S&W model 41 .22lr - which ones are best?
I have all of the lower versions (422, 622, 2206, 2213, & 2214) which are vaguely similar to the feel of the S&W 41 and I think I have finally got to where I can shoot them to the best of their ability so I am ready to upgrade.
There are a lot of variants for the S&W 41, different grips, some have weights, made in different locations, etc. What should I be looking for? I have had MANY people tell me that the newest production models aren't as good as the older ones. I do tend to shoot guns with a longer sight radius so I am thinking I'll go for the 7" barrel. IIRC, they also made a version that the rear sight hung off the back of the gun for an even longer radius.
So, with the utmost in accuracy in preparation for pistol accuracy shooting, which ones should I be looking for? What years? Makes, etc?
Thanks.
P.S. I have a good High Standard pistol, but don't shoot it very well due to the grip angle. Is there any others I should consider that doesn't have the more angled grip like the High Standard?
I have even looked at Hammerelli, Benelli, and Olympic's but they are starting to push the budget.
There are a lot of variants for the S&W 41, different grips, some have weights, made in different locations, etc. What should I be looking for? I have had MANY people tell me that the newest production models aren't as good as the older ones. I do tend to shoot guns with a longer sight radius so I am thinking I'll go for the 7" barrel. IIRC, they also made a version that the rear sight hung off the back of the gun for an even longer radius.
So, with the utmost in accuracy in preparation for pistol accuracy shooting, which ones should I be looking for? What years? Makes, etc?
Thanks.
P.S. I have a good High Standard pistol, but don't shoot it very well due to the grip angle. Is there any others I should consider that doesn't have the more angled grip like the High Standard?
I have even looked at Hammerelli, Benelli, and Olympic's but they are starting to push the budget.
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Even though I have a picture of one in my signature (below), I can't get into all the details about the various Smith models 41.
Having shot them, I can say that I don't find them any easier to shoot than the High Standard.
Personally, I actually like the "slant" grip, but if you don't, and if you like the High Standard, what you want is one with the "military" grip (that replicates the grip of a 1911 Gov't automatic). The "Victors" (amongst others) have these.
See here for slant grip vs military:
http://guns.findthebest.com/compare/392-1395/High-Standard-Victor-vs-High-Standard-Olympic-Military
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" I do tend to shoot guns with a longer sight radius so I am thinking I'll go for the 7" barrel. IIRC, they also made a version that the rear sight hung off the back of the gun for an even longer radius. '................they did make an extendable FRONT sight model. Generaly the older 41's are machined better than the newer ones, the ones with the 'loaded indicator' are best. 0 -
You really can't compare a M41 to the "lower versions" you have; other than the caliber & the magazine, they share little. The variants are few, basicly the barrel length; they all weigh close to 41 oz. Yes, the early long barrel versions were sold with extra weight sets (internal & external), but most shooters are satisfied with the standard weight.
I'm unaware that the M41 was made anywhere but the S&W factory. Changes in corporate ownership (Bangor Punta) did result in some changes in markings, but that really doesn't matter.
There are a couple of optional sights available from the factory, & this is relatively new.
As Mike pointed out, the loaded indicator models (41 - no dash) are considered the best. But, they are probably not able to shoot tighter groups. Unless you move up to Olympic competition, it's unlikely you will be capable of shooting better than your gun.
Neal
EDIT: The M41, unlike most S&W's, had many design changes that were NOT indicated by a revision number; the only dash revision is the M41-1, which indicates ".22 short only". Early SN's had no letter prefix & had a cocking indicator; I think they may have dropped the cocking indicator before the A-prefix SN's, but I'm not sure. Yes, the finish changed over time, since the smooth, hi-gloss finish requires more hand polishing.0 -
Hello I have been shooting Bulls-Eye for many years . If you are going to shoot NRA 2700 Types of matches Then I would advise you to get a 22 with the same grip angle as a 1911 type pistol. as others have both stated and pictured High Standard made BOTH a Slant grip and Military grip style in all numbers of model numbers. When I started shooting I could sometimes shoot a long barrel gun better and sometimes a short barrel gun better. . It is largely a matter of how big a hand SHAKE you have . With the advent of RED DOT sights all this disappeared . Now it became a matter of the accuracy of each barrel . I have tested hundreds of barrels on guns in a Ransom Rest. I am here to tell you it is a matter of each and every barrel both short and long barrels have good and bad shooting ones. I currently shoot a Kart Conversion unit but Marval also makes a very good conversion unit that fit on a 1911 frame . This may be a valid option for your new pistol and kill two birds with one stone. You will shoot the 1911 in Center Fire as well as 45ACP matches and the conversion unit in the 22 Matches. Feel free to contact me by double clicking on my user name if you would like to ask more questions about bulls eye Pistols or see pictures of different types of match pistols. I attended Camp Perry 1972-2005 but never slept in a Holiday Inn.[:I]
EDITYes I used to take My high Standards to a match and switch Barrels depending on both light conditions and how much Wobble I had Long barrels need a VERY steady hand to keep from trying to PICK shoots [V]0 -
Weight has always been a factor for me when shooting the various .22 Target pistols. Anything 0ver 38 ounces, with a long barrel causes me to shake.
If your set on a Model 41, get one with a 5" "Sport" barrel. This isn't the bull barrel model that S & W sells now.
They the "Sport" barrels were available years ago. Smith also sold the barrels separately, as they are compatible with any of the 41's. It's just a matter of removing the original barrel and replacing it with one of the "Sport" barrels.
The difference in weight really makes a difference. Specially if you intend to mount a Red Dot or other optical sight. Personally I can't understand how the guys with the long barrel Smiths use them with red dots? They must have arms like Popeye.
"I see some of the cocking indicator, and I see some listings advertised as no dash. I see that in the model number, but what does it signify?"
EDIT #1, The hyphenated number ( after the dash ). Denote major engineering changes S & W made in the basic Model 41. When they revised the basic model to delete the cocking indicator a "-1" was added to the model number on the frame.0 -
Bambi: If you like the longer barrel and the lighter weight you can get a "Clark" barrel or a S&W performance barrel. My wife shoots the lighter STC Clark set up and I use the 5" hvy. at 50 yds. I have several older models and 2 new models. I do find that I need to hone down the trigger weight adjustment part on the new models to get a good 2 lb. trigger (just finished one). From a ransom I have not found the new to be any worse then the old guns (had one bad/inaccurate old one and one bad new one)and they function about equal.
The new one's are already tapped for a scope which is a plus.
1. Do people change barrels - yes, easy to do. Do I, no, I like the hvy. 5". Some do buy the 5"&7" set.
2. Finish - just bought two in the last three years, finish looks just as deep as the old one's I have.0 -
After reading heavily and watching some of the listings, I have a few more questions.
I now see what you guys are referring to about the early models. I see some of the cocking indicator, and I see some listings advertised as no dash. I see that in the model number, but what does it signify?
Also, the old ones seem to be very glossy blueing and the newer ones seem to be more of a flat finish. Is there any significance to this or is it just the pictures or perhaps oil on the gun?
I see some listed with multiple barrels. Do any of you actually change the barrel and shoot with different lengths or is it for set completion (a habit I have)?0
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