New S&W 41 versus older models?

Z

zanemoseley

New member
I'm looking to get a .22 pistol to compliment my new 1911 Les Baer and allow me to shoot NRA 2700 competitions at my club. I've been looking at pistols and it appears most prefer either S&W 41 or High Standard pistols. Not too sure on how keen I am of going with a HS since I've heard bad stuff about the new operation in Houston. I'd also like to avoid Rugers due to the grip angle and difficulty in cleaning. I'm trying to stay under $1k.

So that lead me to the 41's. I know a lot of people prefer the older models but are they really worth the extra $300-$400, seems like nice used ones go for $1300-$1400. Not to mention it feels like a bit of a crap shoot on whether or not you get one that feeds well. I found a LNIB 41 from 2010 locally for $975 which I can probably get lower. I do prefer the bluing on the older models but I think the EPA has screwed everyone up on that account.
 
I shoot a lot of matches and currently have 24 target pistols in .22. That includes 7 High Standards, 4 of them made in TX. The two targets below were shot with TX (new) High Standards @ 50 yards. I have 6 Smith and Wessons but none are model 41s. I will let you figure it out from there. Hope this helps.

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QUOTE: I do prefer the bluing on the older models...

That's probably the biggest difference between the two "eras", but one that I'm willing to pay a difference for (depending on how big the "difference" is...:().
 
I've owned a number of 41s over the years and prefer the Bangor Punta guns from the 1970's up to above 1980.

I've shot several current production 41s and haven't been that impressed with them. For $1000 or so I'd shop around for a gently used older 41 or a new Hammerli from Larry's guns (he's the sole importer/distributor).

I picked up this 1980 vintage as new in box for a few hundred less than a new current production (bottom picture)



 
I used to shoot a lot of bullseye, back in the 1980's , and for my 22 used a model 41. Nice gun, but if I had it to do over again I would get a Ruger 22/45 Target Pistol and send it to Clark's Custom Guns and have them work their magic on it.
Reason is I bought a third hand Ruger, heavy barrel target model that had a red dot sight mounted on it. Never had a dot sighted handgun, and wanted to try one. Low and behold that rascal would outshoot the S&W 41...the trigger was just magical, put the dot on something , just think about squeezing off a shot and pow! it was dead center. Well.... come to find out Clark's had done a trigger job , reliability package and installed the red dot sight on it for the original owner. The fellow I got it from had never shot it and had no idea of the work done by Clark.
It goes to the range now and the model 41 stays home and looks pretty.
Check out their web site!
Gary
 
Wow, that's a great collection, Saleen. I have to wonder, though, with so many fine 22s, why no Model 41 yet?
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have shot 41s and had owned two 7" and one 5.5" barrel models. They all shot okay and functioned okay but never were standout performers in either accuracy or reliability. Again not bad just not real good either. I have Rugers that would consistently beat the 41 in accuracy and the Rugers were much more reliable as well. With my last 41 I got a chance to trade for a pair of FAS pistols which I did and never looked back. I never say never but I am not looking for another 41. I have a 52 that shoots great and I use it to practice with. I also have a 952 that shoots lights out for a centerfire and that is one of my outdoor BE guns. I just never got the same attraction for a 41. I know there are people who love them but I feel I gave them a chance but the ones I shot were okay but not great. YMMV
 
I have a Model 41 (5" heavy barrel) and a Ruger Mk I, same barrel length. Which will outshoot the other depends on the day of the week, the ammo, and (mostly) the shooter. I have had them on a Ransom rest and there is no difference in accuracy. The S&W has the better trigger; the Ruger has been worked over, but is still not quite up to the 41 trigger.

Jim
 
As mentioned the older ones have nice bluing that is no longer available. They also feature cocking indicators on the back of the slide and adjustable weight grooves (Olympic weights pictured) along the underside of longer barrels. The older ones (7 3/8") also have integral weights behind the comps/false muzzles. Not sure about the magazine capacity on newer ones...but the older mags were 12 rounds. The thing I always liked most was how quickly the barrels can be removed for cleaning or swapping.


I have great respect for High Standards and Hammerli's, they too are quality shooters.


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I have a newer Model 41 and a couple of Rugers: the Target and the Competition Target. They all shoot better than I can. My shooting buddy has an older Model 41. Can't tell any difference shooting the two guns; his might be prettier. I like the trigger on my M41, it's easily as good as the Hammerili I owned and better than the one in my buddy's M41. Can't compare accuracy between the M41's and Hammerili. I used red dots on all, but a red dot is a red blob for me, except for some of the really expensive red dots for rifles.

I'm using scopes on both the Rugers. The Target has had a little trigger work, could use more. The Competition Target is new with nothing done to the trigger, it must be about 7 or 8 pounds. It shots accurately until my finger wears out. The trigger is heavier than the trigger on my H&K Mark 23.
 
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