S&W Model 41 - Things to look for

[Marine24]

I have a growing affinity for target/match 22 LR pistols. I have a Marvel Unit 1 mounted on a Colt Series 80 frame, which has given me a greater appreciation for match 22 pistols.

The Model 41 is at the top of my list. I'm not looking for a collector piece, but a shooter. Condition is still important, as I appreciate a good looking pistol.

I read in previous threads about older models being better than newer ones and "A" prefix serial numbers are the ones to be on the lookout for.

Any words of wisdom?

 

[laytonj1]

I have a 41 from the late 50's and one from 2001. Other than the much nicer finish on the older one they are both well fit excellent shooters.
Brief history:
Production started in 1957 at about SN. 3000. In 1970 the A prefix SN. started. In 1978 they dropped the muzzle brake on the 7" barrel guns and eliminated the cocking indicator. Around 1983 they went to a three letter prefix SN. From what I've read here, somewhere around the early 1990's they got away from the high polish finish. Otherwise, it's still the same gun.

Jim

 

[Bullet Bob]

A lot of people like the old ones better, but buy the gun. Skeeter Skelton wrote almost 50 years ago that people tend to think things were made better 20 years or more from whatever time period they're currently in.

I read on this forum about how good S&W's were in the early 70's, and then read in Gun Digests published at that time about quality problems from Colt and S&W.

Sorry to be so long-winded. Some 41's, from all eras's, do seem to have some feeding problems, so if you can try before you buy, that's a plus. However the ones I've bought from stores and online have been great.

You can usually buy a good Hamden CT made High Standard for less than a 41, and it will shoot with anything made; but, it's hard to find magazines for them.

 

[Marine24]

Thanks Gents.

Good info. For a shooter, sounds like it is a wash and there really isn't any particular model that is inherently more reliable than another, but more about the individual pistol. Just like any used firearm, buyer beware.

Bob: I have a Hamden High Standard on my list as well. I've got my eye out for a Supermatic Citation or Victor, along with a Colt Woodsman Match target. High Standard will definitely be easier on the wallet.

 

[elpac3]

A lot of people like the old ones better, but buy the gun. Skeeter Skelton wrote almost 50 years ago that people tend to think things were made better 20 years or more from whatever time period they're currently in.

I read on this forum about how good S&W's were in the early 70's, and then read in Gun Digests published at that time about quality problems from Colt and S&W.

Sorry to be so long-winded. Some 41's, from all eras's, do seem to have some feeding problems, so if you can try before you buy, that's a plus. However the ones I've bought from stores and online have been great.

You can usually buy a good Hamden CT made High Standard for less than a 41, and it will shoot with anything made; but, it's hard to find magazines for them.

Have an old High Standard citation military model 107. High Standard moved to Texas but you can buy magazines from them direct by going to heir web page. Magazines for the citation ran me $50 each.

 

[Barrie]

Any year or model of the M41 or the M46 will serve you fine as long as you only use CCI-SV ammo in them. They can be a wee bit picky on what food they eat. but overall they are a great gun. Mine was produced in 1958 and is shooting as good as a brand new one.

 

[Marine24]

Thanks Barrie. I read that was particularly true for the M46 given its thinner rails, but good to know that it applies equally to the M41 as well.

Mike

 

[Tom S.]

I have a PC version that I bought new last year. I'd put it up against my older model, or any other older model any day for accuracy, plus with the rail, mounting optics or dots is a snap.

 

[Marine24]

Tom: thanks was hoping someone would chime in on their current model. I'm not a fan of the front sight but in some cases the new ones are a cheaper option that an older model.


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[nutsforsmiths]

I bought this one some 10 years ago. It's made in 1969. Came with after market adjustable target stocks on it, but also had the original grips. Also came with 2 muzzle caps (I've since sold one on the forum) and 2 mags. It took me awhile to find out that it only likes CCI Standard Velocity ammo, but shoots great. I have also shot a Model 46 and a 41 made in 1987. All were wonderful.

 

[Tom S.]

Tom: thanks was hoping someone would chime in on their current model. I'm not a fan of the front sight but in some cases the new ones are a cheaper option that an older model.


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If you are considering mounting a scope or dot, the front sight is removable - it takes about 3 seconds once you know how. Another alternative though if you plan on mounting something other than regular sights is to buy one of the models that comes with a barrel that is already drilled and tapped for mounts. I'm not sure when the factory started offering these, but hopefully someone will chime in with an approximate time. I mounted Leupold variable power hand gun scopes on a couple of my barrels, and they are amazing for pin point accuracy. For normal plinking and target work, one of the numerous red dots are a good option, especially if you have 'old eyes'.

 

[Marine24]

I qualify for the old eyes category. Cataract surgery helped but lenses they give you either give you great near or distance vision.

Looks like any post 1994 version comes from the factory drilled and tapped, but like the rail already on the PC model. Finding one is the challenge.

 

[gunworx]

model 41 locked up

I recently acquired a used model 41 in good shape, took it to the range, tried several brands of ammo, functioned OK, decided to give it good cleaning. That is when this problem occurred, it reassembled easily, dropped the slide, dry fired it for function, and when I tried to cock it again it the slide was locked up tight as a drum. What now? I cannot cock the slide for disassembly to see what happened, any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Tom S.]

I recently acquired a used model 41 in good shape, took it to the range, tried several brands of ammo, functioned OK, decided to give it good cleaning. That is when this problem occurred, it reassembled easily, dropped the slide, dry fired it for function, and when I tried to cock it again it the slide was locked up tight as a drum. What now? I cannot cock the slide for disassembly to see what happened, any ideas? Thanks.

Using the search function is helpful: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/514175-model-41-slide-locked-jammed-closed.html

 

[Barrie]

Gunworx have you removed the magazine from the gun as that can be a cause for it to stick closed?

 

[gunworx]

magazine is out

 

[Echo47]

To Barrie (as well as any other M-41 owners) regarding M-41 ammunition selection:
I picked up a used M-41 in great shape from Cabela's Gun Library, and discovered the previous owner did not follow the standard velocity restriction--the small price from the S&W Performance Center to replace some of the 'innards' to allow it to properly field strip was a minor inconvenience compared to the two weeks' wait to get it back!
I am seeing three different CCI SV 40gr bullets (standard, pistol match, and Green Tag), as well as a number of comparable products from other manufacturers. What's the concensus as which ammo wrings out ALL or at least most of the accuracy these pistols are designed to deliver?
When I bought my Ruger Government Target 678, I learned the factory verifies accuracy standards using CCI Green Tag ammo, and the enclosed target had one jagged hole for the 10 rounds at the factory range.
Echo47

 

[Barrie]

WE mostly use the CCI-SV ammo which comes in the Dark Blue box. Both of mine just love to shoot that stuff with virtually NO problems at all The only problem I seem to ever have is with New mags as the paint is too thick in certain area's of the mag. After pulling them out a no. of times the wear marks will be quite visible and they wear in much nicer as well. I have 10 mags at this time that I rotate thru them weekly.

 

[Marine24]

Not the prettiest one at the dance, but it is coming home with me. Should make for a good shooter.

 

[ameridaddy]

Not the prettiest one at the dance, but it is coming home with me. Should make for a good shooter.

Mine was bought new in the 70's, looks much like yours - sorta pale grips. I envy the guys who have all the dark rosewood grips appearing in these pages.
Anyhow, I see something on your barrel that mine has too, a tiny slot midway up the barrel flute into the lower slab side of the barrel. Does anybody know what this is for? I thought mine was a machining error for the longest time.
Enjoy your find when you get it. You're going to love it.