Smith and Wesson Model 41 new barrel

[Elderkin]

I have a 20+ year old S&W 41 with a 7inch barrel. I have been wanting to purchase a new 5 1/2 inch barrel that is tapped for Weaver rails but have been given mixed info. I have been told the 5 1/2 barrel has to be fitted and I have been told it is a drop in. Has any one added a second barrel to a 41 and was it a drop in or did it require a gunsmith to fit? ....Elderkin

 

[10X]

Had one a few years ago. The barrels are easily changed. Put your left thumb on the barrel to keep it from falling. With your right hand pull the front of the trigger guard where it meets the frame forward and down. The barrel is now loose and can be lifted off.

The only thing I can think of that a gun smith would need to do is to tap the barrel you want the scope on.

 

[JoeHatley]

I have been told the 5 1/2 barrel has to be fitted

A newly made barrel would almost certainly take a little fitting to work on an older frame. You might get lucky, but I'd call S&W customer service and talk to them, before buying a barrel.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Onmilo]

They almost always need to be fitted.
It is a minor job and any good local gunsmith could easily do the work.
This shouldn't cost more than about $40.00 as it should only take an hour or less to do.

 

[LHB1]

Elderkin,
I just went thru that last fall. I have an M41 purchased around 1990. Bought a second (new) barrel last year to mount a scope and allow quick change of sights by changing barrels. New barrel fitted so tightly I feared breaking the trigger guard when opening or closing it with new barrel. New barrel also sat high at rear so that bullets were shaved badly when feeding. Called S&W. They asked me for serial number of my M41 and said there had been a small dimension change since then. They provided shipping charge number and asked me to return frame with both barrels. They fitted new barrel to my frame and tested both frames for proper fit. Returned the gun to me in less than 3 weeks total time. Now the gun works great and I can switch from iron sights to scope or vice versa in less than 10 seconds.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB