My Latest Addition - Model 46

[kidcom]

Here is mine. I have a 7 in barrel for it as well, but that one is a radius cut one, so not a perfect match. But I greatly prefer the 5 inch "sport" barrels over the 5.5 or 7 in the 46/41s.


That's a fine looking piece you have. With the 5 inch barrel, I believe you have a very rare item.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

kidcom not that familiar with the NRA data bases, but Mr. Roy Jinks, the S&W historian has the files on S&W ship dates and is "THE AUTHORITY". If you become an S&WCA member, you can get access to his "request for ship date" and responses to same, along with a letter on your specific pistol (for a fee).

 

[MAJPATT]

That's a fine looking piece you have. With the 5 inch barrel, I believe you have a very rare item.

Actually according to SCSW the 5 1/2 inch heavy barrel is more rare (500) than the sport barrel (1000). But that is ok with me, as I just simply prefer the sport.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Correction - my GOOF!!!!!!!!!

kdcom - suggest you trust Aussi - first 46s were in 18xxx range (ie 1959). Grips appear correct to the period, but more likely added later rather than special order. Related to other posts - a 24XXX with square cut slide. Very nice piece. Will check on SN later, but probably 1960 ship.

Couple of thoughts
1. std. velocity only
2. pick up a 5" and a 5.5" bbl and weight to round it out.

Above, I noted the earliest 46s were in the 18XXX range. Checking my data, believe I was thinking of S&W41 5" bbl. first issues. For S&W 46 22XXX would be closer. Please forgive an old man.

 

[Barrie]

Thom you are still a young man, especially in heart. We all know that and all make the odd mistake. Of course you are already forgiven.

 

[kidcom]

Finally took it to the range today. Thankfully, I had a set of Wolff Springs with me. The installed recoil spring that came with the M46 stove piped and fail to eject almost every shot. I replaced what I assumed to be the factory M46 recoil spring with a 6lb Wolff spring. After that, it proved to be an amazing shooter using standard velocity ammo.

 

[Aussie Collector]

For S&W 46 22XXX would be closer.

I totally agree the first production run of the Model 46, 22XXX. I believe there is a chance of an earlier Model 46 and would like to see it or even better possess it.

 

[kidcom]

Update on my S&W 46

I took the unusual step this evening of completely stripping down my Model 46 to the last screw. It took me awhile to do it but I can truthfully say that I can take one down now and reassemble it in a matter of minutes. Now the reason I did this was to give the 46 a proper cleaning since I figured it hadn't been done in over 55 years. It was filthy to say the least. Gun powder residue was everywhere and caked onto the internal parts. After a thorough cleaning and reassembling it, the action seems to be a lot smoother to say the least. So if you feel a bit daring and your 41/46 needs a good cleaning, don't be afraid to take her down to the last screw. The results of your thorough cleaning job will really impress you.

https://picasaweb.google.com/116590779301281658338/SWModel41Disassembly#

https://picasaweb.google.com/116590779301281658338/SWModel41Assembly

I'm going to put this out as a separate thread which is what I should have done originally...

 

[824tsv]

Great photo spread. You are very adventurous. Thats something that I wouldn't try to do! Too many very small parts........

 

[loeman]

kidcom,
I really like your disassembly / assembly photo essay. Wow. what great pics and simple but understandable instructions. I doubt that i would ever take my 41 down that far, but if I really needed to or wanted to I think I could do it with what you have produced. Thank you.

 

[kidcom]

kidcom,
I really like your disassembly / assembly photo essay. Wow. what great pics and simple but understandable instructions. I doubt that i would ever take my 41 down that far, but if I really needed to or wanted to I think I could do it with what you have produced. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. However, I can't take credit for the photo essays. I searched the web myself and came up with the two sites listed in my posting on disassembly/reassembly of a S&W 41/46.

 

[Barrie]

I like the 7" barrel myself better then the shorter ones. To me its much easier to aim when I am on the line with the longer barrel I rotate between my M41 and my M46. I also use a old dental tool for cleaning out around the firing pin as well. Gets into the smaller area's much easier to get the yuck out better. Its the best tool I have found for this job.

 

[Triathloncoach]

One was for sale here on our local Georgia forum maybe a month ago. I initially thought it was a typo on a 41, didn't know the 46 existed. And I own the S&W Standard Catalogue. I don't stray much from the revolver pages. I will in 2016 after my recent 1076 purchase.

Nice gun!