S&W Model 41 on the way

Frankl03 · Mar 1, 2021

Selling my Buck Mark and put a deposit on a Model 41 22lr.

I found a couple of S&W Model 41s at a local gun shop that was selling a collection for a family whose father husband had passed. One was has a 7inch barrel and comp. The other had the 5.5 inch heavy barrel. Both of the 41s were un-fired. I chose the 5.5 inch. I will pick it up this Thurs or Friday.

I know these guns are finicky with ammo. I plan to shoot bulk ammo but add a recoil buffer to the pistol (all ready ordered). I will also polish the chamber and feed ramp and add an extractor if needed.

Struck gold this morning and picked up 4 boxes of Winchester 333 packs at a local big box store. This ammo never shot great in my Ruger so we will see. I have a variety of other 22lr so shouldn't be a problem.

Aren't the grips nice on this pistol?

horsemen61 · Mar 1, 2021

Nice!!!!

rabid wombat · Mar 1, 2021

Great pistols!

PCFlorida · Mar 1, 2021

Beautiful! Please be sure to tell us how it shoots.

.38 Special · Mar 1, 2021

These are great guns. My example is reliable with any decent ammunition, though I stick with standard velocity stuff. I have not needed to make any modifications to it.

Mike OTDP · Mar 1, 2021

Frankl03 said:
I plan to shoot bulk ammo...

Don't. A Model 41 is a match pistol. It deserves better than trash ammo.

Frankl03 · Mar 1, 2021

My plan is to get this picked up, cleaned and out to the range possibly Friday. I will give a range report then.

SwampWolf · Mar 1, 2021

Mike OTDP said:
. A Model 41 is a match pistol. It deserves better than trash ammo.

It doesn't need "match" ammunition but you'll likely have better results in terms of accuracy and reliability by using standard velocity instead of high velocity ammunition. Standard velocity "bulk" ammo is okay in terms of affordable "practice" shooting but it might be dirtier and less reliable. The individual pistol is the biggest determinant when it comes to what ammunition is the most accurate. My Model 41 shoots best when using CCI sv ammunition; other Model 41s might shoot better with a different brand or type of ammunition but, imo, the CCI stuff is a good starting point.

Looking forward to your experience at the range.

ApacheCoTodd · Mar 1, 2021

Frankl03 said:
Aren't the grips nice on this pistol?

Yes, yes they are!

The only ammo mine's been picky with was some Winchester and one version or other of Aguila but not another. Sadly, I didn't right the difference down.

Todd.

EMC45 · Mar 1, 2021

They are one of the best shooting 22 autos I've ever had my tiny rat hands on. They shoot very well.

CoalCrackerAl · Mar 1, 2021

Congrats on the 41. Beautiful gun indeed. I have a 22 A-1 and a Victory. They are nice shooters,

22250Rem · Mar 1, 2021

They are superb, and one of my grail pistols..... Had one back in the 1970's; but sold it to a friend when money was tight and I've regretted it ever since. Now I want another one since I've sold off a few long guns that were safe queens and there's room in the safe and a Model 41 wouldn't take up hardly any space compared to a rifle.

ApacheCoTodd · Mar 1, 2021

I had a Model 41 for a very short time in the 80's and let it go for reasons I simply cannot recall. Then, at least 2 more came my way destined to never be fired by me. For whatever reasons, I allowed myself to be swayed by tales of woe, despair and ballistic loves lost on the parts of pals.

Finally backed into a keeper and I don't want to know the circumstances that might ever lead to me selling this one. I know they classically come up short in comparison to premium .22 target guns but hell, I'm not that good a shot - or at least not that patient anyhow. :evil:

U.S. marked and original. Grips are not nearly as beautiful as the OP's are.

Todd.

Jeff olson · Mar 1, 2021

ApacheCoTodd said:
I had a Model 41 for a very short time in the 80's and let it go for reasons I simply cannot recall. Then, at least 2 more came my way destined to never be fired by me. For whatever reasons, I allowed myself to be swayed by tales of woe, despair and ballistic loves lost on the parts of pals.

Finally backed into a keeper and I don't want to know the circumstances that might ever lead to me selling this one. I know they classically come up short in comparison to premium .22 target guns but hell, I'm not that good a shot - or at least not that patient anyhow.

U.S. marked and original. Grips are not nearly as beautiful as the OP's are.

Todd.

Beautiful

Jeff olson · Mar 1, 2021

I also recently acquired another 41. This one was dad's and I can't bring myself to shoot it as it is a 1963 model.

So I broke down and got a little newer 1977 version.

