[DrewBone]

I finally acquired myself an example of the quintessential American made .22LR target pistol, a S&W model 41.

I'd been throwing the idea around of getting one for a while but hit a snag when it became time to decide whether I was going to buy a new model or an older one, and after some reading up I decided to try an older model, and I'm glad that I did. The images I took of it shown below don't really do it much justice:

Manufactured in 1967 it's frame and the sides of the slide are polished, it's trigger is superb as expected, it has the rear cocking indicator, the action is as smooth as butter and frogsnOt, and the bore is clean and shiny. It's definatley been taken care of by its previous owner(s) and just screams (insert: Austin powers voice overdub) "I am a sexy beast!" to me, LOL.

It came with non-adjustable anatomical grips, which although just happen to fit my hand perfectly, are very dry and fragile; a previously repaired piece has already cracked off of the right grip panel in the very thin front strap area, so it looks like I'll be putting some more effort into finding a pair of suitable standard thumbrest target grips, either OEM or aftermarket like those available from Hogue, Altamont, etc.

All in all I'm very pleased with the condition of the pistol. The seller, Simpson, LTD, rated the bluing at 99% and that was a very accurate description as I could find only very very minor scratches in its finish. It bears their (barely visible) import mark placed very inconspicuously on the pistol's magwell, and bares what I believe to be numerous German proofmarks on its major components:

From what I've been able to gather thusfar, the marking below that appears on the left side of its frame indicates that it was recieved/imported by "Waffen-Honold" (the original owner Georg Honold, died in 1928), a gunshop in Ulm, Germany:

I can't wait to give it a spin! Of course I've already looked at threaded barrels from Clarks Custom Guns so I can add this pistol to my suppresor host list, but first things first; get a set of grips!

It also makes me happy that I'm getting to exercise the C&R license a bit as of late

 

[KYBoy]

When I was a kid, my dad bought me a 5" model sometime in the mid 70s. I don't know where but somewhere along the way, he sold/traded it. At that time, he was an old bullseye shooter and had a JE Clark Ruger .22. He thought I could get into bullseye shooting and, along with the S&W 41, had me a Series 70 Gold Cup and a S&W M52 (I think that was the model of their .38 spc semi-auto). All are long gone and I suspect had something to do with there were no bullseye match opportunities nearby at that time.

Long way around to say I agree they are fantastic pistols and am happy you got one.

 

[1eyedjack01]

Really nice M41. Congrats...

 

[Out West]

Wow! What a beauty. Enjoy!

 

[DrewBone]

Well, while trying to decide what to do about a set of grips for this model 41 I had an idea...below is the piece that broke off the right hand target grip in the front strap area; there was no way I was going to repair it as the grip had already been repaired in this area before and there were small pieces missing...it would have looked like crap...

...so I decided to lay out and mill a slot in the front strap area centered in the grip halves that would be a bit less in width than the front strap of the pistol frame; this would eliminate the raggedy edge along the missing section of the seam between the two grips, give it a looks-like-the-slot-almost-belongs-there appearance, and will hopefully prevent similar breakage of the grips in this area in the future. I used a 4 flute .25" Ø titanium coated endmill running at 2500 rpm:

I cleaned up the new edges with a small fine file, then went over each grip with some mineral spirits and 0000 steel wool, then test fit them on the pistol...my fingers didn't feel the missing wood at the front strap of the grips or the metal front strap of the pistol.

Since all seems well, I'm now in the process of scrubbing them down with a toothbrush and Dawn dishwashing detergent (a mild petroleum product) to see if I can draw out some of the oils in the stippled areas of the grips in preparation of the application of a few coats of boiled linseed oil:

Each detergent scrub and dry cycle reveals less and less dark areas in the stippling, so I'm almost there...

In the coming week after a few coats of boiled linseed oil they should be looking real good!

But in the meantime I'm still looking for a set of OEM S&W 41 grips as I'd still like a pair of standard-ish grips

 

[DrewBone]

When I was a kid, my dad bought me a 5" model sometime in the mid 70s. I don't know where but somewhere along the way, he sold/traded it. At that time, he was an old bullseye shooter and had a JE Clark Ruger .22. He thought I could get into bullseye shooting and, along with the S&W 41, had me a Series 70 Gold Cup and a S&W M52 (I think that was the model of their .38 spc semi-auto). All are long gone and I suspect had something to do with there were no bullseye match opportunities nearby at that time.

