New model 41's?

[mike56]

Been shooting more 22 lately due to the environment.

Had a 5.5 model 41 years ago and it was a tack driver.
New ones are available, both 5.5 and 7.7, scary prices!
Used are not much cheaper, if at all.

So the question is, buy new, or shop used and then, 5.5 or 7.5?

 

[Rick H.]

New is expensive, but you have a warranty in case you have problems with the pistol. If you search/read on the forum you will see several owners that had to send their new 41's back for repair work, mine included. Fortunately for me it was one and done. My PC41 works great now and Smith and Wesson took care of everything, but getting the gun to the shipper.

If you buy a used 41 make absolutely certain you have right of return if you don't like it. My first used 41 looked great in the pictures, but didn't work worth a darn when I received it and worse yet I spent money on it in a vain attempt to fix it. Seller said, "Sorry, it's your gun, no returns allowed." Sad, but that's just the way it is today. Either way you go is a roll of the dice, but I like having a backup plan (warranty) just in case.

Depending where you are these days there really isn't much difference in price between new and used. I think the "buy used" advice is having an impact on used 41 prices. Today the only way I would buy used is if I could see it and examine it including a check of the bore before buying it. I would also do the same with a new one including a bore check with a bore scope. I would also ask the seller to field strip the pistol for a complete examination. One or two people on the forum have said they couldn't pull the trigger guard down on new 41's for disassembly so let the retailer/seller show you how it is accomplished BEFORE you buy it. If a seller won't let you scope the barrel, or show you how to take the pistol apart say thanks, but no thanks. A seller SHOULD know how to field strip any firearm he is selling and be able to demonstrate this to a customer. Just be aware that Smith and Wesson is having some QC issues, but not every new 41 is affected. I for one would have no problem buying new again as long as I could examine the pistol first.

Once you decide which way you are going to go, new or used, there are some other tips that can be given especially with new Model 41's. You can cross that bridge when you get there. Just remember new gives you warranty, but you must still do a good examination of the pistol. Used it is even more important to do a good examination of the pistol, but you absolutely need right of return. Good luck on your decision.

Rick H.

 

[jim1K]

My new 41 was a total joke, the trigger was bad, the barrel only had lands and grooves half way and sharp edges that would cut you. To top it off the serial# had a restamped last digit.... and I was told 6 weeks turn around and I called near the 6 weeks and an other guy answered the extension and the lady I talked to in the beginning was no longer there and he told me 8 to 10 weeks. better think twice on getting a S&W...... Jim

 

[PALADIN85020]

I'm very happy with my previously-owned example, shipped in May, 1972. The custom made case was done in Okinawa. I'm pleased with it in all respects - looks, functioning and accuracy.

John

 

[mike56]

I looked over at Rimfire Central and it was bad news on 41's there as well.
I was able to cancel my order. Will look for a used one locally.
Thanks all.
If there is any good news, I saw that mags were impossible to find or $80!. I picked one up used at a shop yesterday for $20.

 

[Rick H.]

Ahh you listened to a few who claim the sky is falling. Too bad too. And why do you think the prices are going thru the roof on old ones? Look at those that you see complain about new M41's, it's the same names over and over. Not every new M41 has problems, not by a long shot. It's long been a fact that people with a problem purchase complain loud and long. People without a problem rarely say much at all. They're out enjoying what they bought. Simply put no one, not even the "buy old crowd" knows how many M41's go back to S&W for warranty versus total number sold. Good luck buying old, maybe you will get lucky. If not make sure you can return it.

Rick H.

 

[chief38]

My 1979 made M41 was purchased by me in 1980 brand new. After 42 years and 10's of thousands of rounds it is still working and looking perfect. Not a fan of the new ones-to me they cheeped out and I've seen many issues with recently made M41's. Not to say the vintage models will never need service but at least they are higher quality IMHO. M41's can be finicky-no doubt, but once you get them tweaked they are usually excellent target pistols and seem to keep going forever.

 

[CLASSIC12]

I had a 1997 one, very nice gun, accurate and reliable.

Sold it to a friend since I found an older one, 1962 with two barrels. Just as accurate and reliable, just older.

I really like the 5 inch barrel

So for me, I'd say the older the better

Even here in Switzerland they're not hard to find, so there should be plenty of choice in the US

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I found my 1978-9 41 , nib , a couple of years back . I found it on a local gun selling forum . He also had an older one with the cocking indicator . I kick myself every time I shoot my 41 for not buying both .

You may buy used , and you may have problems . But there are people here that work on them . And ask here what to look for in a used 41 .

 

[Drm50]

I've got 5 and 4 of them are old models. Two 5"HB and two 7" LB and one 7 3/8" LB. One of the 7"s is latest production. Haven't had it long and haven't shot it yet. Hope it wasn't a mistake.
It probably is mistake to shun new 41s as a whole. I can say that not only 41s but all S&Ws use to be fitted up and finished better. As far as buying used, it's not space science. The bulk of gun purchases made in this country were made by Joe-6pack. I don't care whether Deer rifle or Target pistol. These are the guns you want to buy. The Cops service gun is usually dinged up, but far from worn out. The competition shooters pistol may be worn out but look good. The Deer rifle shot a box a year and the M29 that was a result of Dirty Harry Syndrome is lucky to have had 100 rds down the tube.
That is the long and short of buying used. S&W forum is one of best places to buy used. I bought quite a few and most are under rated per condition, none have been over rated.

 

[NDAR15MAN]

I would not buy a used S&W 41 unless I was allowed to shoot 25 shells through it and seller break down the pistol in front of me. Just my opinion. Just to many reports of poor quality on old and brand new 41's out there. MD

 

[bbqncigars]

I would not buy a used S&W 41 unless I was allowed to shoot 25 shells through it and seller break down the pistol in front of me. Just my opinion. Just to many reports of poor quality on old and brand new 41's out there. MD

Yeah, that might get you somewhere. I don't think many sellers would go for that even if you pay for the ammo. I'd love to see you try that at a LGS. BTW, generally the terms are rounds or cartridges not "shells". HTH.

 

[Hognfrog]

New versus old

I can't say anything about a "new" model 41 as everything I have purchased was used. Some I thought I might have paid too much, but seeing today's prices I did great.
Now to be truthful, all are used and in great shape, but I have only fired the one on the lower right. The 3 on the left are Model 46's and I have not fired them since I purchased them.
I have a new indoor gun range within a mile of my condo so I will be trying them all sooner or later this year. I have plenty of SV CCI ammo.

I will close with "seek and ye shall find" every seller I have purchased from has been up front and very honest in answering any questions and has sent picture after picture if requested.
"so many guns and so little time"!!
Oh, 1 model 41 or 46 is NOT enough!