Question on the Smith Model 41

ElyBoy · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:05 pm Post subject: Question on the Smith Model 41

I have a question about the Smith Model 41 .22.

All that I hear is that it is the best .22 ever made and all others should be considered "entry level"
I have a Ruger competition target Mark II with a trigger job, a Buck Mark Contour, and a Smith Model 617.
All three are tack drivers at 25 yards for me with no hickups. Ever.

I have shot the 41 quite a few times, but like my other .22s better.
Gander has a used one in great shape for sale for $900.00 which would mean that I would have to sell a couple of my guns to get it.

What are your opinions on the 41. I just seem to shoot my other guns better, but I will admit that I have only put maybe 500 rounds through the Model 41. This just seems like a big move for me considering that I'm happy with my other pistols.

Just would like your views on this one.

Eric

PaulS

Most of the 22s that I have fired are accurate enough out to 25 yards. I own a Ruger Mark 1, and a High standard but I suggest you get a 22 revolver or a bolt action 22 rifle. The autos only fire 22 LR but the revolver and bolt guns will shoot every kind of 22 ammo from caps to LR without a hic-up.
( I just noticed the 617 - I believe that is a revolver) The 41 is a big gun for a 22 - heavy and more complex than the Ruger but no more accurate. Save your money and get a caliber you don't have in spades.

My opinion is the the guns you need the most are:
1. 12 pump
2. 22 bolt rifle and revolver
3. magnum revolver - they shoot the less powerful 'special' ammo too
4. A hunting rifle in a common caliber - military - like 308 or 3006
5. a bolt or semi-auto in 223 because it is the most common military round now.
If you have all those and 2000 rounds for each then it might be time to look at larger caliber long guns or some other less practical guns.

gelandangan

The is exactly one model 41 in my pistol club, but there are a few handful of rugers mki mkii mkiii, among the hundreds of FWB, hammerli, pardini and walther.
The consensus is that the model 41 is not as accurate.
Then again, we shoot olympic style UIT 25 meters with the 10 ring the size of US dime, single handed.

ElyBoy

That is how I shoot G Man, and that is what I have seen while shooting the 41.
I just wasn't sure if it was me or the gun.
Sounds like its the gun.

Eric

Pumpkinslinger

I shot a 10 shot group just a hair over 2" at 100 yards with a scoped Ruger Mk II, off a bench. I'm plenty pleased with the Rugers!

ElyBoy

I'm thinking on passing on the 41.
How much better can I shoot than shooting out the x ring at 25 yards, and your group at 100 yds is fantastic Mike.
Too much money just to say that I own a 41.

Eric

Aloysius · Last edited by Aloysius on Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:28 am; edited 1 time in total

When you compare the price/performance of a S&W Mod 41 with most other .22 pistols, you should consider that there's a lot difference between a recently produced one and an old-timer. I have both and have to say that the old-timer is better (maybe also because its barrel is about 1" longer and its grip somewhat thicker)

I have to admit I don't own a Ruger .22 pistol and alltough I do own several Buckmarks, my favorits are the predecessors of the Buckmarks. I love the Internationals, the Chalengers etc. and they all give better performances than the S&W's 41.

But when you like the 1911 models and you don't have their .22 conversion, the weight and model of a 41 might help you training with your Gold Cup in .45 ACP. Even when you do own that .22 conversion set, it's easier to use a 41 than to convert the Colt.

Conclusion: in my opinion you took the right decision. It's too much money to just be able to say you own one and for use or carrying it with you, there are lighter things that shoot as good or better

gelandangan

good call aloy.
I agree.

chambered221

The original/early 41's are the sought after models !!!

I agree that there are others available that are just as good.

ElyBoy

The only gun that I would sell to get the 41 would be my Buckmark Contour, which I shoot lights out with.

Thanks for your help gang.
Think I'll stick with what I have--My S&W 617 six shot--Buckmark Contour--Ruger Mark II Competition Target with a beautiful trigger job, and my series 2 1949 Colt Woodsman Target.

Eric