Model 41 disappearing soon

[DanGunner]

Smith and Wesson has announced that its Model 41 .22 target pistol, one of the most iconic American firearms, will cease production at the end of this year after nearly 70 years of off- and on-production. So if you ever wanted one, now's the time to act. They are expensive but the market for them will soar once production closes. I'm glad I got mine when I did and having just acquired a nearly 50-year-old Colt Match Target, am planning a head-to-head comparison this coming weekend.

[Grendel Guy]

I didn't see it on the roster after asking a guy at the LGS if he could order and he said no. Driving home I thought it might be C&R eligible. Is it eligible?

[DanGunner]

I didn't see it on the roster after asking a guy at the LGS if he could order and he said no. Driving home I thought it might be C&R eligible. Is it eligible?

it would be C&R eligible if made before 1975 since C&R depends on being 50 years or older. I believe also eligible for shipment as a certified competition Target pistol but you’d have to verify that. New are about $1500. I bought mine used on Gunbroker for $900. Has a few cosmetic issues but extremely accurate. I just acquired a 1976 vintage Colt Match Target Woodsman also for $900 and yesterday did a shoot off between two from a rest. They are both tack drivers and I can’t distinguish between two in accuracy.

[Grendel Guy]

it would be C&R eligible if made before 1975 since C&R depends on being 50 years or older. I believe also eligible for shipment as a certified competition Target pistol but you’d have to verify that. New are about $1500. I bought mine used on Gunbroker for $900. Has a few cosmetic issues but extremely accurate. I just acquired a 1976 vintage Colt Match Target Woodsman also for $900 and yesterday did a shoot off between two from a rest. They are both tack drivers and I can’t distinguish between two in accuracy.

Thanks Dan. I guess it makes sense in a non-sensical way. The design is old, the ak47 and others come to mind. The people in Sacramento gotta do things to justify their existence. I would have called them whores, but that would be insulting whores. At least they give you something....

[Spyder]

Pretty sure all of them are C&R by way of the olympic target pistol list, or whatever it's called. Double check me of course, but I remember reading that. I've got an excellent late 70s one, wouldn't mind having a new one also.

[davidj]

Pretty sure all of them are C&R by way of the olympic target pistol list, or whatever it's called. Double check me of course, but I remember reading that. I've got an excellent late 70s one, wouldn't mind having a new one also.

Yes, they have the Olympic exception.
I personally prefer the 1960's vintage with the cocking indicator that was removed late 70's. Quality.

[foothillman]

The list.....

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/forms/op.pdf

[Grendel Guy]

Thanks for clarifying this.
PS: I still stand by what I said about those in Excremento.

[Grendel Guy]

Just came back from the LGS, he did confirm with his rep over the phone that are taking orders for now but at the end of the year no mas. The price for a 7" gun was $2150, add another $150 for a Performance Center gun. By the time you throw in all the other mandated fees too much. I guess if I want one it'll have to be a consignment one or one from the market place here.

[cudakidd]

Glad I got my two with all the various barrel combos including the Clark barrel...

[DanGunner]

Just came back from the LGS, he did confirm with his rep over the phone that are taking orders for now but at the end of the year no mas. The price for a 7" gun was $2150, add another $150 for a Performance Center gun. By the time you throw in all the other mandated fees too much. I guess if I want one it'll have to be a consignment one or one from the market place here.

best bet is to get one on Gunbroker since it’s legal to ship into California as a competition target pistol. I picked up my 1970-vintage model for $900 on GB. 70sand 80s are sweet spot for Model 41s.