Smith and Wesson Model 41

I've had a Smith and Wesson Model 41 for a little while now and every time I shoot it it's a pleasure. It never ceases to amaze me.

One thing I like to do is put a target out at 15 yards and free hand line up the target, get a good sight picture, squeeze the trigger and like magic a hole appears in the target perfectly aligned with my sights. I watch the whole event transpire. The muzzle doesn't move, it just lights up a bit and then a hole appears in the target.

The M41, as its known, first saw the light in 1957 and came with a barrel just over 7" long including a muzzle brake. That year only 679 units were produced the pistol was such a success that the following year they produced no less that 9,875 and that still did not satisfy demand.

In 1963 they introduced the 5.5" barrel which was interchangable with the original 7" barrel and easy to install since all the was needed was pulling the trigger guard sharply down to release the barrel.


In 1994 the M41 came handsome checkered hardwood stocks featuring contoured finger indents, Millet click adjustable rear sight, and for a front sight a 1/8" undercut Patridge, the new model is also drilled and tapped for scope mounts.

The pistol weighs 41oz which seems rather heavy at first but being 10.5" long it's well balanced and the weight anchors the pistol in your hand and has a nice natural pointing postion.

Sights are about as good as irons get, with precise rear-sight windage/elevation capability and big enough not to get lost in the background. The trigger stop setting is adjusted with a small Allen wrench by simply pulling the trigger guard downward then rotating the set screw clockwise to increase travel, counterclockwise to reduce travel. I haven't touched the trigger because it feels like a 2lb pull which is nothing to get a bullet to fly.

Like I said before, this pistol is a dream to shoot. I take it out to the 100 yard range and shoot milk jugs and half pint water bottles with no problems at all.

If your having a bad day at the range with your other guns, just pull this one out and it will put a smile on your face every time.