S&W Model 41- Help Needed

[rfo1]

I'm considering purchasing this older Model 41. First off- please excuse the poor picture taken by the seller. The seller claims that the barrel extension is factory original, but I have my doubts. He told me the barrel length is 7 inches. The serial number is 10655. I'm puzzled, I didn't think 7 inch barrelled guns were introduced until 1978, this serial number dates long before that, doesn't it? I know the grips pictured are aftermarket. ( the seller also has the originals ) So what am I looking at here? A cobbled gun with a non-matching barrel? An aftermarket barrel extension? A factory installed barrel weight? Before I get too serious and consider making an offer I'd like to know what I'm considering buying--
As always I appreciate any facts and thoughts .
Rick rfo1

 

[eljaydubya]

Rick:
You are looking at one of the first year Model 41's made in 1958. It is a 7 3/8" barrel with a false nose at the front. It also came with a muzzle break on the front that would replace the false nose with a screw at the bottom of the front. It has a loaded chamber indicator at the rear of the frame. These 41's are very desireable to the "collector" gang and would bring a premium if it is in like new condition and has the original box included. Buy it at $850 or less if it is as described. Jim

 

[rfo1]

Jim,
Thank you for the valuable information. I thought the barrel extension was an aftermarket contraption, I feel better knowing that it is factory original.
Rick

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Message sent.

 

[SMK]

First year of production was 57. A first year production 41 would likely have a four digit serial number.

 

[rfo1]

Fellows-- the pistol has arrived. I cleaned it up and replaced the Hogue grips with the originals that were included. It definitely is a well used shooter grade gun, not a safe queen.
I am puzzled by the round hole on the right side of the slide behind the trade mark stamp. It appears to be threaded. Is there a pin or screw missing? What is the purpose of this hole. I see it on all model 41s but most appear plugged.
rfo1

 

[civil1977]

I am puzzled by the round hole on the right side of the slide behind the trade mark stamp. It appears to be threaded. Is there a pin or screw missing? What is the purpose of this hole. I see it on all model 41s but most appear plugged.

That hole is for the pin that holds the bolt in the slide. You can see the pin on the other side of the slide. Your pin could be shorter or possibly broken, but you can buy replacements at places like Numrich.

 

[rfo1]

civil1977- thanks for the information. One more question if I might ask. Notice the screw on top of the trigger. I assume this is not factory original? Any idea why this has been installed?
Rick

 

[mkk41]

civil1977- thanks for the information. One more question if I might ask. Notice the screw on top of the trigger. I assume this is not factory original? Any idea why this has been installed?
Rick

Trigger overtravel stop.

 

[civil1977]

civil1977- thanks for the information. One more question if I might ask. Notice the screw on top of the trigger. I assume this is not factory original? Any idea why this has been installed?
Rick

Well, I didn't see that at first but now I do. It's not the over travel screw as that's behind the trigger. I don't think its factory and I don't know what it's for. The more recent Browning over/under shotguns have a screw like that on the trigger which allows you to change the length of pull and even the trigger shoe. Perhaps a previous owner made a similar mod to this gun. I would pull the barrel and look at the top of the trigger where the factory pull adjustment is. You'll probably see the other end of the screw and maybe that will give you a clue to its purpose.

 

[rfo1]

mkk41,
Isn't the overtravel stop located behind the trigger? I'm referring to the screw inside the triggerguard attached to the top of the trigger. I don't believe it is factory original.

 

[mkk41]

mkk41,
Isn't the overtravel stop located behind the trigger? I'm referring to the screw inside the triggerguard attached to the top of the trigger. I don't believe it is factory original.

The way I see it is that the top tang or extension of the trigger hits the underside of the head of the screw.

Looking at the parts blow-up in the Numrich catalog , unless the earliest guns had a different one , that looks like it might be an aftermarket trigger.

I could be wrong. It has happened before.

 

[bigi]

Interesting info.

 

[Jose_Luis_G]

mkk41,
Isn't the overtravel stop located behind the trigger? I'm referring to the screw inside the triggerguard attached to the top of the trigger. I don't believe it is factory original.

I've got one S&W 41 serial 99xx in 7" with muzzle brake, and it has that screw from factory.
Easy to adjust since you can do it when you open the trigger guard.
Can't tell you about later serials or the one in 5".

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Jose Luis - PLEASE send some pictures - very interesting??????

 

[mkk41]

I've got one S&W 41 serial 99xx in 7" with muzzle brake, and it has that screw from factory.
Easy to adjust since you can do it when you open the trigger guard.
Can't tell you about later serials or the one in 5".

So is it an overtravel stop?

 

[USBP SW]

I'm just guessing but the mystery screw could adjust take-up. My model 41 is newer and does not have the screw but I've heard many complaints about take-up (the slack from when you start the trigger pull until you feel tension preceding the break).

Best of luck and enjoy the mod. 41
Steve

 

[Jose_Luis_G]

So is it an overtravel stop?

Yes, I guess it is. I've always known as backslash, but the name does not make a difference.
Take a look.

 

[civil1977]

Yes, I guess it is. I've always known as backslash, but the name does not make a difference.
Take a look.

I think there is some confusion here. The screw mounted on the trigger guard is the trigger stop screw and it controls overtravel. All Model 41s have this feature.

What rfo1 is talking about is the extra screw on the trigger of his gun. You can see it in the pictures he provided on Post #6 of this thread. You can see the head of the screw at the top of the trigger, just below the frame. I would be very supprised if that was a factory installed screw.

 

[Jose_Luis_G]

I think there is some confusion here. The screw mounted on the trigger guard is the trigger stop screw and it controls overtravel. All Model 41s have this feature.

What rfo1 is talking about is the extra screw on the trigger of his gun. You can see it in the pictures he provided on Post #6 of this thread. You can see the head of the screw at the top of the trigger, just below the frame. I would be very supprised if that was a factory installed screw.

Yes, you are right.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Mine does not have that screw, and I agree that it has been added later, probably to reduce the first stage travel.