Smith & wesson Model 41
- Thread starter Jack B.
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earplug
Member
We have a 1993 version. Good solid target pistol with well thought out controls and nice trigger. Good relatively inexpensive magazines and easy take down for cleaning. My only complaint is the weight. The initial cost is forgotten after shooting a couple cases through it.
My High Standard is just a touch lighter but its a bit harder to live with.
My High Standard is just a touch lighter but its a bit harder to live with.
John Joseph
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- May 5, 2016
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The most accurate .22LR target pistol I've ever shot.
They are ammo sensitive, CCI Standard Velocity is what most recommend and the only brand I'll bother to buy (although mine shoots SK Standard+, but not as reliably)
It really needs to be kept clean so if you didn't take your DI's mantra to heart, Look elsewhere (Ruger.)
Grip angle replicates the angle on a 1911, so it can serve as a lower cost (for the ammo) surrogate for ol' slabsides.
Not for hunting with high velocity hollow points---so if that's what you want to do, get a Ruger. if you can humanely bring down your quarry with SV solids though, you're golden.
Quality of new M-41s seems to have gone down hill so I'd opt for an experienced example if I were in the market for another.
It is what it is, a darned good target pistol and a heck of a lot of fun to shoot if you do your part.
And did I mention expensive?.
I hope this helps.
They are ammo sensitive, CCI Standard Velocity is what most recommend and the only brand I'll bother to buy (although mine shoots SK Standard+, but not as reliably)
It really needs to be kept clean so if you didn't take your DI's mantra to heart, Look elsewhere (Ruger.)
Grip angle replicates the angle on a 1911, so it can serve as a lower cost (for the ammo) surrogate for ol' slabsides.
Not for hunting with high velocity hollow points---so if that's what you want to do, get a Ruger. if you can humanely bring down your quarry with SV solids though, you're golden.
Quality of new M-41s seems to have gone down hill so I'd opt for an experienced example if I were in the market for another.
It is what it is, a darned good target pistol and a heck of a lot of fun to shoot if you do your part.
And did I mention expensive?.
I hope this helps.
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,306
Jack B.
If I were in the market for a .22 target pistol a used (but well taken care of), S&W Model 41 is what I would look for. For the time being I enjoy range time with my vintage Ruger Mk.II Model MK 512.
If I were in the market for a .22 target pistol a used (but well taken care of), S&W Model 41 is what I would look for. For the time being I enjoy range time with my vintage Ruger Mk.II Model MK 512.
springer99
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- Feb 3, 2007
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- 416
A few of the buys at our bullseye club use 41's as their "go-to" guns in the rimfire leg of the matches and they can be extremely accurate. Problem is that they also seem to be very sensitive to the ammo used and certainly don't like HV stuff. AFAIC, the Ruger Mk's are just as competitive and more easy to keep running. Did I say "parts availability and price"?
243winxb
Member
The 41 in 5 1/2" bbl, produced my best slow fire scores at 50 yards shooting Bullseye in the 70s.
Was not reliable as it liked to jam a lot. Mostly in the first 100 rounds after cleaning. Different ammo, no change. After it came back from the factory, still the same. SOLD it.
My HS Victor and Trophy had better triggers. The Ruger MK 1 just kept going , going and going, with only a trigger job. It also liked most any/all ammo.
Was not reliable as it liked to jam a lot. Mostly in the first 100 rounds after cleaning. Different ammo, no change. After it came back from the factory, still the same. SOLD it.
My HS Victor and Trophy had better triggers. The Ruger MK 1 just kept going , going and going, with only a trigger job. It also liked most any/all ammo.
larryh1108
Member
How does the 422 compare with the 41?
Sunray
Member
"...422 compare with the 41..." They don't. A 41 is a serious target pistol. A 422 is not.
Had mine(a 5.5" with Herrett target grips that I did not pay the $100 Herrett wants now. Bought 'em at a gun show, years ago, for $20Cdn.) for 35 plus years. Saying a 41 is 'ammo sensitive' is an understatement. They are the most ammo particular pistol's there are. No two will shoot and cycle the same ammo either. You absolutely must try a box of as many brands as you can(not just try one or two and hope) to find the ammo your particular M41 will both cycle with and shoot well. I'm not convinced a 41 is worth the $1400ish MSRP Smith demands now though. Used on the auction sites they start at about a grand.
Barrel length is important as some, if not all, competitive shooting does not allow the 7.5" barrel. The longer barrel doesn't add value either. Neither does the box.
Smith Models 41, 422, 622 and 2206 all use the same 10 round mag. Currently on sale a Midway for $19.49. Regular price is $25.99.
"...Not for hunting with high velocity hollow points..." Lots of Smith 41's are scoped and used for hunting. HV or hypervelocity ammo doesn't bother 'em a bit.
The M422 was an entry level .22 made to compete with stuff like Ruger Mk I's. It's also no longer in production. Discontinued in 1996. Used they run less than $300 or so on Gunbroker.
Had mine(a 5.5" with Herrett target grips that I did not pay the $100 Herrett wants now. Bought 'em at a gun show, years ago, for $20Cdn.) for 35 plus years. Saying a 41 is 'ammo sensitive' is an understatement. They are the most ammo particular pistol's there are. No two will shoot and cycle the same ammo either. You absolutely must try a box of as many brands as you can(not just try one or two and hope) to find the ammo your particular M41 will both cycle with and shoot well. I'm not convinced a 41 is worth the $1400ish MSRP Smith demands now though. Used on the auction sites they start at about a grand.
Barrel length is important as some, if not all, competitive shooting does not allow the 7.5" barrel. The longer barrel doesn't add value either. Neither does the box.
Smith Models 41, 422, 622 and 2206 all use the same 10 round mag. Currently on sale a Midway for $19.49. Regular price is $25.99.
"...Not for hunting with high velocity hollow points..." Lots of Smith 41's are scoped and used for hunting. HV or hypervelocity ammo doesn't bother 'em a bit.
The M422 was an entry level .22 made to compete with stuff like Ruger Mk I's. It's also no longer in production. Discontinued in 1996. Used they run less than $300 or so on Gunbroker.
ColtPythonElite
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- Jan 8, 2011
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- 10,477
My shooting buddy has two. One is newer. The other is one of the older ones with the cocked indicator on the back. Both are ammo finicky. They are beautiful handguns, have great triggers, and are very accurate. I wouldn't want one based on the reliably I have see out if his, though.
They are SWEET!!!!!!!
Seriously, super accurate, points well, 99.99% reliable with Fed Auto Match, just a joy to shoot. Very pricey these days though. I bought mine used some years ago.
DM~
Member
I've owned two 41's, neither was as accurate as my Victor, so I sent them down the road...
Some folks absolutely love them though...
DM
Some folks absolutely love them though...
DM
RA40
Member
The guys I see with 41's are serious paper punchers or for hunting. For the casual plinking I'm still pleased with the 2206 and it was about 1/3 the price of the 41. I do wish I splurged back then though. I thought about hunting one down now though the price range is wallet deterring.
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