I looking at picking up a used M41 7/38 with muzzle break. From what I've read the M41 is a good gun. Any first hand opinions ?? How about a comparison of the shorter barrel vs longer. or brand New vs the older ones(no politics please). Any info would be appreciated. I currently have an 3rd gen Colt Woodsman that I like alot. How does the older 41 compare to it?
S&W 41
- Thread starter g17
- Start date
g17: I just got the identical gun and love it but I haven't had it long enough to answer some of your questions. There's folks that have shot it more than I and a thread on the "Handgunner" forum at www.thearmedcitizen.net Regards, Dennis
[This message has been edited by DennisE (edited July 20, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by DennisE (edited July 20, 2000).]
slickpuppy
New member
I have the 41 with the bull and 7 inch barrel assemblies both. Both are accurate with the 7 being a bit more so due to the longer sight radius.
With the right ammo it will keep 5 shot groups under a dime at 50 feet off bags no problem. Typical groups are .75 inches or less.
I have shot it and the Woodsman quite a bit and would give an edge to the 41 because of its better trigger. Both are good guns, though.
My 41 is about 4 years old. The new ones I have seen seem to be lacking in quality. Mine is comparable to my Dads 41 from the 70s with his being a bit nicer having the extendable front sight(no longer available).
Extra barrel assemblies can be had from s&w or elsewhere (Clark Custom). S&W assemblies will run about $170 or so.
The 41 is a great shooter, but my Walther GSP kicks its tail. Of course it is also more than double the price tag, too.
Anyway, the 41 if a few years old is a great value and excellent shooter.
With the right ammo it will keep 5 shot groups under a dime at 50 feet off bags no problem. Typical groups are .75 inches or less.
I have shot it and the Woodsman quite a bit and would give an edge to the 41 because of its better trigger. Both are good guns, though.
My 41 is about 4 years old. The new ones I have seen seem to be lacking in quality. Mine is comparable to my Dads 41 from the 70s with his being a bit nicer having the extendable front sight(no longer available).
Extra barrel assemblies can be had from s&w or elsewhere (Clark Custom). S&W assemblies will run about $170 or so.
The 41 is a great shooter, but my Walther GSP kicks its tail. Of course it is also more than double the price tag, too.
Anyway, the 41 if a few years old is a great value and excellent shooter.
A fine pistol. The muzzle break barrel is discontinued so is now collectable. It must be an earlier gun and may have a cocking indicator, making it more desirable. The earlier guns were of better quality, mine was a mid-80's gun with the 7" and 5" barrel. It went back to the S&W custom shop 4 times before they got it right, that included recrowning both barrels. I also have two Clark barrel for it and those are as accurate as my Hammerli 208S.
I have a 7" 41 with a Leupold 4X scope from around 1980 and I love it. I'm not sure how long bbls last on these guns but mine has over 25000 rounds thru it. It likes certain ammo, WW SuperX, and needs cleaning often but has never had any mechanical failures. I have been looking for a 5" bbl but haven't located one yet. Scope helps a lot for me. MWT
Jessica Wellman
New member
I love my 41 (7” barrel older model with a muzzle break and a Red Dot Scope) and like Powermwt I find mine also likes to be clean and will only eat certain ammo. It’s my baby and by far my favorite pistol so if it wants to be a picky eater…I can handle that. 
I shoot only PMC Target ammo through it and if I run out, I’ll occasionally feed it CCI’s…but nothing else!
Happy Shooting,
Jessica
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Shooter's Enrichment
I shoot only PMC Target ammo through it and if I run out, I’ll occasionally feed it CCI’s…but nothing else! Happy Shooting,
Jessica
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Shooter's Enrichment
Blue Heeler
Moderator
I have a dilemma too--I have a Colt Woodsman Mk 3 Target 6" barrel.I have a standing offer from one of my mates who is prepared to pay $US 450 for it.It is in top condition the blueing is A1 and it goes faultlessly.
But--now I have been offered a M41 in as new condition-I have shot it from time to time and it just has the edge (off the rest) on my Woodsman,it is also years younger.The price is $US 510. I really don't know what to do--I mainly shoot larger caliber guns and just use the .22 for plinking--I suppose I could just buy the 41 but the changeover at little cost appeals too.Any advice would be appreciated,particularly as regards accuracy,value and the matter of their respective ages.
But--now I have been offered a M41 in as new condition-I have shot it from time to time and it just has the edge (off the rest) on my Woodsman,it is also years younger.The price is $US 510. I really don't know what to do--I mainly shoot larger caliber guns and just use the .22 for plinking--I suppose I could just buy the 41 but the changeover at little cost appeals too.Any advice would be appreciated,particularly as regards accuracy,value and the matter of their respective ages.