Long way around to say I agree they are fantastic pistols and am happy you got one.

I became interested in Bullseye shooting way too late, but I've never lost my appreciation for good old wood and metal guns! Thanks for sharing some of your history and for your kind words!

Really nice M41. Congrats...

Thanks, I appreciate it. Getting one of these fine pistols has been a long time coming!

Wow! What a beauty. Enjoy!

The images don't do this pistol any justice, nor can any image convey how absolutely slick and tight the slide feels! And although it looks real nice and appears to have been well taken care of, the wear present on it's unseen recipricating parts along with powder residue in the frame tells me that this pistol was no safe queen! It's 54 years old, and it looks better than I did at that age, LOL

 

[ede]

That is one great looking pistol. I had one and sold it because I didn't shoot it and now one is on my watch list.

 

[Robert Kittine]

Congratulations. I am on my third 41 and have three barrels for it as well as custom bullseye grips. Many of the 41s are ammo sensitive. Mine and many of my friends 41s only seem to like CCI Standard Velocity, so if you have feed issues try some brand variations. A little gun oil on the last round loaded into the magazine if one of the fixes.

Bob

 

[DrewBone]

That is one great looking pistol. I had one and sold it because I didn't shoot it and now one is on my watch list.

Thanks! 'Funny how our interests change or begin. This is my first model 41, and I think I did pretty well for waiting so long.

I've sold off a number of pistols that I lost favor with particularly my Glocks, along with a number of Walther PPK-ish/milsurp blowback operated clones that became too painful for me to shoot. Since getting a .22 suppressor all I've been shooting is .22LR, and I'm finding it to be very relaxing, enjoyable, and painless! Instead of having to travel 18+ miles to an indoor range to shoot centerfire I grab a box of 50 .22LR, the suppressor, a host or two, and head out to my 24'x20' barn for some "pssht pssht pssht" quiet and casual target shooting.

I haven't even shot my 41 yet but I'm already considering another! I hope you find one so you can rekindle your relationship

Congratulations. I am on my third 41 and have three barrels for it as well as custom bullseye grips. Many of the 41s are ammo sensitive. Mine and many of my friends 41s only seem to like CCI Standard Velocity, so if you have feed issues try some brand variations. A little gun oil on the last round loaded into the magazine if one of the fixes.

Bob

Much obliged, thanks for sharing! I've read all kinds of things from the good to the bad to the ugly regarding the model 41, but I'm starting on a positive note!

If you have an opportunity could you post up some images for your 41's, thanks

 

[Robert Kittine]

When I get back to my house later in the week I will post some pictures of my 41s. Even being finicky as to what it likes to Eat, I am still a big Model 41 Fan. Like my High Standards though too.

Bob

 

[DrewBone]

Though not perfect, I got the grips back in respectable shape:

...and wanted to share an image of the pistol's polished underbelly:

 

[salvo]

Looks great!
I have bought about everything I’ve wanted except the model 41, so I’m a little jealous 👍 it has always been at the top of my list, just never has happened for one reason or another, maybe one of these days I’ll find the right one.
Enjoy!

 

[DrewBone]

Looks great!
I have bought about everything I’ve wanted except the model 41, so I’m a little jealous 👍 it has always been at the top of my list, just never has happened for one reason or another, maybe one of these days I’ll find the right one.
Enjoy!

Thanks!

I took me a loooooooong time to become interested in the .22LR cartridge, but after purchasing a number of pistols to use as suppressor hosts, I started looking into target pistols as well. I started with a couple of Unique DES 69 pistols, then I felt ashamed that I didn't have one of the quintessential US made target pistols, a model 41. So after searching for quite a while I found myself the S&W 41 above, and it's in great shape! Of course the grips aren't original but I've got a pair of original style S&W grips coming soon from a member over on RimfireCentral, which should give the old girl her standard looks back

Thanks for the kinds words, and I hope you can find a nice example for yourself soon

 

[glide]

I bought my S&W Model 41 about 14 years ago brand new. Got a good price from Bud's Gun Shop. I've put about 10,000 rounds through this gun, and it just gets better and better with age. Fun stuff. I used to have an Aimpoint H-1 micro red dot mounted on the pistol but that was just like cheating. I took off the sight and now just shoot it with the stock iron sights. Furthermore, I also installed a set of Karl Nill grips years ago, and it is much better than the stock grips.

Enjoy your Model 41 and be safe.

