Ordered a new S&W Model 41 7" Target .22

[AreWeNotMen?]

After reading most everything I could find on the Model 41 on the internet (and believing some of it ) I ordered a new 7" through Sportsman's Warehouse. Supposed to arrive in about 10 days, then over to fill out the paperwork and wait another 10. In anticipation, I have also ordered 2 spare magazines (I didn't know if it comes with one or two), and the varied recoil spring pack from Wolfe. I do have a fair amount and selection of ammunition (Std and HV) to test with it.

I got the long barrel as I have an attraction to them:

Springfield 1911 Trophy Match Long Slide
Automatic Colt (Model 1902) Calibre 38 Rimless Smokeless
Glock 34
Glock 35
686 6"
629 6"
Ruger Mk II 6"

I'll share my impressions once I've had it to the range.

Regards...

[Wordupmybrotha]

SV is recommended over HV.
Congrats

[44fred]

Been watching a near new 1959 Model 41 on Gun Broker. Looks like it’s going to go pretty high.

[sfe187]

Volquartsen extractor is your friend.

[beerman]

Volquartsen extractor is your friend.

Why? I've never had any extractor issues with either of my 41s... Good buy OP, your gonna love that gun.

[pinger]

I know the 41 was designed for SV ammo but my 2018 5.5" bull groups tightest with Federal Black Pack and CCI Mini Mag HP, both HV. In the middle for grouping wise is CCI AR, CCI Mini Mag RN, CCI Blazer, Federal Champion, Federal Field & Range 36, Remington Golden Bullet. It groups the worst with CCI SV, Federal Red 36, Remington Thunderbolt, Winchester Wildcat. It didn't feed reliably with Aguila SV, Federal Auto Match, Federal Target, Winchester M22, Winchester USA. Some of the feed issues are related to the magazine as I found out later.

I have other historical 41s that are treated better but this new one is designated as the fun gun. It has a red dot and I blaze steels as fast as I can. I've gone through several thousand rounds mostly HV with a polymer recoil buffer inserted and it seems to be doing just fine.

Just before covid I was mapping 14 magazines, 7 barrels, 3 lowers, 19 ammos for reliability. I didn't get very far but the trend I am seeing is the newer lower (2018) functions reliable with more different ammo than the older frames (1958 and 1979). The older frames I have, especially the 1958, are more finnicky with magazines. However even the 2018 can have certain problem ammo and mag pairings that are unique to the particular mag but not other mags. The same problem mag will function fine with other ammo.

I do not have a stockpile of Eley or other "target" ammo and basically just shoot what used to be "cheap" ammo. I do have to say the Clark barrel functioned and grouped tighter with EVERY ammo listed above except for the Winchester products than the best groups out of my S&W barrels. Don't know why.

[AreWeNotMen?]

I hope mine is like yours pinger as I have 3200 rounds of the Fed Black Pack. Regarding the buffer, I know views on such are varied, and while I have them in my 1911s (target/plink use only), I'll break-in the 41 then ponder whether I add one if shooting HV ammo.

Question on these new versions - do they have the cocked indicator? I don't care either way, just curious.

Thanks all...

[pinger]

My 1958 has the indicator. The 1979 and 2018 do not.

[beerman]

My 1958 has the indicator. The 1979 and 2018 do not.

If I remember right, The A prefix SN guns had indicators.

[Spyder]

Excellent! Whichever ammo it prefers, you're going to love it.

[maxfam]

I have four Browning Buck Marks, Five Ruger Mark II’s, S&W models 17, 34, 53 & 63 and a Model 41. The model 41 is way over rated. Just my opinion. Anyway, when you get your model 41, take it apart, clean and properly lubricant it. I do run a buffer in mine, but have made no other changes. A Browning Medalist is still on my bucket list. And, I’m looking for a 7 inch barrel from my model 41. You will enjoy your model 41 and you can’t have too many magazines.

[hookupharry]

Me to

I also just ordered one and will pick it up 12-26, we think alike. Ill follow up with Wolfe to try and purchase a couple extra mags, thanks for the tip. Is it Wolfe.com, Wolfefirearms.com or what is the web address? Thanks

[hookupharry]

Me to

I also just ordered one and will pick it up 12-26, we think alike. Ill follow up with Sportsmans and Wolfe to try and purchase a couple extra mags, thanks for the tip. Is it Wolfe.com, Wolfefirearms.com or what is the web address? Sportsmans is out of stock. Thanks

[ACfixer]

Glad you guys can get them in CA, I wasn't aware of that. Mine is a 1978 I believe, what a wonderful pistol.

[Mustang]

Glad you guys can get them in CA, I wasn't aware of that. Mine is a 1978 I believe, what a wonderful pistol.

They are on the California Olympic Pistol Exemption list.

I've got a 7".