October 30, 2022Sunday gunday: Smith & Wesson Model 41 — Rimfire classicThe Smith & Wesson Model 41, an American rimfire target pistol, is a classic. The Model 41 is beautifully crafted and features a great trigger, comfortable grip, excellent accuracy, and beautiful design. A Model 41 is a great addition to any firearms collection, new or used. We have shot a few Model 41s and they will spoil any attempt to get back to a rimfire pistol. The Model 41 was first released commercially in 1957. A special 50th Anniversary Model (shown above) was released in 2007. It hit the market in 2008. It should have been called the 60th Anniversary Edition, since the first prototypes for the Model 41 were made in 1947. READ American Rifleman’s article about Model 41. The Model 41 is a classic American design that has stood the test. Many believe the Model 41 is the pinnacle of American.22 LR pistol design. It’s similar to the Colt Python, which many consider the “crown jewel” of double-action revolvers. One YouTube poster stated that the Model 41 remains the most precise.22 pistol in the world after [65] years. Few, if any, of the modern pistols can match the quality, fit, and balance that make the Model 41 so enjoyable to have. This model was introduced by S&W in 2007 and continues to blow the 10 Ring’s center. “The Stunning 50th Anniversary Edition Model 41” The most sought-after Model 41 is probably the handsome, machine-engraved 50th Anniversary Model, which was released in 2007. This model was presented in a hardshell, glass-covered box. This would make a valuable addition to any gun collection.
The 50th Anniversary Model was machine-engraved in Class A+ with 24 carat gold striping and special serial numbers range FYA0001 – FYA0500. The fully engraved 50th Anniversary Model 41 can be purchased in a presentation case at various auction sites for $2000.00 to $3700.00. The engraved model 41 was first released in 2007. It combines stunning appearance with superior accuracy. Smith & Wesson Model.41 – An American Classic Rimfire Pistol. The Smith & Wesson 41 is an American classic. It is one of the most iconic.22 LR target pistols. Model 41s have been in production over 50 years. They are accurate, well-balanced, and built to last. Smith & Wesson’s Model 41 pistol is still one of the most accurate ever made.
Model 41 photo by Mightymoo01; creative commons licensed CC BY–SA 3.0. The Model 41 is beautifully crafted and features a great trigger, comfortable grip, excellent accuracy, and superb trigger. The S&W Model 41 is a classic gun or a newer model. It’s a great choice for target shooting. The value of “like-new” high-grade models is increasing. Roy Jinks, Smith & Wesson’s historian, recounts the creation of the Model 41. “It was a difficult task developing a competitive pistol that would satisfy the different needs of the top shooters. In 1956, the final design was approved and the new.22 target pistol, Smith & Wesson’s 1957 Annual Report announced that it had been released. It featured many advanced features such as stocks that can be used by either right- or left-handed shooters, as well as a smooth, crisp trigger pull that can be adjusted to individual preferences. The stock angle and weight distribution allow for extremely stable off-hand holding. To prevent any misalignment, the precise micrometer sights are fixedly mounted on a one-piece forged barrel. This allows for long-term use without worrying about alignment. To help reduce recoil, the handgun had a barrel measuring 7 3/8 inches. The barrel’s underside was grooved to allow for the addition of adjustable Olympic Style Barrrel Weights. The trigger pull can be adjusted to allow for a 2-pound pull to satisfy the NRA Gallery Course requirement, or to increase to 3 pounds to comply with the ISU International rules.
