S&W Model 41

[Riderfan]

Bought a Model 41 in original box with two "uppers" and barrels. One looks like a 5.5" and the other 7". Hope i stated that some what right.
The serial # is 111711 . It's almost as old as me. I here it was manufactured in 1957....?? On the inside of the box it has Smith & Wesson 1955.....?? It is in surprisingly nice shape. The blueing shines nicely. One very small nick in grip.
Would be interested in ball park value on info supplied if possible.
Thank you,
Walter

 

[RSinOR]

Just a bit of info from SCSW #4 on model 41. In 1970 the prefix "A" was added at serial number A115001. Starting with first year of manufacture in 1957 with serial # 3001 to 1969 no prefix was used. I have a Model 41 from 1959 and the serial number is in the 15000 range.


In 1959 a 5" barrel was introduced and in 1963 the 5 1/2" barrel came along. 1978 saw the introduction of the 7" barrel. Based upon the serial number you provided there is no way that pistol left the factory in 1957
You have one of the finest most accurate .22 cal pistols ever produced. They are a pure joy to shoot. The bluing on these older pistols is outstanding.


I'm no expert on these pistols but I would hazard a guess that your pistol was shipped in either 1969 or very late 1968. A call to S&W customer service seeking that information might prove beneficial. Based upon condition and location I would say a value of $1200 to $1600 is possible.

 

[Riderfan]

Model 41

After doing some research you are correct. The woman at S&W told me 1957 and I now know that is not true as the 69's serial #'s started with 120xxxx I believe. I'm thinking 1968 now but will investigate further.

 

[4T5GUY]

I will be waiting for a definitive reply to your question. I have two 41's, (sort of,) with very close serial numbers to yours. I called S&W CS and was told '69, but that might be shipped dates.

I got the "un-mollested" one in the extreme long configuration to show what Bob Loveless did to shorten/lighten them. The serial numbers are very close to each other and yours.

Jim

 

[Jim Watson]

I shed a tear every time I see a Loveless.
Years ago, I saw one advertised in a store a fair distance away - but still in my state - for not much more than the then current price of the stock M41. By the time I decided to make the trip and the purchase, the store had burned to the ground, that and many other nice guns lost.

A common Internet Question that sounds strange to me:
"Bought a Model 41... interested in ball park value."
If you bought it, do you not think you paid a "ball park value" for it? Do you got a Deal or do you think you got gypped?

 

[Riderfan]

Model 41

No i never thought i got ripped off. The value question was just out of interest as was DOM.
I called S&W again today explaining the 1957 DOM she gave me was wrong. She put me on hold and came back and said " your gun was manufactured between 1954 and 1970 "....Ha. I said the 41 was not made available to the public until 1957 if i'm not mistaken ?
She said that's all the help I can give you.I now know a S&W Letter Of Authenticity is the way to go. But for $100 Cdn I'll just forget about it and enjoy a really nice .22 LR

 

[Jim Watson]

Good idea. I don't understand the preoccupation with the exact age of modern guns. Checking for C&R status - 50 years old by BATF definition - might be a real reason.

 

[jmcisc]

Just a bit of info from SCSW #4 on model 41. In 1970 the prefix "A" was added at serial number A115001. Starting with first year of manufacture in 1957 with serial # 3001 to 1969 no prefix was used. I have a Model 41 from 1959 and the serial number is in the 15000 range.


In 1959 a 5" barrel was introduced and in 1963 the 5 1/2" barrel came along. 1978 saw the introduction of the 7" barrel. Based upon the serial number you provided there is no way that pistol left the factory in 1957
You have one of the finest most accurate .22 cal pistols ever produced. They are a pure joy to shoot. The bluing on these older pistols is outstanding.


I'm no expert on these pistols but I would hazard a guess that your pistol was shipped in either 1969 or very later 1968. A call to S&W customer service seeking that information might prove beneficial. Based upon condition and location I would say a value of $1200 to $1600 is possible.

Here's one of my 41's, which I always believed to be first year of manufacture. Serial # is 10550. If my memory serves (which it doesn't always do) when I originally did some research I learned that the serialization for the Model 41 started at 10xxx, which would have put mine at 1957 production. Has this changed?

