S&W Model 41

C

Casey

New member
Hello all.

I just acquired a S&W Model 41 for a very reasonable price from the nice guys at the local range. It was stored for a number of years in some manner that allowed moisture to be held against the top of the barrel which is now slightly pitted (which, of course, is the reason I was able to afford it).

Now, I knew nothing about the Model 41 before I saw this pistol. I shot a box of Federal Gold Match through it before I bought it. Is it supposed to be this good without any work done on it? Wow, I traded in my Ruger 22/45 without even thinking twice.

The serial number is 28XXX. Does anyone know where I can find when this was made? I think they started making these in the '50's. Is this one that old?

Thanks.

Casey
 
According to serial number information in "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson..."

Serial number range beginning 1954 starts @ 1001 and continues to 115,000 in 1970. Applies to Models 39, 41, 44, 46, and 52.

Production of the Model 41 started in 1957, so I'd say that puts your gun circa 1960 given that it's likely that a large chunk of those numbers prior to your gun were used up by the other models.

Which side of the frame is your serial number on?

Standard Catalog says that around serial # 27,500 the model number was moved form the left to the right side of the frame.

OK, I just gleaned a little more information from another gun listed.

The 41-1 (.22 short only, intended for International-style shooting), was introduced in 1960 around serial number 20,000.

Even more interesting is the Model 52-A (AMU) target gun. The book says 87 of these were made for the Army Marksmanship Unit between 1961-1964, starting after serial number 35,850.

There you go. I'd say your gun was made sometime in 1960 or 1961.
 
One place to find out everything about the 41 is at http://talk.shooters.com/ Go down to the Bullseye forum and do some searches. You will find everything, including best accessories. Post some questions. Great bunch of people there. Really helpful. ~
 
Model 41

If you got a serviceable Model 41 in a trade for a 22/45 you got one hell of a deal. The 41 is a superb target pistol. Generally there is nothing you need to do to it so long as the sights are in good shape and function is good. The only thing I've done with mine is to add custom grips made for my hand from Herrett. Shot lots of Bullseye matches with it. What a great pistol. Good for you! Mine cost me $500 used in 1994.
 
Khornet,

Yeah, I did get a really great deal on the Model 41. The guys at the local range/shop got it for a pretty good price, and they passed it on to me. They're really a very nice bunch of guys, you can get some pretty good deals when they are able to work with you. It's the Powder Room, in Powell.

I don't plan on changing anything, certainly not until I shoot it for quite a while. I can't believe that I'm actually considering shooting it with open sights in the next bullseye leauge. I haven't shot any bullseye without a red dot, ever.

Thanks for the information, Mike. I know the gentlman who had this pistol had it for quite a while, so I assumed it must be an old one.

Casey
 
WOW:eek: What a deal! Way to go. There's nothing like getting a great deal and a great gun at the same time- happy shooting. BTW, that is one of the top of the line .22's on the market.
 
S&W 41

Bought my S&W 41 in 1985 for $115 at a DNR auction! It was dirty but cleaned up to be in great condition. Has the 7" barrel.

Someone was probably using it to jacklight deer!
 
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