Would you buy a current production Model 41 (.22)?

[Sparx]

Looking again to get a S&W m41 pistol. Anything used in decent condition comes in around $1200-$1300. Not sure I am willing to pay that much with no warranty and no knowledge of what the previous owners did to the gun.
These prices I am getting for internet sales, nothing available locally here in Tucson.

For a new 41 I can get one around $1290 or so, same cost, but there is a warranty. BUT, how well are these being built now?

I did see a used 41 on the internet for $920.00 and contacted S&W who ran the serial number finding it was made in 2024, this year!! No warranty for a second owner on a S&W I was told as well.

Anyone have any experience with recently made 41's? Back a couple of years ago the production seemed to be sketchy.

Sparx

 

[Rule3]

Buy a new one if you want one.. Just because you read a new posts about folks having issues they are still nice hand guns.
Most 22's are finicky at first,


I do not shoot mine very often as I actually like some of my others better!

 

[Sparx]

Rule3,

I have used High Standard .22's for over 45 years, never had the 41 time to give one a try.

What "others" do you shoot?

 

[madmikeb]

I have a M41 that I purchased new in the early 80's. It used to run just fine but the last 10 years or so it jams up a lot. I haven't taken the time to see if it can be straightened out, I just shoot my revolvers! My point being is that the older ones can have issues too, so I wouldn't rule out a new one.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I bought a new model 41 in January and, as of this afternoon, have put 1100 rounds through it.

It's needed some breaking in to become reliable with 40 grain CCI standard velocity ammunition so I ran some 40 grain mini mags through it for a while first.

The accuracy has been extraordinary and the fit and finish is impeccable.

Don't hesitate to buy a new in box example.

 

[Sevens]

I do love to hear when folks have good experiences. I also believe in my heart that I’m an optometrist. Haha, you know what I mean. I’ve never wanted to be any manner of a “grumpy old man” and this forum is bursting with them.

Buying and falling in love with handguns over 3 decades and have amassed a collection that makes me very happy and HALF of them are S&W.

With all that said, I think S&W makes some of the shoddiest stuff in the industry today. I believe the designs are wonderful and I believe the folks building them are the absolute worst they have ever been. I’m also convinced that a full 100% of QC at S&W has been outsourced to the customer.

My money wouldn’t go near a new production S&W Model 41. I definitely believe everything in post #5, and I’m very, very happy for him and it does not change my opinion even slightly.

There is no S&W in my possession that I would trade for a new production version of the same thing.

 

[Oldsalt66]

The OP's question was quite simple and straightforward Sevens.

"Anyone have any experience with recently made 41's?"

Instead of all the verbose edginess you provided in lieu of an actual answer to his question, you could have simply answered "NO", if indeed, having no firsthand experience with these particular pistols in the least, you felt somehow compelled to answer at all.

 

[cmj8591]

I don't own a new one, mine is about 20 years old, but there are a couple of late model ones in use by guys on my bullseye team so I've handled new ones. They are just as good in fit and finish as any other ones I've seen. The guys shooting them like them. The thing to remember is they they are target guns first so the tolerances are tighter. They are not Ruger MK4's that can run with just about any ammo. But they will usually shoot circles around the MK4's and they can run with the Walther's and Pardini's if the shooter is up to it. If I wanted one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one. Just remember that they come with a learning curve and you will need to try different ammo to find out what works best. Start with CCI, SV and you might not have to go any further. Keep it a little wet until it breaks in. Take the time to learn it and you won't be sorry.

 

[Sevens]

The OP's question was quite simple and straightforward Sevens.

The entire NAME of the post, it’s title and bold faced to open the discussion is precisely what I directly answered.

Problem with me or my posts? Find the ignore button.

 

[DUSTYDOGDAN]

I personally would buy a used one from the 60's or 70's. It would have to be very nice with box and papers.
My question for you is are you going be out every weekend shooting 1000's of rounds each year? Or just a few hundred now and again.

