New to me M41

[John_Watson]

Would someone be kind enough to look up my serial number range and let me know when my Model 41 was made. I just purchased it on line and it came from the Michigan area. Serial #BMC27XX

thanks

John

 

[murphydog]

Hi, are you certain the prefix is BMC? Per the SCSW, model 41s were first serial numbered only, then with an A prefix, then starting with TAA. BMC prefix revolvers were made in early 1993.

 

[Hunt200]

I can't seem to find it, maybe I am missing something? Are you sure that is the serial number? From what I am reading all auto loaders with three-letter prefixes started at TAA in March of 1984.

 

[John_Watson]

Just took a few pictures and posted.
thanks
John

 

[axon]

1998 I believe.

axon

 

[Hunt200]

1998 I believe.

axon

axon, can you tell me how you found that out? I just received the book a few weeks ago and can't seem to find that serial number? Maybe I am looking in the wrong place.

Thanks!

 

[xx78]

The last picture shows the ser.#.

 

[tcc]

If '98 is right, shouldn't those be laminated stocks (if original)?

 

[axon]

axon, can you tell me how you found that out? I just received the book a few weeks ago and can't seem to find that serial number? Maybe I am looking in the wrong place.

Thanks!

I couldn't find your exact serial #, but the chart I have says the BMC29XX (BMC prefix) was in 1998. The 1997 #s were UAMxxxx. And nothing was listed for 1998. So I figured that the 29XX could have been a typo for 27XX and there was no other BMC listing..... So my best estimation is 1998.

You could also send an e-mail to SW customer service and they will tell you the date of manufacture.

 

[John_Watson]

Thanks for the replies guys. I haven't been able to respond cause my internet at home is out and has been for the last four days. Bummer!

I got to shoot it today and it shot great. Tried several brands of ammo with various velocities and it shot all without a problem, much to my pleasure. I was able to shoot about 2 1/2 inch groups at 25 yds with the open sights. I haven't been able to see open sights well enough to shoot that well in quite some time. The open sights are really crisp. My model is not tapped for a scope mount so I am torn as to weather or not to get it tapped. I would certainly shoot better with a scope or even the Trijicon red dot sight I have on my Ruger MKII.

John

 

[S&Wman]

I have one. A M41 5.5" BMC221X
For some reason these don't seem to be found in S&W date of manufacture listing.
Mine was shipped from the factory on May 1993 and purchased new by me in 1994. So you could assume yours was shipped in 1993 also.
Mine is identical to yours except for the barrel length.
You certainly could have it drilled and tapped for a rail. It would not decrease it's value and would more than likely make it more valuable due to bringing it up to the current mfg standards. Now if it was an older collector model that would be a different story.

 

[John_Watson]

Thanks S&Wman, that was what I was worried about, didn't want to reduce the value of this fine pistol. I am glad I purchased it, a pleasure to shoot.

John

 

[DCWilson]

John, that's a beauty. I am mostly a revolver guy, but recently I have been wondering if I shouldn't look into a Model 41. The photos of yours make me sorry I don't have one already. I guess I know where some my next infusion of disposable cash is going to go. I just hope I can find one as nice as yours.

 

[S&Wman]

Here is a pic of mine with it's 12 round orange follower magazines.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Good looking guns guys. These are match grade guns
straight from S&W. I have one of the older guns made
in 1968. These guns are sweet. Don

 

[John_Watson]

You can really tell the older pistols by their great finish and blueing. Hawkeye10's pistol is gorgeous. The 41 sure does shoot great. Wish I still had 20 yr old eyes to go with the great sights on this gun.

John

 

[novalty]

You can find more information on the model 41 at RFC Home they have a lot of information available on it.

 

[bellevance]

Model 41 dates and serial numbers

Serial #___ Date of Manufacture

104XX_______ 1958
149XX_______ 1959
189XX_______ 1959
295XX_______ 1960
1120XX______ 1969
114XXX____ ~ 1969
"A" Prefix_____ 1970 with A115001
A145801_____ 1972
A225XXX_____ 1973
A235001_____ 1974
A265001_____ 1975
A295001_____ 1976
A414XXX_____ 1977
A475001_____ 1978
A5824XX_____ 1979
A5841XX_____ 1979
A7175XX_____ 1981
A7981XX_____ 1982
ADB38XX_____ 1983
A875000_____ 1984
TAA1985_____ 1985
TAK7879_____ 1986
TAT2512_____ 1987
TBL7955_____ 1988
TFJ1141_____ 1989
TFNxxxx_____ 1990
TFRxxxx_____ 1991
THD23XX_____ 1991
TZUxxxx_____ 1993
VAMxxxx_____ 1994
(S&W introduced drilled and tapped barrels in 1994)
UAMxxxx_____ 1997
BMC29XX___ > 1998.

From "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson," 2nd edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas.

 

[S&Wman]

That chart doesn't work for my BMC and aparently not for John_Watson's either.

 

[novalty]

If I had to guess based on that chart, I would say it was manufactured towards the end of 1997. As the chart only shows the starting pre-fix for the year and not the ending. Could be wrong, just guessing.