/8 barrel easily, but you would also lose the stamping on the sides of the barrel, if you wanted to maximize the weight reduction. I also plan to do this to an EFS barrel that is in less than perfect and somewhat pitted condition.
Drop me an e-mail.
Zoned - Not sure if you've already purchased a 41, or just have your heart set on one. But what's your intended use of the gun? There are (dare I say it on the Smith forum
), other options out there, if the weight is truly a barrier. Kinda crazy, I think, to spend $700-$1,000 on a gun, only to spend more money on machining, which in the end will detract from the value. Not trying to sour your idea, just a thought...
They untie me on weekends for therapeutic 10 punching. I've always liked the ergonomics and trigger of the 41, but have avoided it because it's a bit of a brick. After trying several of the Euro pistols, I'm thinking, again, about a 41 project.
A curious advert on GunBroker by a dealer selling a new 5.5" says "a discontinued Smith & Wesson model 41 (130511)". Smith still shows the 5.5" in the line at their website, though. Can anyone offer more about this? Maybe a lighter weight version is coming?
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