S&W model 41 or Hi-Standard Victor

[gfontes]

Hi Folks,

I need some input. Currently I have two Hi-Standard Supermatic Citations, both great shooters. But I have 3 boys and need to get one more to even things out.

I have the opportunity to pick up a S&W Model 41 with bad cosmetics (pitted exterior but clean bore) for less than $350 or a late model Victor at twice the price.

What would you do?

These will be used for casual shooting at the range initially then bullseye competitions later on.

Is there a clear difference between the marques?

Thanks!
George

[GunDog]

Go for the HS Victor...

Based on the info provided I'd recommend the Victor and I'm a Model 41 shooter. Why buy a damaged Model 41. Spend a few more bucks and get a nice Victor. It's something you're going to hang onto for a few years and keep in the family, right? I had a Victor years ago and regret selling it. They are great .22 autos.

[gfontes]

Thanks GunDog,

Hopefully my sons will pass them on to their kids
By the way, where in Central CA are your from? I grew up in Riverdale.

[SlushPup]

I am partial to 41's.

What is pitted? If the barrel is the pitted part that is easily replaceable. If the frame is poor I wouldn't bother with it.

[wu_dot_com]

I am partial to 41's.

What is pitted? If the barrel is the pitted part that is easily replaceable. If the frame is poor I wouldn't bother with it.

yap like he said.

if its the barrel, get a replacement clark custom barrel http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/22pts.htm
or bully barrel. http://bullybarrel.ray-vin.com/frbarrels.htm

if the slide or frame is damage, then go for the high standard.

i would go for the M41 first especially if its an older model. since if you get a high standard, it will be a newer model which is not as good as the old high standard.

when you check out the gun, make sure you check the firing pin, and remove the grips to check the internal. bring a dummy bullet to dry fire it a few time to make sure the trigger pull is short and crisp.

[Thefeeder]

Based on the info provided I'd recommend the Victor and I'm a Model 41 shooter. Why buy a damaged Model 41. Spend a few more bucks and get a nice Victor. It's something you're going to hang onto for a few years and keep in the family, right? I had a Victor years ago and regret selling it. They are great .22 autos.

+1 I would take the High Standard if Hamden or Hartford made only

[Argonaut]

Buy both but the Victor first...................41's are just going to get more expensive and even a scruffy one will be a decent investment.

[DVSmith]

If the 41 was mistreated, and surface flaws are an indication of how the firearm was stored and maintained. I would pass on it and I love my 41.

Not that I would buy an overpriced High Standard as an alternative. I would look for a better value 41. But that is just me.

[GunDog]

Thanks GunDog,

Hopefully my sons will pass them on to their kids
By the way, where in Central CA are your from? I grew up in Riverdale.

PM sent.

[BamBam-31]

I shot a friend's 41 and was very impressed. The feel, the accuracy, the fit and finish, all top notch. I will someday own one for sure.

Then I shot another friend's Supermatic, and I was also impressed. Admittedly, what drew me to it initially was the cool-looking barrel, but it shot just as well as the 41 (and with a slightly better trigger pull, too).

All things equal, I'd get the Hi-Standard. The fact that the 41 is rusted makes the decision even easier.

Welcome to Calguns, btw.

[cudakidd]

$350? Buy the 41! If only a cosmetic flaw and/or on a replaceable part why not buy it? Heck I'll buy it if you pass!

S&W 41s are like heirlooms that hold their value. Plus since they are more popular AND still in production there are more support services available as well as S&W itself to fall back on...

[bigcalidave]

Sell me the 41 at 350!! I've been hunting for one !

[tincan]

My vote is on the 41's. They hold their value. Once you find the right 22 target ammo that it will shoot well with, it's a tack driver.

[GM4spd]

41 is a great pistol. Buying a trucked up one (cosmetically) for $350? Not
for me--I couldn't stand shooting a nice pistol like that if it looks
bad. Pete

[mikengracie]

For about $250ytou could get it blued and gone through. That puts you at $600 for basically a brand new gun.
Put me on the list to buy if no one wants to give it some TLC.