S&W mode 41 shooting 6" high at 25yds

[bigpoppop51]

I have a 1958 model S&W model 41 I received from my dad. Shooting 6" high at 25 yds. Rear sight all the way down. Any suggestions?

 

[824tsv]

Something isn't right there. I've never had any issues with the adjustable sights on any S&W that I have or had. Did it shoot the same for your dad? Could the issue be you? Have someone else shoot it and see if the same issue persists.

 

[bigpoppop51]

shooting off sandbag. Yes, I have had several people shoot it. I have been shooting all my life. It groups great...just 6" high.

 

[Barrie]

Is the very small spring still under the rear of the rear sights? If it is it may be squished down too far. I also have a 1958 model 41 which did the same thing. I stretched the spring out a wee bit which did help a lot. Mine now shoots about 1/2" low at 60 feet. This I can compensate for in my sighting in just before I fire.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Not at all common, but the bbl extension may have been bent. Only one found in my experience. Use straight edge to see if bend can be detected. If brave, using wood blocks and (prefer dead head) hammer to bend (gently). Otherwise get an experienced smith to do it. Generally takes very little to correct it.

 

[bigpoppop51]

I am a little confused. If I am correct if I am shooting high then my rear sight needs to be lowered (which is as low as it goes) or my front sight needs to be higher.

 

[bigpoppop51]

If I take the barrel extension off will that show me anything. shooting it without the extension that is.

 

[824tsv]

I am a little confused. If I am correct if I am shooting high then my rear sight needs to be lowered (which is as low as it goes) or my front sight needs to be higher.

That is correct. You turn the elevation adjustment screw clockwise to lower point of bullet impact. I have no idea on what the barrel extension is unless Tom is referring to the extended front sight barrel.

 

[bigpoppop51]

That is correct. You turn the elevation adjustment screw clockwise to lower point of bullet impact. I have no idea on what the barrel extension is unless Tom is referring to the extended front sight barrel.

Maybe he is talking about the muzzle break. I have lowered the rear sight as low as it goes. I am lost at this point.

 

[murphydog]

A photo of both sights may help here; someone may have changed out the front or rear blade(s).

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

The "barrel extension" (or rib) is the portion from the chamber rearward. Thought it was obvious. As noted by murphydog, could be the front sight was "lowered".

 

[bigpoppop51]

The "barrel extension" (or rib) is the portion from the chamber rearward. Thought it was obvious. As noted by murphydog, could be the front sight was "lowered".

I will take pictures. As much as I have been around guns my whole life I did not recognize the term barrel extension. My father purchased new in 1958. He did not make any changes. I have his 1957 model 27 .357 magnum as well. No changes to that either.

 

[824tsv]

"I did not recognize the term barrel extension"
Don't sweat it, I didn't either.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Sounds like you need to either:
a) add about 0.060" +/- (Calculated) to your front sight ( by building it up or replacing it.)
b) buy and install a lower /shallower rear sight blade
c) try heavier/slower ammo
d) some combination of the above.

I've sold off my mod 41's so don't remember how hard a front sight change is. May/may not be a job for a gunsmith. I'd try 40 gr subsonic ammo first.

 

[bigpoppop51]

 

[Oldshot]

I think Barrie is on to something re: the sight adjustment spring under the sight base. If you haven't already done so, crank the sight UP all the way..as far as it will go. This should make it possible to look under the blade to see if it still has a spring. If it's still in place, stretch it a bit, hold the blade assembly down and screw it in to lower it. See if you can now adjust bullet impact. If not, then I'd try different brands of ammo or different lot nos. of the brand you are using. I've been shooting my 41-2 HB since 1979 and haven't encountered a problem like yours. Good luck.

 

[growr]

As your 41 was made in 1958, the answer is obvious to me.....you need to shoot 1958 ammo in it and all will be just fine!!!

Randy

 

[andyo5]

What ammo are you shooting in the gun? Standard velocity or high velocity?

 

[Mike in Reedley]

My 1967 model 41 shot high at 25 yards as well with everything EXCEPT standard velocity ammo. The sights were unmolested and there was no crud under the hinged portion of the rear sight, nor was the spring crimped to prevent it from going down further.

I ended up slowly filing the top of the rear sight until Winchester high velocity hollow points shot point of aim at 25 yards with the sight set at the lowest setting. A little cold blue and it looks fine. Go slow and keep the top square.

 

[Aussie Collector]

I would check the gap between the barrel and slide, checking to ensure there is no distortion in the barrel from the chamber to the rear sight. The gap should be even, a slight rise at the rear sight could indicate a bend and be the contributing factor to your problem.