Non-standard S&W Model 41 magazine release?

[lottomaxk]

I just recently purchased a S&W Model 41 5.5" barrel (my first!) and it has what seems to be a non-standard magazine release button. The fitting with the grips and general appearance make me think it must be a factory option but I haven't seen any other examples of it in my searches, just the smaller standard button and an aftermarket paddle-style extended release.

Is anyone familiar with the style on the one I purchased? Would a factory letter tell me anything about how the gun came originally?

I've attached a photo showing the magazine release button. The serial dates it to 1979 I believe.

 

[505Gibbs]

That appears to be very unusual. It will be interesting to see other replies.

 

[lottomaxk]

I have yet to find any information on this so I figured I would kick this back up to the top to see if anyone out there has seen anything like it?

 

[sceva]

I have no proof but my bet would be aftermarket and the grips modified for it. Nicely done though.

 

[donk52]

Never seen one of those when I was there. Stocks are altered too.

 

[jjfitch]

This is a common modified thumb safety as found on some 1911's used in competition guns. Allows dropping the magazine with the weak side thumb!

Smiles,

 

[Domino1]

I have not seen that before, but it looks like it was done by a professional.

 

[Exaviator]

Not only looks good, but I would think very functional. Thumbs Up...

 

[wetdog1911]

I have yet to find any information on this so I figured I would kick this back up to the top to see if anyone out there has seen anything like it?

I have, on a friends 1911, that I had passed on back in the mid 80's. A gunsmith had modified several NIB SAI 1911A1's at a gunshow. My friend was looking for a 'race' gun and I was looking for a carry piece with reliability being #1 and got exactly what I was looking for. Still have it, but @73, a bit heavy for carry LOL.

His got gone in fairly short order, because that extended mag release seemed to cause a LOT of unintended mag dumps before the mag was empty. It covered close to 1/2 of the width of the left grip and ~1/4" too long. The slightest change in the grip while firing seemed to drop the mag. NOT good on the third or fourth shot.

At least yours is below the thumb shelf and not where you would normally rest the thumb (his was).

Rob

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Aftermarket add on.

 

[civil1977]

As others have stated, it is not factory but it appears to be well done and it looks very nice with the modified grips.