Smith & Wesson S&W Model 41 .22 LR 5.5″ Semi-Automatic Target Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,127.98
LSB#: LSB260621MP006
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 41
Serial Number: 97458
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1968 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 5th Edition)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Detachable Magazine Fed Semi-Auto Pistol
Barrel Length: 5.5″, Heavy
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge 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 dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the barrel is serrated and matte finished for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut target grips with a flared base and a thumb rest on the left panel. There are scattered handling wear and compressions throughout. The checkering remains sharp with little to no peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are scattered scuffs and scratches along each side of the barrel, most prevalent on the right side. There are compression dings along the rear serrations of the slide. There is light clouding on the left side of the slide. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 10-round magazines showing moderate operational wear and personalization and remain in Very Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is very light and crisp. This pistol has a manual thumb safety and magazine disconnect. The safety is a little stiff. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Serial matching S&W cardboard box with reinforced corners, 2x 10-round magazines, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is one of the landmark American .22 target pistols of the postwar era, developed specifically for precision competition rather than adapted from an existing service handgun. Smith & Wesson began experimental work on the design in 1947 and, after a decade of development and competitive testing, introduced the Model 41 commercially in 1957. Its single-action, straight-blowback mechanism, fixed barrel and sight relationship, finely tuned trigger, ergonomic walnut target stocks, and quick-change barrel system gave serious bullseye shooters a purpose-built alternative to customized sporting pistols. The 5 1/2″ heavy barrel was introduced during the 1960s, with the extended-front-sight version following in 1965 to provide a sight radius approaching that of the longer target barrel. Serial number 97458 dates this example to approximately 1968, placing it within the classic early production period of one of Smith & Wesson’s most highly regarded target pistols.
This Model 41 remains a well-preserved example, retaining approximately 95% of its original blue finish with scattered scratches and scuffs, localized slide clouding, compression marks around the rear slide serrations, and other evidence of normal handling and use. The checkered walnut target stocks remain in Very Good condition with sharp checkering, a flared base, and left-side thumb rest, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion and only light fouling. Mechanically, the pistol remains strong with a notably light, crisp trigger, functioning manual safety and magazine disconnect, although the safety is somewhat stiff. The two 10-round magazines and serial-matching Smith & Wesson box with paperwork further enhance the completeness of this attractive early Model 41 target package. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY