Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 41

Serial Number: A227529

Year of Manufacture: 1973-1974

Caliber: .22 LR

Action Type: Single Action, Detachable Magazine Fed Semi-Auto Pistol

Barrel Length: 7 3/8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge undercut blade integral to a rise at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation and is pinned to the barrel “tail” which continues over the slide to the rear of the firearm. The top of the barrel is matte finished with a line of checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece contoured checkered walnut with a slight palm shelf and thumb shelf. The grips have only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered little nicks and scuffs from light use and storage. There are scattered light handling marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a wood presentation case, total of two 10-round magazines, cleaning rod, brush, mop, grooved alloy-handle screwdriver, installed muzzle brake, installed steel barrel weight (inside barrel assembly), alloy barrel weight, "false" muzzle to replace brake, and 30-round cartridge block with mixed headstamp ammunition.

Our Assessment: In July 1947, two prototype pistols—numbered X-41 and X-42—were produced, tested, and improved for the next 10 years. In 1957, the Model 41 was made available to the public for sale when Smith & Wesson produced 679 guns. At the end of 1958, they had built 9,875 Model 41 pistols, then a lighter 5-inch barrel was offered in 1958 for field use. The pistol is intended for competition and even has the same grip angle as a pistol we all know and love, the legendary 1911. From its introduction in 1957 to this very day, the Smith & Wesson model 41 has been considered one of the finest target pistols made commercially.

This is one of the earlier models with a cocking indicator and 7 3/8" barrel. It comes with both a false-muzzle and a muzzle brake, steel and alloy barrel weights, a nice presentation case with 30-round cartridge block, cleaning tools and a brace of 10-round magazines. This example shows hardly any wear, has a great bore and a nice trigger. The action is smooth and these guns typically function flawlessly, these are just great guns. This one should attract the Smith collectors, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better production rimfire pistol. If you are in the market for a .22 target pistol this year, this should be it. Please see our photos and good luck!