S&W Model 41

[Rob Roy]

Do you think it's worth the price?

[BamBam-31]

Of the ones I've handled and shot, I'd have to say they're top notch. I paid $500 for my Sig Trailside Competition, and it's a shooter for sure. Side by side with my friend's S&W 41, however, it's like holding a Glock next to a semi-custom 1911. Both will shoot better than most can hold, but the steel and wood just feels soooo nice. If a used S&W 41 is $600, I'd say it's worth the extra $100 over my Sig T-side.

IINM, the S&W is a very popular pistol in bullseye shooting. If it's just for plinking, I think you could do just as well with a Ruger or Browning. If you want to shoot holes in holes at 25 yds. and 50 yds., or you simply appreciate the fine workmanship in a steel and wood gun, then yes, it's worth the money.

[14delta]

My 41 is incredibly accurate, I've picked off ten 4" discs in a row at 50 yards with it, Its beautifully made, One of those guns thats just a pleasure to shoot , Definatly a keeper.
14delta

[Rob Roy]

Yeah, I really like this one, but the price for a .22 handgun...

[Thefeeder]

I'll buy a M41 in good condition for 600 any day of the week. No brain'er

[Gryff]

Yeah, I really like this one, but the price for a .22 handgun...

Yeah, that's like paying $2000 for a 1911

I'll buy a M41 in good condition for 600 any day of the week. No brain'er

If you find one for $600 immediately kneel down and give thanks to god. That's about $200-400 below the normal asking price.

You can save a few dollars (normally) if you can find a Model 46. This is a less-refined version of the 41.

I had a 41 with the 7" barrel when I was younger. Unfortunately, it was taken when our house was broken into when I was in high school. Between that and the Bill Davis custom-made .22 revolver that was stolen (a S&W 34 frame mated to a Colt Woodsman heavy target barrel...very cool...see photoshop recreation here), I am just crushed that these guns disappeared from my life.

[BamBam-31]

Have the 41's gone up in price lately? IIRC, $600 41's were fairly common. Over at the Costa Mesa show, there's this one booth near the hot dog stand that always has the same 41 for $650. One scratch near the muzzle, otherwise in pretty good condition. It's been sitting in his display case for at least half a year...

[j1133s]

It depends on what you want to do w/ the pistol. I won't buy it just for plinking because it is more expensive than a cheap 22lr pistol and w/o scoring they all seem to provide the same amount of fun.

But when you shoot competitions, I think the M41 is a great value when compared to the various European match guns. It is cheaper (sometimes by a lot) and holds its value better (in case you quit). The S&W is also much more accessible and parts are cheap too.

[COILSPRING]

In the last 35+ years I have never gone to the range without a Model 41...

I really love the S&W Model 41's. I got my first when I was 13 or 14 years old. My Dad bought us each a new A Series 41. I lost my Dad a five years ago but I still have both of the 41's. Talk about sentimental value. Whenever I hear one of those, "If you could only own one handgun" questions, I always think that I would need a rifle or shotgun for self-defence purposes.

I will say that all 41's are not created equal. The older 41's are finished much nicer. I like the A-Prefix Serial number pistols. Until somewhat recently I believed that all of the A-Prefix 41's had the "cocked indicator" on the rear of the slide. Apparently there were some late A-Prefix 41's without the feature. To me the finish of the earlier 41's make them much more desirable and the prices seem to be pretty close or the same as he later 41's which I just do not understand. The early slides are nice but the frames are so nicely polished they look beautiful.

I have pretty much all the variations aside from the .22 short. The 5" Lightweight or Sport barrels are pretty cool as well as being somewhat rare. The 5 1/2" heavy barrels feel balanced and are the most common. The 5 1/2" barrels with the extendable front sight are probably the coolest of all. I have a 7 3/8" model but it is unfired and I just haven't been able to bring myself to break it out. Maybe someday if I get cancer... I sometimes consider selling it and I'd rather be able to sell it as new and unfired. The tools and barrel weight are still in the unopened baggie. I also toy around with the idea of selling my 5" Lightweight but we were both born in 1959...

My shooter is the 5 1/2" heavy barrel my Dad gave me. It has early S&W smooth grips that Harrison Carroll sold me in an act of kindness. I should add that Harrison Carroll (HP Sales in Castroville) is a great guy and all around gentleman.

I guess I'll close by saying that Model 41's offer tremendous value when one considers the years of enjoyment they potentially offer. Find a nice early example and you will not be disappointed. Oh yeah, one last thing, go out shooting with your Dad while you still can...