 

[Tom S.]

Unless you own or have owned both old and new versions of the Model 41, or have had experience with both, answering the OP's query is going to be of questionable value. If you own a new one but never shot an old one, how do you know if the new one is equal to the previous model? That also holds true if you own an older version but never fired a new one.

It so happens I own newer and older versions. There are differences between the two, mostly subtle. Older versions had cocking indicators and muzzle brakes (both of questionable value, IMHO) and better bluing, while the newer ones feature ease of adding red dots and scopes. Both can be finicky when it comes to ammo, but neither have an edge when it comes to accuracy potential, at least with my models. As the OP pointed out, the new one is covered by warranty, but there isn't much that can for wrong with the gun that can't be corrected with generally speaking, readily available parts.

If accuracy is your only criteria, you won't do bad with new or used. If ease of mounting a sight or being covered by a warranty is you desire, then late models make sense. If a bit better finish is important, then go old school.

 

[6string]

Would you buy a current production Model 41 (.22)? “NO!”

OP: “Would you buy a current production Model 41 (.22)?“

Answer: “NO!”

Reason: I am a target shooter, shooting traditional Bullseye (American and ISSF International). My needs are for an accurate and reliable match grade pistol. I expect 1-1.5” ten-shot accuracy at 50 yards. It must have excellent adjustable sights with the ability to change front sight width and rear sight notch as well as the usual adjustments. It must have a fully adjustable trigger with the ability to adjust 1st and 2nd stage pull weight, sear engagement, and trigger length and angle positions. It should also be offered with a match grade, fully adjustable ergonomic grip available in multiple sizes, with right and left hand options.
The current production model 41 satisfies none of these requirements. That is not an opinion or speculation. It is pure, objective fact.
At the same time, it is ridiculously expensive for what you get.

Throughout the domestic consumer marketplace there are goods that are bought and sold based purely on myth. The S&W model 41 is one of them.
Why has nobody else here addressed the model 41 according to its purported intended function, that is, as a target pistol?
Maybe because it is not? At least not any longer.
It is, however, a very good example of a “Veblin good”. Named after economist Thorstein Veblin, the term refers to luxury goods whose value is based on brand recognition, limited availability, yet lacking in function and/or performance commensurate with the price. Rather, the limited availability is the primary driver increasing the price.

If you want a real target pistol that satisfies the above mentioned criteria, that has a proven track record, and is actually being used successfully in competition, your best choices are as follows:
- Pardini SP
- Feinwerkbau AW 93
- Walther GSP
Alternatively, you can get a tuned model 41, with the bugs ironed out, from Clark Custom Guns. You’ll get improved function and accuracy, plus a better trigger (but you still won’t be able to adjust it!). Price: $2300-2600.

On the other hand, if you just want a “status symbol” range toy/plinker to impress your buddies, with their functionally comparable Browning Buckmark or Ruger MKI/II/III/IV, then maybe the model 41 is perfect for you?

 

[chief38]

If you want my brutally honest opinion, here it is. I bought my M41 brand new back in 1979 and it has been and is still a terrific pistol. It is accurate, beautifully made and totally reliable. Sad for me to say, but many of the new ones just aren't the same way. They are ammo sensitive, have laminated grips instead of solid Walnut and their finish isn't the deep dark bluing of yesteryear. The magazines are super thin metal and not nearly as reliable or durable as the old metal follower type.

Recently I shot my friends brand new Ruger Mark 4 (blued, bull barrel target model) with a Volquartsen trigger kit installed. The total price (including the trigger kit) was about $625. I was using CCI standard velocity ammo and the truth be told..... it is just as accurate and reliable (maybe even a little more) than my coveted M41. Now don't get me wrong, the Ruger is a great pistol, but not nearly as refined. That said, for $625 it will shoot the same of better than my M41 for half the price! If I did not own the M41 and wanted a 22 target pistol, that is the way I would go today. Now just to be clear, the Ruger Mark 4 is not a super highly refined pistol, but will shoot just as well as the M41 for half the price - you did say you wanted to keep costs down. The caveat...... the Volquartsen trigger kit is an absolute MUST! Out of the box, the Ruger trigger is horrible! Afterwards, it is like the M41 or better!

