where's the cocking indicator?

[fivetwo]

just got interested in looking for a model 41. some of the material I've read mentions a "cocking indicator" on older models.
does anyone have any information on what exactly the cocking indicator is, where it's at and why it isn't on the newer 41's?
thanks

 

[824tsv]

The cocking indicator disappeared in the mid to late 70's along with a barrel change eliminating the 7 3/8" barrel with muzzle brake and replacing that barrel with a 7". The cocking indicator for lack of a better description is a pin that protrudes beneath the back of the slide on the frame and sticks out slightly to let the shooter know the hammer is cocked. Both eliminated due to cost savings?, not sure exactly why.

 

[fivetwo]

cocking indicator explained

thanks for that very clear explanation; I appreciate it.
fivetwo

 

[Barrie]

Very well stated 824tsv. Good pics as well. I do like that option on my 1958 year M41.

 

[civil1977]

One clarification; the cocking indicator does not indicate a round in the chamber like a loaded chamber indicator does. It only indicates that the hammer is cocked.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

My early M41 5.5" has the indicator as well as the EFS (Extendable Front Sight) feature, which I am told is not a common barrel. The EFS is a barrel with a rib that is able to be moved forward, out in front of the muzzle by loosening 2 set screws. I believe it will give you the same sight radius as you would get with the 7-3/8" barrel when fully extended.
Then of course there is the sought after 5" "Field Barrel" which has skyrocketed in price if you can find them in good shape.
Good luck with your search!
Tom

 

[fivetwo]

another question about the cocking indicator: is it prone to malfunction in any way, and if so, will the pistol still shoot?

 

[824tsv]

I've never heard of them not working, or ever experienced one not working. I've owned the 41 pictured above for over 30 years and couldn't begin to tell you how many thousands of rounds through it without issue.

 

[kas9412]

I have heard, but cannot confirm, that the trigger pull on models with the indicator is not quite as good as the 41's without it. My 41 doesn't have it, and since it doesn't, can't say that I miss it.

Hey guys, have you heard this? Tell us the truth!

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

No measureable shooter difference. Shooters often imagine "fixes" to non-existent problems. Real "fixes" are good ammo, clean tuned pistol, and practice.

 

[oldRoger]

It was relatively common for some budding gunsmiths/want-to-be Olympic shooters to remove the cocking indicator back in the day. I suppose some benighted gun writer suggested it.
But as TomBeck writes, there is not a shooter alive who could tell the difference.

The trigger on older M41s (new ones too, as far as I know) are about as good as production gun triggers get.
It is true that some very high end match target pistol triggers are "better" mostly in the sense that they are almost infinitely adjustable. But they are much more expensive than an M41.

 

[Barrie]

My M41 was produced in 1958 and the trigger is just as good as any out there to-day perhaps with the exception of a Electronic trigger on a Paridini Pistol which will set you back around $3500.00 in Canadian Funds. I did not find it all that much better actually versus my own which is set right down to the lowest point. I could barely tell the difference between the pair of them at all.