model 41 - what's so great about it?

[khclark]

So, I've decided to cancel my 945 layaway and put it into a model 41. I've shot several 41's and liked them and I've wanted one for a long time, but had couple questions...

I understand and believe that the model 41 is one of the best target pistols made, but I was wondering exactly what is it that makes it great? I mean, mechanically, what is the difference between a $900 model 41 and, say, my $300 22S?

Right now, this 41 will be just for recreational shooting, but I foresee getting into NRA-type bullseye competition with it at some point in the future. With that in mind, which barrel is better, the 5.5" heavy or the 7" light?

Thanks for your help.

 

[khclark]

So, I've decided to cancel my 945 layaway and put it into a model 41. I've shot several 41's and liked them and I've wanted one for a long time, but had couple questions...

I understand and believe that the model 41 is one of the best target pistols made, but I was wondering exactly what is it that makes it great? I mean, mechanically, what is the difference between a $900 model 41 and, say, my $300 22S?

Right now, this 41 will be just for recreational shooting, but I foresee getting into NRA-type bullseye competition with it at some point in the future. With that in mind, which barrel is better, the 5.5" heavy or the 7" light?

Thanks for your help.

 

[BUFF]

The trigger pull quality.

The accuracy.

The great sights.

The way it balances in your hand.

The warm, fuzzy feeling it gives you as you chew the center out of your target.

 

[Joel Jacobs]

Originally posted by BUFF:
The trigger pull quality.

The accuracy.

The great sights.

The way it balances in your hand.

The warm, fuzzy feeling it gives you as you chew the center out of your target.

I agree with everything BUFF said.

Just walked back into the house about 15 minutes ago (10/7/08 - 15:04 CDST) with a BSEG from shooting mine. It shoots so good you want to shoot it every day - and generally, I do!

 

[greenmachine]

which barrel is better, the 5.5" heavy or the 7" light?

The 5 1/2" has a better rear sight (or used to). For this reason I use an Aimpoint on my 7 1/2" instead of the 5".

 

[khclark]

Thanks, guys. I didn't even know the rear sights were different. I'll take a closer look.

Doesn't the distance between the sights exceed the NRA mandated ten inches on the 7" barrel model?

 

[smithfan4152]

I don't know the answer to that, but they do have an extended front sight model that you could adjust to be just right, that comes on the 5 1/2 heavy barrel.

 

[brokenprism]

I have been posting a lot of questions about my new (used) Model 41 lately. I LOVE it. It does everything they say -- chews up the center. The trigger is heavenly, the sights (early 80s style) are fabulous, but it's what you can't get from a photo that makes it for me: the feel. It balances perfectly. It holds rock steady. It fits the hand like a 1911. And that blocky front end is pure sex appeal, for me. Like a SIG P225. Neither the Ruger nor Browning rounded, fluted, or even slabside barrels look and feel as good as the Model 41. If I had nothing else, I'd even consider carrying it for defense, it's so accurate.

 

[khclark]

Thanks.

 

[OpsMgr]

I have 3 heavily modified Rugers that are tack drivers but my M41 is a "step up" in accuracy, fit, finish and balance plus it just looks F I N E in my hand...

 

[KAZ]

My M41 is the best single firearm purchase I've ever made. I never tire of shooting mine. As to the barrel length I suggest that you just buy the best/cleanest example that you can find regardless of barrel length. Then pick up the other barrel to take advantage of the easy barrel swap out on the 41. I bought a new 7" barrel (they come factory drilled/tapped)so that I could shoot a red dot sight without modifiying my original 5.5.

 

[ChuckS1]

Dump the iron sights and get an Ultra Dot. I have an older 41 that I bought back in the late 80's and the rear sight is different than the current one. While the irons are good, I'm sold on the Ultra Dot. Best of all, in your case, the factory barrel is already drilled and tapped. I bought a new barrel from Gil Hebard for a few dollars more than what the local gunsmiths wanted to drill and tap my old barrel.

Just don't shoot high velocity ammo in it, or if you must, buy a buffer.

 

[d625]

I can't explain what makes it great. all I know is that they are great.

About 15 years ago I was a dealer, and I took one in on trade. It was a long barrel (7"??) with a factory compensator/weight. I was not at all interested at the time in shooting that caliber, but I had heard so many stories about a model 41 that I just had to try it out.

After some rounds to get a feel for the gun and trigger, I put 48 out of 50 in the 2" square of a Redfield sighting in target shooting offhand at 10 yards. I later did 46 out of 50.

I never shot that kind of grouping with any kind of gun of any kind of caliber before or since. I handed it off to a friend who is an accomplished shooter and he did 50 out of 50.

Sooooo, that's my answer. I don't know why it's great, but it is.

Incidentally, we all have had guns we should not have sold, and that is one of mine.

 

[Centenniel]

Great choice for a .22 pistol. Just shoot one, then you'll know. Mine has sure found a home!

 

[ammoman]

The S&W M-41 is real piece of crap.Don't buy any more. If you have any I'll take them off your hands for $75.00 apiece. I'll have to take the lose.

Best Regards
ammoman

 

[Swissman]

It's a nice pistol, but the triggerpull is not adjustable. And this makes it worthles for official competitions in Switzerland. My gun has a lighter triggerpull than allowed. So i stay with my FN "Browning" International for the real "fights".

Swissman