 

[kwill1911]

For many years it was believed that the serial numbers for the Model 41 started at 1401. More recent research has shown that the first production run was 3001-5000.

 

[jmcisc]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Backlighting]

For me they are too high priced for what you get. My Ruger Mark lV target, with a bull barrel, is extremely accurate...at a third of the price.

 

[jmcisc]

Backlighting, I agree with you when you say Model 41s are high priced, and that your Ruger is extremely accurate.
However, I hope you have the chance to hold and shoot a Model 41. Then I believe you'll understand why they are so expensive.
I own many .22 target pistols including High Standards, Browning, Ruger, and a few others. While most are great shooters, for me none of them compare to the 41.

 

[Jim Watson]

I like my M41, it is a lot prettier than my old High Standard and magazines are not a constant aggravation.
But the HS is more accurate.

 

[jmcisc]

I like my M41, it is a lot prettier than my old High Standard and magazines are not a constant aggravation.
But the HS is more accurate.

Jim, everyone has one item that works best for them. I like my High Standards a lot, but for me, I'm more accurate with the M41s.
If you don't mind my asking what High Standard do you have? I've got a Mod 102 Supermatic Citation, a Model 103 Supermatic Citation and an HD Military.
Joel

 

[Jim Watson]

My HS is a Supermatic Military, I misremember the model number.
I have an iron sight barrel and a scope barrel for it. I recently splurged on three more magazines for a total of five so I could shoot Steel Challenge with it. I use the scope barrel for Rimfire Pistol Optic and the M41 for Irons. I would like to find a fibre optic front sight for the iron sight barrel, I think that would show up better on the plates than the Smith's Patridge.

 

[Riderfan]

Grief

Well i was so happy to join the forum on the day i bought my Model 41. Lots of help from members identifying DOM which is greatly appreciated.
Now my little party is gettin rained on. In Canada when you buy a handgun the gunshop takes all your info and Restricted License number [RPAL] and calls the Chief Firearms officer who in turn gives them a reference number that customer must call in. I have been on the phone steady to Firearms center and i'm getting the same answers:
You can not take possesion of the firearm or transport as the serial number is un identifiable ??? The serial # is stamped clear as day on the 41 and was called in correctly. Tried twice on Friday with the final answer being "The CFO will not approve , or register that handgun"
Damn near breaks my heart. Will see where they are with it on Monday. Owner of gun store promises me he will get the problem straightened out. This specific M41 is a sweetheart, the blueing and wood made me whisper a wow! at the counter ,you guys know what i mean. It has two barrels and cool little muzzle break on the long barrel. Comes in original box. I have to drive 4 hours to pick it up if we get the green light but once she is ok'd i'll be standin on er. Got my fingers crossed it's not the onset of our proposed handgun ban.

 

[Riderfan]

She showed up

Everything worked out and i got the M41 today.
The bluing for age of gun is spectacular.
Still trying to pin down DOM. There is some helpful info
on rimfire central but they have a gap from 1960 1969... mines in there somewhere. # 111711

 

[Barrie]

Your serial no's have to be from the late 60's as I own a 1958 year model with the serial no's of 12304. Only 5 digits and not 6. That may have been cause for some of your registration delay issue.

 

[Riderfan]

Good idea. I don't understand the preoccupation with the exact age of modern guns. Checking for C&R status - 50 years old by BATF definition - might be a real reason.

Thought about it a bit Jim , people are interested in these beautiful guns. If my M41 was in fact manufactured around 1968 that is all of fifty years.....also the value question......just out of pure interest ......that's all .Didn't know in a free country if i actually needed a "real reason" ? Or that I have to tip toe around the sight as to not aggravate people ? I admitted I was a S&W newbie [but not to shooting] and attempted to be polite.
Willing to start over, erase the slate. I'm a fighter not a *****.

 

[Barrie]

RiderFan Welcome to the Forum. You asked a valued question. Most everybody wants their M41 dated for personal Knowledge. Some at times may be worth more then others but thats for the buyer and seller to agree on. With the serial no's I have on mine I will be asking high for it when its time to let it go.