Here's some history.
It was prototyped in 1947. In July of 1947, the X-41 and X-42, two experimental models, were completed. It was designed with a 105 degree grip angle (same as the 1911) so there was no switching grip angle when going from the other.
S&W had a hard time making enough Model 41's. Only 679 units were made in 1957. IIRC the first one came out in mid-September with SN 1401. At the end of 1958, they had built 9,875 Model 41 pistols.
A lighter 5" barrel was offered in 1958 for field use.
The Model 46, a slightly dressed down Model 41, came along in 1959 for the U.S. Air Force.
The 41-1 came along in 1960 chambered in .22 Short for International Rapid Fire competition. Only @ 1000 were made using light aluminum slides necessary for function with the low-power Short.
In August 1963, the 5" heavy barrel that most people know came into the market.
Stoeger's Shooter's Bible of 1964 shows a 7 3/8" barrel grooved for Olympic centerweights. The weights, if you can find a set, bring hundreds of dollars today.
The cocking indicator and 7 3/8" bbl were dropped in 1978.
The 7" bbl was introduced in 1978 (no provision for a muzzle break).
A 6" barrel was offered for a few months in 1991.
In 1992 the Model 41 was dropped from production.
In 1994 Unhapppy consumers got it back into production as the Model 41 (New Model).
