I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but my model 41 problems are getting the best of me. I have a model 41 with a fairly high round count and recently it will fire with no problem then the hammer will fall but there is no mark on the ammo case. I have cleaned, then cleaned again, replaced the recoil spring, replace the hammer spring. With the new hammer spring I know the hammer has fallen because it is hard to pull the slide back. If the hammer didn't fall the slide will pull back a lot easer. I use CCI standard ammo which I have used for the last 20 plus years. I am going to pull the firing pin out again and check to see if it might have a slight bend in it. This is just something to do because I am at a loss. Any help will be appreciated, I hate to give up on the 41 and go to a High Standard.
Still have 41 problems
- Thread starter GLT721
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Are you absolutely sure you aren't accidentally engaging, or even touching the safety lever at all while you are shooting it? I have found on mine it is quite easy to slightly move the safety lever if you aren't careful and it results in a similar condition as yours. The hammer will fall, but the round doesn't go off. I have learned to avoid touching the safety lever at all.
Rick H.
Rick H.
Does the trigger have enough room to function properly? Sometimes the trigger over-travel (stop) screw will be out too much, restricting the trigger's rearward movement to the point where the sear hits or catches on the hammer safety notch. Something else to double check.
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I have adjusted the over travel spring because I thought it looked like it was too far out, maybe I tightened too much. I am wondering if the firing pin cutout should be up or down in relation to the slide. I have cleaned the chamber so I can do the drop in test. Now I am headed out to test fire, results to follow.
Just returned from the range. I fired 50 rds. CCI Standard through 3 different mags. loading 10 rds. per mag. Every mag the last round would chamber, the hammer would fall but there would be NO marks on the case. I am at a loss.
I would suspect a possible problem with the magazine disconnect feature. Do the magazines appear to be functioning correctly with respect to the mag disconnect?
Magazines clean? Magazine spring tension still good.... mag springs replaced? Follower coming all the way up when empty?
Magazines clean? Magazine spring tension still good.... mag springs replaced? Follower coming all the way up when empty?
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Not sure it why it would only malfunction on the last round in the magazine. (if I'm understanding your description of the problem properly)
Is the trigger bar spring OK? Trigger bar engaging the sear properly?
Is the trigger bar spring OK? Trigger bar engaging the sear properly?
Model 41 problems
You said "This pistol has had the magazine disconnect removed". Has it physically been removed from the pistol entirely or simply deactivated by rotating it backwards? I ask because it has an additional function in addition to a magazine disconnect. It holds the trigger bar in it's track. If it has been completely removed, I suspect the trigger bar is trying to come out of it's correct position as the magazine is being emptied. Hope this helps.
You said "This pistol has had the magazine disconnect removed". Has it physically been removed from the pistol entirely or simply deactivated by rotating it backwards? I ask because it has an additional function in addition to a magazine disconnect. It holds the trigger bar in it's track. If it has been completely removed, I suspect the trigger bar is trying to come out of it's correct position as the magazine is being emptied. Hope this helps.
Good luck with that, I sent one back and after 4months got it back with the same problem. Now I understand they are talking 5-6 months. I guess they will send you an estaminet and after they receive your money they will start the work. Keep in mind they are moving to Tenn. At this point I don't think there is anyone there that is competent to do good work anymore.... Jim
gwpercle
Member
What I did with my model 41 S&W was let the boy's at Clark Custom Guns fine tune and fix all the problems ... they even tune the magazines to the pistol . Jim Clark was known for his pistol work , sons and now grandsons have learned well .
They performed "magic" on my old 1972 Model 41, solved all it's worn parts problems , did a Target Trigger job and tuned the magazines ...
it makes me smile just thinking about shooting it ... shooting it is now is one of the most enjoyable things I do .
Because of ageing eyes , they installed a mount for a Red Dot sight or scope . I have a Red Dot Sight on and Oh My Goodness what a shooting machine it is , tiny bug hole groups ...no failures .
Clark Custom Guns | Established 1950 | Princeton Louisiana check out web site and then call them to discuss what you might need ,
Cost ... Worth Every Penny
Gary
They performed "magic" on my old 1972 Model 41, solved all it's worn parts problems , did a Target Trigger job and tuned the magazines ...
it makes me smile just thinking about shooting it ... shooting it is now is one of the most enjoyable things I do .
Because of ageing eyes , they installed a mount for a Red Dot sight or scope . I have a Red Dot Sight on and Oh My Goodness what a shooting machine it is , tiny bug hole groups ...no failures .
Clark Custom Guns | Established 1950 | Princeton Louisiana check out web site and then call them to discuss what you might need ,
Cost ... Worth Every Penny
Gary
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There's probably less frustrating places to send it than S&W. The aforementioned Clark is a good one. Probably the best.
Another choice: https://kcskustomcreations.com/
Another choice: https://kcskustomcreations.com/
larryofcc
Member
I have a 60's HB with the extendable sight, but I swear my High Standard Victor was a better gun. Big Larry
Backlighting
Member
I dumped my 41 a few yrs ago. Had feeding issues with different types of ammo. Got a Ruger IV. Now that's a reliable gun, and not like the overpriced alternative.
Model 41
I think a model 41 is a lot like a woman... Can be a source of great pleasure or a source of great pain...
I think a model 41 is a lot like a woman... Can be a source of great pleasure or a source of great pain...
Exaviator
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You mentioned that your pistol has been well used which leads me to think that the chamber has built up minute lead deposits which are only revealed with a magnified boroscope. This prevents the round from seating properly and when struck with the firing pin it just pushes it forward rather than striking the primer.
I would suggest that you try the following:
Block the end of the chamber - the end of a pencil eraser is ideal for this.
Stand the barrel vertical and pour in some lead solvent and let stand for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Follow with a good brush clean.
Repeat two or three times.
Leaded Chamber shown under 25 times magnification.
I would suggest that you try the following:
Block the end of the chamber - the end of a pencil eraser is ideal for this.
Stand the barrel vertical and pour in some lead solvent and let stand for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Follow with a good brush clean.
Repeat two or three times.
Leaded Chamber shown under 25 times magnification.
Maybe a disconnector issue. Hammer may be falling to the safety notch not hitting the firing pin as a result. Just a thought.