 

[DrewBone]

When I get back to my house later in the week I will post some pictures of my 41s. Even being finicky as to what it likes to Eat, I am still a big Model 41 Fan. Like my High Standards though too.

Bob

Looking forward to it!

I bought my S&W Model 41 about 14 years ago brand new. Got a good price from Bud's Gun Shop. I've put about 10,000 rounds through this gun, and it just gets better and better with age. Fun stuff. I used to have an Aimpoint H-1 micro red dot mounted on the pistol but that was just like cheating. I took off the sight and now just shoot it with the stock iron sights. Furthermore, I also installed a set of Karl Nill grips years ago, and it is much better than the stock grips.

Enjoy your Model 41 and be safe.

Hopefully I'll have 10,000 rounds to put through mine!

This early model isn't drilled & tapped for an optic rail (I much prefer red dot optics over iron sights - but that's a subject for another time) so I'm considering having Clark make me up one of their 5.5" or 6.5" STC barrels with a threaded muzzle so I can shoot it suppressed and with the help of an optic. I'm finding much enjoyment in casual suppressed target shooting at my place, which allows me to shoot anytime I want to on my own property without having to worry about annoying my neighbors or deer friends.

When I finally decided to get serious about getting a model 41, I found myself visiting numerous forums and reading old and new articles about them...I of course ended up going back and forth considering the positives and negatives of buying new or used, and when I found the above pistol at Simpson, LTD, which was in great shape, had the nice polished blue finish, was reasonably priced, and was C&R eligible to boot, I jumped at the opportunity!

Thanks for the kind wishes

 

[DrewBone]

Today I received a free set of S&W model 41 grips from a gentleman over on RimfireCentral who calls himself "sinister". Although their year of production is a bit younger than the originals (which didn't come with the pistol when I purchased it), they fit, look, and feel great!

I hope to someday repay this gentleman's kindness and generosity!

 

[CBennett]

I got me one a couple years back as a retirement gift to myself. had the choice between that and a CZ Shadow or Tactical Sport..couldnt decide 9mm centerfire or rimfire...I decided rimfire as I had a lot of ammo for it and in the long or short run its cheaper to shoot rimfire than centerfire..I love mine. Congrats they are great pistols.

 

[Jim Watson]

A little gun oil on the last round loaded into the magazine if one of the fixes.

Right, that is a help on my target .22s after cleaning the chamber. After shooting for a while, there is enough bullet lube and soot to lubricate the chamber and oil on the top round is no longer needed. I am going to clean the barrel breech face and slide face and lube my Nelson before I shoot it again, but I won't scrub the chamber.

 

[vafish]

I don't know if it's my old eyes or the gun. Just got back from the range with my new to me S&W 41. I also had my Ruger MKIII, and 10-22TD along.

From the bench rest at 25 yards I was shooting 3/4" 5 shot groups with my MKIII using SK Standard Plus ammo, had a 10 shot group that just tore out the X-ring on the target. The MKIII has a Burris 2-7x scope on it. Previous owner said it has a Volquartsen trigger and sear, trigger pull is light, but long and mushy.

With the iron sights on the 41 I was shooting 3"-4" groups at 25 yards off the rest. I tried some CCI standard velocity and some RWS Rifle Match ammo, pretty much same results. I did take the 41 over to the metal targets, had some 4" disks hanging from a chain at about 20 yards and off hand was ringing them with boring regularity. Man that trigger on the 41 is sweet. If the trigger on the MKIII was half as good the 41 would be up for sale right now.

Ruger 10-22 takedown has a Bushnell TRS25 red dot in a Magpull mount on the barrel. It was shooting nice tiny little 1/2" groups at 25 yards with the SK Standard Plus. Having heard that the take downs occasionally have accuracy problems I was happy to see that. Also happy because I have a case of the SK Standard Plus in the basement.

When I got home I ordered another Bushnell TRS25 and a weaver base for the Model 41. I figured if I can shoot well with the 10-22TD the sight works for my eyes, I owe it to the 41 to give it the best chance to show it's accuracy. I'll also try some other ammo in it.

 

[Squid-Billy]

Looks great!
I have bought about everything I’ve wanted except the model 41, so I’m a little jealous 👍 it has always been at the top of my list, just never has happened for one reason or another, maybe one of these days I’ll find the right one.
Enjoy!

same here, I still want one, even tho I own 2 Supermatic High-Standards.

Your '67 model is a real jewel, I'd be proud to own it.