When I was about 14 my cousin, a Vietnam vet, introduced me to shooting and firearms by using one of his old model 41s. After a bunch of lessons in safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and mindset he said "Now its time for your first pistol." I was just graduating high school. He said "Keep this Smith & Wesson!" In the last 2 decades I've introduced many newbies to shooting with this same pistol.
I bought mine back in the late 70"s. When I first got it there was a fit and finish problem which didn't effect the shooting but was unpleasant to my eye. I sent it back to S&W and contacted Roy Jinks. He had the firearm remade, he test fired it himself before returning it to me. It is now my most prized handgun. Shoots better than any .22 I've ever owned or fired. We didn't have "steel" to shoot back then so we used change. Both, I and my sons have nickles, dimes, and quarters we shot off hand with iron sights at 15 yards. These things shoot ! I'm sure they can shoot better than anyone that shoots them. Great Vidieo Plinkster Thanks, and NO, my 41 isn't for sale !
Love my 41. Standard model from 1969. Shoots like a dream. I love the "glass rod" break of the trigger. I bought an after market barrel from Clark Custom so I could mount an Ultra Dot on it. Didn't want to be drilling holes in the original. I've got enough tied up in it, to have been able to purchase a new one from the Custom Shop, but I wouldn't part with this one for twice the money.
I have studied this pistol for six month with the intention of purchasing one. I can honestly say I learned much more from your video than my six month of research. I really appreciate the time and effort you put in making this video.
I had a 5.5” model 41 that I let get away about 20 years ago. I have regretted it ever since because it was a superb pistol. I have been looking for another but as you say, they don’t show up in gun stores often.
Awesome pistol. I bought mine in the mid-seventies, and carried it on the trapline for a few decades. It's never failed me. There is one thing though: it is designed, engineered, and built to shoot 40 grain bullets, and it does that superbly. It's a fussy eater. You can shoot lighter bullets, but you may get a stovepipe on ejection, or a failure to extract/cock. There is nothing wrong with the gun; just the ammo. Just feed it what it was designed to shoot!
I used to have a 7” model 41. We were in a desperate financial condition nearly thirty years ago and had to sell it to pay rent. I used it in small bore silhouette competition with its open sights out to 100 yards. CCI Green tag and Eley Club went through it beautifully. That thing shot better than I did consistently. I always regret selling it and would dearly love to have another one like it again.
I think I would have raided my junk drawer before I sold off a beloved and proven shooter. I have junk guns that would be first to go too before a favorite. Pretty much anybody can find enough ammo, holsters, scopes, reloading equipment etc..etc they bought and now don't like to generate some cash in a pinch.
CCI Standard Velocity is my favorite .22LR ammunition for shooting bullseye. I've found that its performance is outstanding, consistent, and reliable. The accuracy can't be beat!
Mist Passiert : All the formal ammo tests show CCI Standard Velocity is very close to the performance of the very expensive brands. Big 5 this month had it on sale for $3.50 per 50. You can then toss on one of the “$10 off purchases of $30” coupons. 400 for $18 ($.045 per shot).
I have a Ruger Mark III and it is nice, however my dream pistol is a S&W 41, I shot one many years ago, it was a dream to shoot. As you note they are pricey. Since this initial post, I have purchased a S&W 41, and I love it.
I have a 5inch model 41 with ten magazines , I love mine , loves CCI tactical . Anyway , while I have other guns and in other calibers, like you , I love 22 . Waiting for my dead air mask HD , sounds great on my ruger American rimfire with 1 1/2 lb timney trigger . Trying to find a 7 inch barrel for the 41 . Been watching your videos for years , great videos ! Also , I picked up recoil springs which help . Wolf springs will help with both lower and higher velocity ammo . LOVE My 41 ! With eley tenex it is the most accurate pistol I've shot . You really don't realize just how accurate that button rifled pistol is until you put some high dollar 22 ammo thru it . Thank you again .
I love my model 41! Mine is 20 years old... Not even sure they had a Performance Center model back then. It is a little finicky on ammo. 40 gr CCI std vel works great. I try to shoot once a week and I always start with my 41. It teaches you good habits. If/when I start to shoot bad with something else, I always go back to it. It shows me what I'm doing wrong.
Well! I needed to know that! Thanks! I have a mixed lot of ammunition and several revolvers, so I got in the habit of just using whatever was handy, with mixed results. Now I have a CLUE! I'm so glad this is something that's freely available.
I sold an "A" model many years ago, and was fortunate to pick up another Model 41 about 15 years ago, a 7". This one isn't going anywhere. Plinkster forgot to mention you can change barrels if you want to own both a 5" and 7". Thanks for the video !
@@paulatudor691 The last time I looked they were $45, but things have changed. I know S&W 422 and 622 mags will work, but they are hard to find for a decent price.
