Smith & Wesson S&W Model 41 22LR 7 3/8 Semi-Automatic Target Pistol 1954-61

More Sold Semi-auto Pistols

SOLD FOR: $1,276.00

LSB#: LSB260306ML022

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 41

Serial Number: 4512

Year of Manufacture: 1954-61 / C&R

Caliber: .22 LR

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the slide has the S&W trademark logo. The left side of the frame is marked “4512 / MODEL-41”. The right side of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The right side of the slide is marked with the four-line “Marcas Registradas” address.

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 and backstopped with an orange fibre-optic sight. 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 corrugation for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with a palm swell on each panel and a thumb shelf. There are light handling marks throughout the wood. The checkering is semi-sharp. There appears to be a repaired 1/2″ chip at the top of the left grip. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in a Very Good to Fine 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, though there is a bit of lead fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is little operational wear. There are just a very few pits throughout the finish on the right side of the slide. The tips of the slide arms and the muzzle show a little blueing loss. The grip screws are lightly tooled but still quite serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in a Fine condition.

Magazine quantity & Condition: This pistol lacks a magazine.

Mechanics: The function of the action could not be verified without a magazine. This pistol has a manual thumb safety and magazine disconnect. 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: None. This pistol lacks a magazine.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a single-action match target pistol that uses a 10-shot magazine. It was first produced in 1941, was interrupted by WWII, resumed in 1957, and is still under production. It was created with the same 18 degree grip angle that a 1911 has in order to create consistency for shooters. So successful is this target pistol that it is still being produced today.

Available accessories included Olympic counterweights and aluminum or steel upper sections to adjust weight.

This particular 41 has seen some use, it remains in mechanically good shape. It has a cocking indicator, placing it as a pre-1978 gun and commanding a premium from collectors. Its strictly numerical serial number (without an “A” prefix) places it after 1954 and before 1970. Its 1 9/16″ muzzle break places it as 1961 or earlier. With a magazine, this example would be a fine entry point for competitive shooting or a nice addition to a S&W collection.

Please see our photos. -C.B.