Used Model 41 PC Trigger Guard Issue

[KNIGHTZER]

I just picked up a beautiful, barely used Model 41 Performance Center. It came with three mags, the original box, and a SIG Romeo red dot for $1300. Seemed like a great deal, so I grabbed it. I was excited about the purchase until I took it apart to check everything.
The gun was completely dry. No oil, no signs of use. It looked brand new. When I lowered the trigger guard to take the barrel off, it was really stiff, but I managed. The barrel was also super tight. I had to wiggle it around a bit to get it off. After checking it over, I went to reassemble it and that’s when the problem started. The barrel went in fine, but the trigger guard wouldn’t lock back up. I tried oiling it and being gentle but nothing worked. I ended up having to force it really hard to get it to lock and it felt like I was about to break something. I tried doing it again and it was even harder. Sometimes when I push it up I hear a grinding sound.





Right now the only way to get it to lock is to push with a lot of force. It just doesn’t feel right. Is this normal for the 41 PC or did I get one with a bad trigger guard? Kind of regretting not testing it out at the shop first.

 

[w.r.gun]

It is new.I have an old one that is hard to open also. Very nice gun.

 

[KNIGHTZER]

Ok, thank you. Besides that, I love the gun. The reason I’m worried is because I saw a video where the guy said not to force it.

 

[gmborkovic]

Its a new gun. Why did you take it apart?

 

[KNIGHTZER]

Its a new gun. Why did you take it apart?

The store said it was a used gun, so I wanted to field strip it to check everything.

 

[Rick H.]

The amount of force to open and close a M41 trigger guard is very subjective. How much force is too much force? Each person has their own opinion and each pistol can be different. Taking any firearm, pistol, rifle or shotgun apart after you buy it and/or shoot it is ALWAYS a good idea as you don't know what it has gone through or how it has been taken care of. Would you know for sure if it has been well maintained or oiled if you didn't take it apart before shooting it? I think not unless you have X-ray vision. You did the right thing.

You have a couple of options here if you still think there may be something wrong with it. I would hope of course you have well lubricated the pistol after you had it apart. If it still doesn't seem right take it back to where you bought it and ask for their opinion on opening and closing the trigger guard. If they sell M41's then one should figure they are familiar with how they field strip. Another option is to stop in at a gunsmith and ask for their opinion on how the trigger guard opens and closes on your pistol. You could also find someone that shoots one that you may know and ask for their opinion on your trigger guard function. Last would be to contact the factory and get their thoughts on your concern, but they may want you to send it to them for inspection.

I have a PC M41 similar to yours and I love the gun, but it needed factory help on a warranty issue when I first bought it, but this was easy-peesy to resolve. Sent it into the Mothership and they fixed it and sent it back in great condition. Mine is still difficult to open and close the trigger guard and it has been taken apart many times. Before you try to close the trigger guard make ABSOLUTELY certain that the barrel is correctly located in the frame. If it isn't you will struggle greatly and possibly damage the pistol. I have never had to resort to using a rubber mallet as some suggested to close the trigger guard, but I do use a rag between my palm and the trigger guard to force it to close. Yes, mine is still that tight and that's how I like it. If your trigger guard just flops closed with little force I would be worried. You should hear the trigger guard snap into place if it's like mine.

Hope this helps you out with your new to you pistol. These are terrific pistols and a joy to shoot. If you like this pistol and determine if there really is a problem with the trigger guard don't let it go. A good shooting M41 is a thing of beauty and pride in an era of plastic and aluminum.

Rick H.

 

[chief38]

The trigger guard should not take a Herculean effort or excessive force to close if fitted properly. It should snap back into the locked position firmly but without excessive force needed.

HINT: When snapping the trigger guard back into place, hold the barrel in the most forward position. There should be about a 1/16" amount of "play" and if in the rearward position could make it harder. The most forward position should make it go back easier. If not, you might have an issue for the factory to look at.

 

[Onomea]

I came across this recently as a simple way to address the problem raised by the OP:

 

[Hair Trigger]

I'm curious what the PC does to a M41 beyond the skeletonized front sight and addition of the rail (and maybe the optic)? I have a 7" run-of-the-mill M41 made in 1985 and it has the best trigger I've ever felt on a handgun, and set in a rest to help steady my old hands, I can put a whole box of ammo on a 5 inch gong at 50 yards without a miss and only one or two stovepipe extractions. Mine is also very tight when reassembling but it does not bind when I close the trigger guard, it's almost like snapping shut.

 

[chief38]

I came across this recently as a simple way to address the problem raised by the OP:

I'm curious what the PC does to a M41 beyond the skeletonized front sight and addition of the rail (and maybe the optic)? I have a 7" run-of-the-mill M41 made in 1985 and it has the best trigger I've ever felt on a handgun, and set in a rest to help steady my old hands, I can put a whole box of ammo on a 5 inch gong at 50 yards without a miss and only one or two stovepipe extractions. Mine is also very tight when reassembling but it does not bind when I close the trigger guard, it's almost like snapping shut.

Again, a good hint would be to hold the barrel in its most forward position when snapping back the trigger guard. There is usually a little amount of movement or "slop" when the barrel is placed back on top (about 1/16" - to 1/8") and the trigger guard will go into place much easier when the barrel is held in the forward most position. If left in the rearward position, you are fighting the natural alignment and impeding the trigger guard from lining up to the right position.

This coupled with Onomea's suggestion video above of a drop of oil and of course a wear in period should make things easier.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Again, a good hint would be to hold the barrel in its most forward position when snapping back the trigger guard. There is usually a little amount of movement or "slop" when the barrel is placed back on top (about 1/16" - to 1/8") and the trigger guard will go into place much easier when the barrel is held in the forward most position. If left in the rearward position, you are fighting the natural alignment and impeding the trigger guard from lining up to the right position.

This coupled with Onomea's suggestion video above of a drop of oil and of course a wear in period should make things easier.

You're quoting the wrong person. I have no complaint or difficulty field stripping or reassembling my M41; my comment is simply that it is very tight when reassembling. It should be, otherwise it won't stay together when used. Someone above commented that "too tight" is a relative thing, and I suppose it could bend or break something if the pieces are forced beyond design criteria when reassembling. I look at how the M41 takes down as a similar procedure to field stripping a M1A, as it is also locked together by the trigger guard. If all the pieces are not correctly aligned, it just won't go together. (M41 or M1A)

 

[reedybart]

I will give this trick a try this afternoon. And will report if this cures my difficult to close trigger guard.

I appoligize for the mistake

 

[reedybart]

I appreciate the tip, while still stiff it will eventually wear.