Strange case, Model 41-1 is a model 46.

[smithfan4152]

I recently lettered what I thought was a model 41-1, clearly marked as one, front strap is serrated, and even had a cocking indicator at one time. Serial number 27957, with a C prefix, which is very strange.
Now this letters as a model 46, sent to the Army for international target competition, if this were at one time a model 46, the Army sure did a number on it. I'm curious to see if there is a model 46 out there with the matching serial number as my gun, I guess the books don't lie, but this is really an unusual gun.
I believe even if I sent this to an expert, that could prove no other number was ever stamped on this like model 46, due to the records it would still be a model 46.

 

[smithfan4152]

I recently lettered what I thought was a model 41-1, clearly marked as one, front strap is serrated, and even had a cocking indicator at one time. Serial number 27957, with a C prefix, which is very strange.
Now this letters as a model 46, sent to the Army for international target competition, if this were at one time a model 46, the Army sure did a number on it. I'm curious to see if there is a model 46 out there with the matching serial number as my gun, I guess the books don't lie, but this is really an unusual gun.
I believe even if I sent this to an expert, that could prove no other number was ever stamped on this like model 46, due to the records it would still be a model 46.

 

[n4zov]

Since it appears to have the features of the 41, and is stamped as such, I would call it a Model 41 regardless of what the factory records show.

It certainly appears to have some unusual features. Is the slide aluminum alloy rather than steel and fires .22 short? Can you post a photo of the rear of the slide and also the muzzle area?

I wonder how much of the work was done by S&W and how much by the Army's AMTU.

 

[dd698]

My S&W 41 slide is flush with the receiver and is not raised up like yours.

 

[smithfan4152]

The rear portion of the barrel is cut off, the slide is slotted to clear the post the model 52 style rear sight is attached to.
The rear sight is bolted through the once cocking indicator hole, naturally it was opened up to accept the screw that holds the sight in place.
Even though I supplied these photos it's called a model 46. I know it's a 41-1. If the records had said it was a model 52, or an escort, or model 39, it would have been easier to dismiss.
Either way, I guess the Army did it all.
I'm interested in finding other modified model 41s out there.

 

[n4zov]

That is one of the more interesting guns I've seen on the forum, and thanks for sharing it. Maybe somebody who was on one of the AMTU's teams can shed some light.

 

[gunnerbern]

Here's my 41 with the sight extension cut off- no more trapped cases. Nothing like smithfan's modifications, though. I shot in the military for 25 years and was issued both 41's and 46's; all of them had the "U.S." stamp on the frame.

 

[smithfan4152]

Ok,
this is the interesting part, where do I find the US Stamp on my frame? I don't see that anywhere which makes this all the more interesting.

 

[Karl in NY]

I'm pretty naive on these matters, but it would seem to me to be a step backwards to have mounted the rear sight on the slide rather than on the barrel extension (which was cut off). Having both sights on the barrel would be far more conducive to accuracy.

What were the six drilled/tapped holes on the barrel for?

 

[smithfan4152]

The rear sight is not mounted to the slide as mentioned it is screwed to the frame through the cocking indicator hole, the top of the slide is slotted to clear. This is supposed to be a military modified model 46, which clearly it is not a model 46 in my opinion and never was.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

USAF 46 and 41s marked [ AF PG ] on right side back behind grip. MAY be marked US Property on right side of frame above trigger guard. Bbl MAY be marked with AF PG also. Other markings may be found.

The C on SMITH 4152s piece could be a mark by one of the AfterMarket Gunsmiths that did target mods. VERY doubtful it is a military or duplicate number mark by S&W.

Hey 4152, are thos gas ports in the bbl near the chamber?? Seen ports on .22 LRs but .22 Short????? Unusual!! Would be interesting to find out who really did the majority of work as it was NOT an amature.

 

[smithfan4152]

There are gas ports on this, it is 22 short, I have fired this and it's a blast to shoot.
Who ever did this stuff new what he was doing, also I see no markings anywhere, this does have the aluminum slide, and is complete as 22 short.