You could take a chance on a used M41 in good shape, but those are going for close to $1,000+ today as well. BTW, Ruger's customer service BLOWS S&W's service out of the water!!!!! They will fix, repair or replace a product within a week or two. S&W....... good luck!!!

So while I absolutely love my 1979 S&W M41, that is my truthful opinion about today's production and what I'd do if in the market for a 22 target pistol today. Basically, with a M41 if you get a good one - they are GREAT! If you get a problematic one, it is as frustrating as hell going through the process of getting a highly priced pistol to function and shoot as well as a pistol half it's price!!

 

[6string]

If you want my brutally honest opinion, here it is. I bought my M41 brand new back in 1979 and it has and is still a terrific pistol. It is accurate, beautifully made and totally reliable. Sad for me to say, but many of the new ones just aren't the same way. They are ammo sensitive, have laminated grips instead of solid Walnut and their finish isn't the deep dark bluing of yesteryear. The magazines are super thin metal and not nearly as reliable or durable as the old metal follower type.

Recently I shot my friends brand new Ruger Mark 4 (blued, bull barrel target model) with a Volquartsen trigger kit installed. The total price (including the trigger kit) was about $625. I was using CCI standard velocity ammo and the truth be told..... it is just as accurate and reliable (maybe even a little more) than my coveted M41. Now don't get me wrong, the Ruger is a great pistol, but not nearly as refined. That said, for $625 it will shoot the same of better than my M41 for half the price! If I did not own the M41 and wanted a 22 target pistol, that is the way I would go today. Now just to be clear, the Ruger Mark 4 is not a super highly refined pistol, but will shoot just as well as the M41 for half the price - you did say you wanted to keep costs down. The caveat...... the Volquartsen trigger kit is an absolute MUST! Out of the box, the Ruger trigger is horrible! Afterwards, it is like the M41 or better!

You could take a chance on a used M41 in good shape, but those are going for close to $1,000+ today as well. BTW, Ruger's customer service BLOWS S&W's service out of the water!!!!! They will fix, repair or replace a product within a week or two. S&W....... good luck!!!

So while I absolutely love my 1979 S&W M41, that is my truthful opinion about today's production and what I'd do if in the market for a 22 target pistol today. Basically, with a M41 if you get a good one - they are GREAT! If you get a problematic one, it is as frustrating as hell going through the process of getting a highly priced pistol to function and shoot as well as a pistol half it's price!!

Yes, the Volquartsen parts are a great upgrade to the Ruger.
The Volquartsen pistols themselves are also very nice.
But, in either case, the grip angle, balance, and general shooting characteristics have to fit you for best results.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

If I were buying would prefer an older one, not because it is a better gun, but for collection reasons, I would buy a newer one particularly for less than $1,000. Even the best 22 handguns can be finicky and ammunition sensitive - my Walther PPK 22 needs a particular subset of technically correct magazines and certain brands of ammo to function at peak. It is the nature of the beast.

 

[6string]

There's another very important reason serious target shooters generally avoid the model 41: The risk of getting an alibi in a match.
If you don't know what this is, it's when you get a malfunction during a five shot string during the timed or rapid fire match, and then get permission of the range officer to fire an alibi string.