Smith & Wesson Model 41, with two additional slide/barrel assemblies and custom holsters and mag holders. Cowan’s Auctions sold this model for $2640.00 in 2019. It was first catalogued in 1958, and sales began in December 1957. The Model 41 became the most popular autoloading pistol made by the company and was quickly back-ordered. Smith & Wesson introduced a lightweight 5-inch barrel for its handgun in May 1959 to meet hunters’ demands. The Model 41 line was expanded further in September 1960 with the introduction the Model 41-1, which fires.22 shorts for International Rapid Fire Shooters. The company introduced the 5.5-inch heavy barrel in August 1963. 1965 saw the last major barrel change when the company introduced the 5.5-inch heavy barrel. This barrel was equipped with an extendable front sight that gives the shooter a wider range of sight. The Model 41 has set many world records over the past 50 years. It is today one of the most iconic target handguns [.]”. READ MORE Model 41 History.Field Test for Current Generation S&W Model 41. Based on the results of 22plinkster, a popular gun Vlogger, it shoots very well indeed. He brought a brand new Model 41 to the range to test its handling and accuracy. Below is the 22plinkster video: 22plinkster is one of the most popular gun-centric YouTube channels. His videos have been viewed by thousands of firearms enthusiasts. Although some of his videos feature tricks shots,.22 Plinkster is a skilled marksman who has shot a large collection of.22 LR/22WMR pistols and rifles. Hickok45 is a popular YouTube host and has been a fan since the first release of the S&W Model 41. Hickok45 celebrated his 30th anniversary of owning this classic American rimfire in 2020. Hickok45 demonstrates the characteristics that made the Model 41 so beloved in this “Celebrating 30 Years” video. It balances well, has a great trigger, and delivers excellent accuracy. He said, “What a great.22 LR gun!” Performance Center “Optics Ready” Model 41Does it appeal to you to shoot pistols with a modern optical? The fully “Optics Ready” S&W Performance Center Model 41 is available. The modernized Model 41 PC features an integral Picatinny rail mount for optics and adjustable target sights with a special removable front blade sight. The Performance Center Model 41 also has an integral Picatinny style equipment rail for easy installation. Other standard features include an exterior thumb safety on the left-hand side of the frame, custom wooden target grips, and blued finish. This full-size, 10-shot.22 LR pistol has a carbon steel slide and frame along with a 5.5 inch barrel. The Model 41 PC measures 10.5 inches in length and weighs 41 ounces unloaded. MSRP is $1763.00. The S&W Model 41 History is from Wikipedia. Wikipedia: The Smith & Wesson Model 41 semi-automatic pistol was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1945 as a competitive target pistol. To maintain a consistent grip angle, it was designed with a 105 degree grip angle, similar to the Colt M1911 pistol.
Two prototypes, numbered X-41 & X-42, were built in July 1947. They were then tested and improved over the next ten years. The Model 41 was made commercially available in 1957 when Smith & Wesson had produced 679 units. They had produced 9,875 Model 41 pistols by the end of 1958. For field use, a lighter 5-inch (130mm) barrel was introduced in 1958. Model 41-1 was introduced in 1960. It was chambered with.22 Short for International Rapid Fire competition. Only 1000 models were made with light aluminum slides that could be used for the function of the lower powered.22 Short. The 5-inch heavy barrel version was introduced in August 1963. Stoeger’s Shooter’s Bible 1964 shows a 7-3/8? (190 mm) Barrel grooved for Olympic centerweights. The 7 3/8″ cocking indicator? 1978 saw the end of the 7 3/8? barrel. The 7-inch (180mm) barrel was introduced in 1978 without any provision for a muzzle brake. For a few months, a 6-inch barrel (150 mm), was available in 1991. The Model 41 was discontinued from production in 1992. Smith & Wesson produced the Model 41 “New Model” in 1994.
Smith & Wesson introduced a “no frills version” of the Model 41 in 1957. This was the Model 46. It was chosen by the U.S. Air Force in 1959 for basic marksmanship training. There were approximately 4000 units made: 2500 with a 7 inch barrel, 1000 with 5-inch barrels and 500 with 5.5 inches. barrels. The pistol did not have the polished blue finish and checkering of the Model 41. It was a commercial failure, with consumers preferring the more expensive Model 41. Production was stopped in 1966.
