S & W Model 41: Good Price?

4278 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by corky, Jan 8, 2006

corky

Discussion Starter · Dec 23, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

I have the opportunity to purchase a Smith Model 41 .22 target pistol (w/7" barrel) in 99% condition. Also included in the offer is a Clark Custom 5.5" barrel that is 100%. Asking price for the total package is $800. My Blue Book is ten years old, so I ask if this is the very good deal that I think it is. Merry Christmas to all.
--Corky

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Chris Stephens

· #2 · Dec 23, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Hi Corky,

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson firearms lists the NIB value for a Model 41 at $750.00. The MSRP on the current ones being produced in Houlton, Me. is over $1,000.00 the last I checked. I don't know the value of the Clark Custom Barrel, but it sounds like you are good to go.

Chris

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willow

· #3 · Dec 23, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Do you know if the 41 has a cocking indicator near the rear end of the firing pin? It is a small pin that protrudes when there is a round in the chamber. They made them that way from about 1958 to 1978.
Price in 98% condition without the cocking indicator is $600. in the latest Blue Book. With the cocking indicator add about 30%. (15% to 40% depending on the condition of the gun)
The Clark custom barrel price is subjective. A good guess would be to add $100. That barrel is only desirable to a Bullseye shooter. They are a scarce breed these days.
Good Luck
Willow

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willow

· #4 · Dec 23, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Corky,
The current Blue Book lists the 41 @ $600. for 98% condition. (No 99%; either 100% or 98%).
If the gun was manufactured before 1978 it has a cocking indicator. That is a pin at the rear of the firing pin area which protrudes if there is a round in the chamber. With a gun in 99% condition, add 40% for the cocking indicator.
The Clark barrel is probably worth $100. It cost more but is of interest to a Bullseye Shooter and there aren't many of them left.
Sorry for the duplicate. My computer had a glitch and I thought the first one didn't go.
Good Luck
Willow

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corky

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 24, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Thank you both for the feedback. The 41 belongs to a target shooter friend who is liquidation his fine and extensive collection, all quality arms, meticulously cared for. I will inquire regarding cocking indicator. This Smith 41 and a Colt Officer's Model Match .22 (5th) are of great interest to me.

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pff

· #6 · Dec 24, 2005

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Knowing the provenance can add value to a piece like that.

Go for it.

Regards,

Pat

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corky

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 8, 2006

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

I couldn't resist. I purchased the 41 (no cocking indicator), which appears to be 100%; the new Clark barrel, which lists now for $250; a Pro Point red dot sight; and a NIB Colt Woodsman Sport, 3rd series--total cost: $1389.

I have yet to try out the Clark barrel with the Pro Point, but the accuracy of the 41 with iron sights and Remington/Eley Club Xtra target ammunition is astounding and function is 100%. There is a surprise bonus as well: The confidence that shooting this beautiful target pistol instills seems to be improving my shooting with my center-fire handguns as well.

Thanks for the encouragement to make the purchase.

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· #8 · Jan 8, 2006

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

I'm new to this forum, but wanted to comment as I have a particular love for the S&W Model 41 pistols.

I own two with the cocking indicators, one an early specimen with the 7 3/8" barrel, the aluminum compensator and an extra 5.5" barrel that I purchased separately. The other is a later model, grips appear to be a different wood (they also have a higher laquered finish compared to the rubbed finish of the older pistol), this one is an "A" model and has the wider bladed rear target site.

They are both extremely accurate. I am no bullseye shooter, I shoot ISPC pistol and 3-gun. With the older pistol and the long barrel, iron sights I put 3 shots in a space that could be completely covered by a dime (not centers) at 50 ft. shooting CCI Green Tag standard velocity ammunition. This was after an evening of shooting bowling pins, so it wasn't like I cleaned her before the group!

The S&W 41 has a similar grip angle to the 1911's that I shoot in competition, making it feel more natural for me. The magazine release is also in a natrual location for 1911 shooters. I have found only one other pistol to feel as good in the hand as a S&W 41 and that's a S&W K Frame Revolver, Square Butt with Hogue Pro grips.

Another testament to accuracy ... a good friend and I were at Chuluota Gun Range northeast of Orlando one afternoon and got a bit board of the 15 yard line. At this point I had replaced the barrel on my older 41 with the 5.5" factory barrel and mounted a rail and ProPoint dot. We setup some spent 12 GA shotgun hulls at 75 yards, dialed in the point of impact and began plinking 12 ga hulls - with a two handed grip using the bench and watching my breathing I was able to aim for the lip of the hull and send them spinning into the air 3 out of 5!

Enjoy your Model 41, they are the best domestic production .22 pistol still in production. One, if not the the most accurate domestic .22 pistols ever manufactured.

Ryan

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corky

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 8, 2006

S & W Model 41: Good Price?

Ryan: I thank you for the interesting post and hope that you enjoy this forum as much as I do. It's an island of civil discussion and a source of good information. I doubt that I'll shoot my 41 as well as you do yours, but that will not stop me from enjoying it. --corky

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