Let's say you're shooting the timed fire stage, and you have two 5-shot strings in 20 seconds each, for a total of 10 shots. You fire your first string with no problem. Then, during the second string you get the dreaded "model 41 stovepipe" on the fourth shot. You have nine shots on target. You call over the range officer and he inspects your malfunction and you are granted an "alibi". You now get to shoot an extra 5-shot string. Unless there are other guys with alibis, you will be shooting that string by yourself. It is a horrible feeling knowing you are holding up the whole match for everybody else, just because you got a jam! This is a good way to ruin your match nerves! When you go to score targets, you now have 14 shots on paper. Your best 4 shots are taken away, and you are scored for the worst 10 shots.
Also, you only get one alibi for each stage. So, if you got a jam on both 5-shot strings, you will only get one alibi string. Depending on how many shots you got off before the malfunctions, you may have to accept some "misses" as part of your score. That hurts!

I remember a match where the USC Pistol Team came out, all equipped with school-owned S&W model 41s. It was a Jam-O-Matic Festival! It must've taken an extra hour to shoot the whole .22 match, just because of all the alibis! There were guys who couldn't even post all 90 shots needed to score the full .22 part of the match. Their team scores were in the mid 400-500s out of 900, where even the novices were shooting at least 700 points.
They never came back to our club!

 

[Skeet 028]

I have a newer one....25 years old or so. I bought another 2nd year gun at Cabela's a couple years ago...Cheap at 375...no factory stocks but I had a set. Sold the targets on the gun for 75 dollars gun has the muzzle brake. The old gun has been used but very nice condition...the more recently made gun is accurate but Like the older model better. I also have 2 extra barrels. I have a bunch of mags. Most of my malfunctions seemed to be mag related. The mags with plastic followers seem to be better.

 

[Joe Hohmann]

I bought my new 41 in 1998 for about $700. It took a little while to find the right ammo. Over the years, it would fail to fire now and then. Since I love beautiful wood grips, I would not trade mine with a new one. I also have 2 S&W revolvers. Since I am now 82 with Parkinson's, I spend most of my time shooting a Crosman Custom Shop CO2 air pistol with a red-dot sight in my basement. It is a wonderful 10 yd target gun.

 

[cmj8591]

There's another very important reason serious target shooters generally avoid the model 41: The risk of getting an alibi in a match.
If you don't know what this is, it's when you get a malfunction during a five shot string during the timed or rapid fire match, and then get permission of the range officer to fire an alibi string.

Let's say you're shooting the timed fire stage, and you have two 5-shot strings in 20 seconds each, for a total of 10 shots. You fire your first string with no problem. Then, during the second string you get the dreaded "model 41 stovepipe" on the fourth shot. You have nine shots on target. You call over the range officer and he inspects your malfunction and you are granted an "alibi". You now get to shoot an extra 5-shot string. Unless there are other guys with alibis, you will be shooting that string by yourself. It is a horrible feeling knowing you are holding up the whole match for everybody else, just because you got a jam! This is a good way to ruin your match nerves! When you go to score targets, you now have 14 shots on paper. Your best 4 shots are taken away, and you are scored for the worst 10 shots.
Also, you only get one alibi for each stage. So, if you got a jam on both 5-shot strings, you will only get one alibi string. Depending on how many shots you got off before the malfunctions, you may have to accept some "misses" as part of your score. That hurts!

I remember a match where the USC Pistol Team came out, all equipped with school-owned S&W model 41s. It was a Jam-O-Matic Festival! It must've taken an extra hour to shoot the whole .22 match, just because of all the alibis! There were guys who couldn't even post all 90 shots needed to score the full .22 part of the match. Their team scores were in the mid 400-500s out of 900, where even the novices were shooting at least 700 points.
They never came back to our club!

I might be making an assumption here but if someone needs to ask if they should be buying a model 41, I doubt they are gong to be participating in high level bullseye matches. You are right about what is needed for those high level competitions and the fact that the 41 falls short. But if it's for the Thursday night donut league and learning how to shoot, it's a good choice. Once your skills get better and you're on track for the Olympics, then dishing out a couple of grand for a Walther might make sense. Sometimes the less adjustable the gun is, the better off you are.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

I also believe in my heart that I’m an optometrist.

Does that mean that you have a positive viewpoint?