Smith 41 7/3/8, do I want one??

[1BadSmith]

So I have a 622, 2213 and a 2214, have the chance at a 41...really want a 5.5 inch, but I know the guy selling this one. It has the box and two ten round mags, we'll call it 96% and that's being very picky. Anyhow, heard they are very ammo finicky and have to be kept very clean??...guy wants $850. Box is so, so. Hi Standard Victor's are nice I know, and dare I say the new Ruger MK IV competition is awesome as well. I know the 41 is a work of art, really wanted a better condition version...should I take the plunge. Comments/suggestions appreciated. No muzzle break and no cocking indicator, thought he said 1978...thx.

 

[Engineer1911]

I have two M41s. both 5-1/2" heavy barrels. They shoot anything: CCI Blazer, Aquila match, Thunderbolt, BobCat, Auto Match. Federal, Winchester, Remington, CCI. I do not buy "standard velocity" ammo. I bought what was on sale from 2003 to 2005. I am on my third 5K case of CCI Blazers.

I have changed recoil springs once and shoot them with a recoil buffer installed. When the breech area gets filthy, I scrub with old Hoppe's #9, an old tooth brush, pull a Bore Snake thru the barrel, and wipe exterior with old t-shirt material. Bolt face and feed ramp get scrubbed every 500 rounds, more or less.

Neither M41 or (two) Ruger Mk II or Ruger 10-22 custom rifle will feed Federal hollow points. The good news is I only bought 3 bricks that feed flawlessly through bolt guns.

If it was a local purchase, a M41 for $850 would already be in my vault -- that just ONE more thing.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

It would have to be really beat up not to be worth that price . I have a 41 with 3 barrels. I also have 3 mark 2's. Two government models and a 5 1/2 Target. My 41 is with out a doubt my favorite to shoot.

 

[Barrie]

A M41 with that length of barrel is definitely a older one. The Blue finish on it will be much deeper and a darker blue versus the newer ones. They can be ammo picky so CCI-SV is recommended for them. They are a work of art and will last forever if treated right. At that price I would buy all I could get as mine is 60 years old now but still working like the day it was born. Personally I really like the longer sight picture with the longer barrel. You can always come up with a shorter barrel later as well. I have a M46 with the 7" barrel on it as well. My backup toy if the 41 ever gets sick. Got a lot of dust on it.

 

[1BadSmith]

Are mags still around for these?

 

[625smith]

Uses the same mag as your 622, yes the mags are available as the 41 is still produced today.

 

[1BadSmith]

My bad, I should have known that, thx.

 

[1BadSmith]

 

[Willyboy]

Model 41

I have a very early (1958) model 41 that functions well on all SV ammo
I have used. You could always buy a 5.5" barrel for it. But you don't really seem very enthusiastic about it, so I would take a pass. Your friend won't
have any issues selling it. Willyboy

 

[1BadSmith]

The only reason I'm hesitant, is it seems they are very high maintenance is all. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a lazy firearm owner, but it sounds like you gotta disassemble and clean these every 2-300 rounds, I can go like 2k on a Ruger or Buckmark. Always been one of my dream guns, but the more I research, the more I have my reservations. That's all.

 

[Barrie]

I usually shoot around 1000 to 1500 rounds thru mine before cleaning it. They can be taken down for cleaning in under 30secs with ease also. They are NOT Jamamatics unless they have really been abused. One of the easiest guns in the market place to clean as well. You will always wonder if I should bought if you don't as well. You will love it if you do and hundreds of us on here can attest to as well.

 

[RSinOR]

I've got a somewhat early M41, 1959. Every time I shoot it, it gets cleaned, not necessarily a deep clean but at least a bore snake through the barrel. But this is the way all of my guns get treated, cleaned after each use.

Never had any issues, always used CCI SV ammo. It always gets a lot of looks at the range. They are an absolute pleasure to shoot. At the price you have been offered, I'd be all over that one.

 

[WTN1271]

I say buy it. Doubt you will be disappointed, but if you are, you should be able to sell it again without any loss. I suspect it will be a keeper. Good luck.

 

[1BadSmith]

I'll see what happens, suppose to meet him this weekend.. thx for all feedback

 

[KulKanin]

I clean my 7 3/8 M41 every 2k rounds or so. Runs like clockwork and outshoots both me and the Rugers at the range.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Model 41s, especially the older ones, are legendary works of art besides being highly accurate target pistols. They are made the old way, which is to say they are virtually hand made.

This one is mine, vintage of 1971. Never had an ammo problem of any sort with it.

I would not pass up an opportunity to acquire one!

John

 

[murphydog]

You sound reluctant to buy it...but when you see and handle it, it may "speak" to you or not. No reason to buy it if it doesn't.

Nothing bad to say about the 600 or 2200 .22 pistol series, but a model 41 is in a whole different league. Good luck in your decision.

 

[1BadSmith]

Thx for all the great feedback, much appreciated.

 

[Breakaway500]

I owned a 41 long before any of the 422-2214 series pistols. The 41 is still my favorite..but a recent 422 is giving it a run for the title.
I've since picked up more of the series and I really like them. Just like any gun,they need care..but that's part of ownership.

Buy the 41. Shoot it. You won't regret it...and for some reason that you do..it's very easy to sell, and you might even make a little!

 

[Barrie]

The models 422,622, m41 and M46's all use the same magazine. I just bought two more recently giving me a total of 12 now. We only load 5 rounds at a time on our rangs and have NO problems at all with any of them. Oid or new they all work great in both of my older guns.