Frankl03 · Mar 1, 2021

The model 41s sure are lookers hope mines a shooter.
I will look for some SV ammo. But everything I have right now is bulk. Also don't see myself paying $.25 a round for SV ammo. I'll see how it goes finding it.

Thanks for all the input!

Riomouse911 · Mar 1, 2021

That is one very, very nice looking Model 41! Congrats :thumbup:

The Model 41 is one pistol I’ve always liked... but never owned.

I just may have to rectify this hole in my rimfire quiver.

Good luck finding SV ammo that doesn’t break the bank, I’d love to see how it shoots those in comparison with the bulk 333 ammo you found.

Stay safe.

roval · Mar 2, 2021

what strikes me the most with your purchase is that it appears to be unfired or at the most lightly used. what was the point in depriving the original owner the fun of using it? it was just sold as part of a collection when the owner passed away. did it carry a premium that outweighed the initial cash outlay for the purchase plus the self deprivation from not using it.
i say "you buy it you shoot it" or don't buy it at all. unless the gun had some historial or sentimental significance.

Frankl03 · Mar 2, 2021

Just an update: I was able to pick up the Model 41 last night. I field stripped it. It has lots of sharp edges. Seems unfired to me.

I plan to do some polishing with my dremel on the feed ramp and chamber possibly even this morning.

I have a range trip planned with some buddies this Friday at the outdoor range I belong to. But if I can get away for a early morning trip (before work) our club has a indoor range I will do some initial testing with a verity of ammo I have already. I will try to avoid any waxed ammo as I have heard it doesn't function well in the Model 41.

I will report back what I find out!

My plans for this pistol is mainly to use for range outings. I pretty interested in steel challenge so I may try to get the needed mags needed to participate in it with 22lr. Also our outdoor range has steel plates which I enjoy shooting. 22 ammo doesn't always knock them down but it's fun trying.

bannockburn · Mar 2, 2021

FrankI03

Sweet Model 41! Always liked the the Model 41 but for me it was like the proverbial champagne tastes on a beer budget. Now don't get me wrong, I love my Mk.II but something top drawer like a Model 41 had always been pretty much out of my reach financially speaking. The most accurate and reliable ammo I have found for most of my .22s has been CCI MiniMags, CCI Standard Velocity, and Wolf Match Target.

Frankl03 · Mar 2, 2021

Thank you!

I cleaned it, lubed it and did a little polishing on the feed ramp and breach face this morning and will work on polishing the chamber another time.

Maybe in the morning I can get out to put a few rounds through it.

ApacheCoTodd · Mar 2, 2021

.

Frankl03 said:
Thank you!

I cleaned it, lubed it and did a little polishing on the feed ramp and breach face this morning and will work on polishing the chamber another time.

Maybe in the morning I can get out to put a few rounds through it.

I'd caution against too much polishing until after firing a bit.

I've had very good luck with Tenex. I've *overpaid* a time or two prior to the days of the internets. Last few years (*emergencies* not withstanding) I've been lucky a couple-few times a year to find it on sale or otherwise competitively priced.

Todd.

JJFitch · Mar 2, 2021

Frankl03 said:
Just an update: I was able to pick up the Model 41 last night. I field stripped it. It has lots of sharp edges. Seems unfired to me.

I plan to do some polishing with my dremel on the feed ramp and chamber possibly even this morning.

I have a range trip planned with some buddies this Friday at the outdoor range I belong to. But if I can get away for a early morning trip (before work) our club has a indoor range I will do some initial testing with a verity of ammo I have already. I will try to avoid any waxed ammo as I have heard it doesn't function well in the Model 41.

I will report back what I find out!

My plans for this pistol is mainly to use for range outings. I pretty interested in steel challenge so I may try to get the needed mags needed to participate in it with 22lr. Also our outdoor range has steel plates which I enjoy shooting. 22 ammo doesn't always knock them down but it's fun trying.

If you touch that M41 with a Dremel you will be excommunicated from the ranks of those who cherish this fine pistol.

Clean it shoot it and cherish it!

Your gun will tell you what ammo it likes! It may like hi velocity during "break in"

My M41 from 1962 has probably 50,000 rounds down range and looks as if it was bought yesterday. It has seen nothing but CCI SV since it became available!

Smiles,

Frankl03 · Mar 2, 2021

Good info!
Thanks!

AustinTX · Mar 2, 2021

JJFitch said:
If you touch that M41 with a Dremel you will be excommunicated from the ranks of those who cherish this fine pistol.

Too late, sadly.

S&W Model 41 on the way

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