Smith and Wesson Model 41

Smith and Wesson Model 41
Several S&W model 41 heavy barrel guns are available. Some are by the true Smith and Wesson company,
some are by their next successor, Bangor Punta under the S&W name after bankruptcy and buyout.
All are the heavy barrel models, none have the extended front sight.
Historically, the Model 41 was derived from the Walther Olympia, as was the Hammerli 208 (and the processor,
207). The Walther gun probably was derived, in part and with many changes, from the Reising Target Pistol,
but information on that is scarce.
In general, the M41 has a far better finish than the Hammerli 208 or 212, and is glossy black rather than rather
crude matte black as on the Hammerli. The parts fit on the S&W is far less superb, with lots of obvious
difference in precision of fit. This is more evident in the A series guns than the older ones. However, these
differences are in clearances or dimensions that do not affect accuracy significantly.
In general, the A series guns are a little more accurate than the older ones, and both tend to be more accurate
than the more recent and current ones. Of all the guns listed, the most accurate is the one with the cracked grip
and mis-matched trigger guard. That one, and only that one, is fairly close to the Hammerli 208 in accuracy.
Unlike the 208 and 212, the M41 trigger is not adjustable for trigger pull, and can not be set as light as on the
208. Only the trigger stop is adjustable.
Of the M41 available, the “most valuable” collector’s items are those with no prefix to the serial number. One
has a matching (sticker attached) SN box, one does not. Both of the guns are about equal to one another in
accuracy and condition, the only difference being a 100,000 difference in serial number, and date of
manufacture.
Prices are suggested only, due to limited expertise in the price of these guns.
The first two are the no-prefix true S&W guns.
This one has no box with it, but the SN is under 80,000 A second era appropriate magazine is available with
the gun (not sold separately).
The next includes a SN matched box (original box, SN matched sticker, original). An extra available as above.
The next is an A series gun in the A196xxx series. This one has a SN matched box, and is the
most accurate of the group. The trigger guard is a factory mismatch and is slightly too long for
the gun.
The grip has both a chip at the rear, and a crack on the entire R side. To some collectors, the
guard mismatch is a major appear. For target use, this gun is one of the few M41 that comes
close to the 208.
Note that the A series grips are different from the prior series. The fish scaling pattern differs,
but also the internal cuts and dimensions different as well.
The last of these guns is another A series, but in the A678000 sequence. A SN Matched box is
included (original box). The color of this box differs from the others, and is a lighter, brighter
blue.
This gun has two splotches of very light corrosion on the slide above and between the & W on
the barrel, and above and to the left of the S on the barrel. These are very difficult to see, or to
image. See the next image for an enhanced view of these. In that image, the bright spot on the
slide is reflection. On the one below, the reflection is absent, but are the splotches are nearly
invisible.
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