Way back in 1975-76, I was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. I got on the post pistol team and I was issued 3 pistols, a custom tuned 1911A1, a S&W model 52 in 38 Special Wadcutter and a model 41. I got to be pretty good with all 3 of them but the 2 Smiths were always better shooters than I was.
I wish I had bought a model 41 back in the 80's when I first started shooting. It was around $500 CAD. My friend is buying this gun soon and I will finally get to try it out!
Smith and Wesson did in fact design the pistol to be shot with 40 grain round nose ammo. That is info straight from a very knowledgeable tech at Smith and Wesson. Also, the older models from the 50's through early 1970's are superior in every way to the newer current made pistols. Fit, finish trigger, there is no comparison to quality of the vintage guns. YOUR video nailed it!!!
I just bought a Model 41 7 3/8th barrel with comp, a High Standard "The Victor" and a High Standard Supermatic Trophy. Not sure how old the 41 is but the High Standards were both bought on the same day back in 1975. The 41 has the cocked hammer indicator on the rear and it looks to be an older one. I just love pawn shops.
I was considering a new Victory with fiber optic sights priced at $439 however I’m going with the new 7” model 41 priced @ $1200. Because I want no avoid wanting Volquartson upgrades, also the last one I want is a woodsman match and Maby a HiStandard Victor. Great video, thanks!
I started bullseye shooting 34 years ago. The club where I started talked me into getting the 41 and a custom .45. I’ve had only one issue with the gun and that’s failure to eject completely. At the very beginning, that was a known issue with the gun. Old timers put a small drop of gun oil on the case, not bullet, of the top shell in the mag. I’ve never had a single failure since in 34 years. Now they suggest removing the bolt buffer or replacing the 7.5lb recoil spring with a lighter spring. You can purchase a pack with a 7, 6.5, and a 6lb spring to see which works best.
Hi, Thanks for 12 minutes of nostalgia. Before the pistol ban here in the UK I had a model 41. It was the best all round pistol I ever shot. It's true the European single shot target (free) pistols have better triggers and are more accurate, as do their rapid fire pistols. If however you want one 22lr pistol for all competitions, you won't get better than a model 41.
@@hokanut to be fair it was the people who did it. After a mass shooting ( the only one I think we've had in the UK) a huge number of people lobbied their MPs (congressmen) to do something to prevent it happening again. At the next election the leader of the Labour Party (Democrat) said if he was elected he would introduce stricter firearms laws and ban the private ownership of handguns. He was elected with a huge majority. It's what the people wanted, and in a democracy we abide by the majority decision .
Great vid! I started with a 41. Now I only buy guns that is as good as or better. If you have´nt tried an AW93 (Feinwerkbau), thats the king. I promise. Cheers from Onsala.
I had the 41's little brother the Smith 422 in six inch that was a little more affordable for the average person back then. I don't know '87 to '96 when it was produced. Wish I had kept it. Just didn't like the internal hammer and the field strip. I could have lived with it in hind sight considering what is on the market today. But it was an awesome target pistol for the price back then. Thanks for sharing.
I got my 41 in 1981... $280. Soda cans at 100 yards, off-hand with open sights, was something I could hit with no problem. I used it for targets and squirrel hunting too. Great gun... my sons both lay claim to it and I need to figure out what to put in my will!
Thank you good vid. I have 41 and love it, worth every cent.However if the money is on the high side for anyone then get a S&W 22A .Has to be the best 22LR pistol for the money. I have one and it is a very reliable shooter. Both these pistols are easy to clean and maintain. One thing to remember , avoid dropping the slide on an empty chamber, just hold it and slow it down as you drop it. The frame has been known to crack and it does seem this may be the cause. We all need at least one 22 LR pistol :) cheers.
+sooner54 I didn't know about this pistol. Its nice they have something to compete against the Browning Buckmarks and Rugers. I'll have to hunt up some UA-cam reviews of the S&W 22A. Thanks for your post.
PacificAirwave144 They are an excellent pistol, they are solid have good weight to them and are so easy to strip and clean compared to most 22 LR's .They will eat most ammo but we find the 40 grain slugs moving nice and fast really make the 22's a joy to shoot. That price is really money well spent. It's a keeper like the 41 ,Fortune cookie 45 does some good vids on these and 22 plinkster is worth looking at too. you wont want to sell it. Cheers.
+PacificAirwave144 I hope you didn't buy the 22a ,they have a pos "pot metal" frame. I I had one w/ under 1k rounds through it and the rear "hook" broke right off, like this --- bryco-jennings-jimenezarms.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=23499
den hayes Hay thanks for the reply. Yes they have been known to fail there. I will machine up a little nylon shock absorber for mine. I put one in my SKS and it really stops the slide smashing back at the end of its travel. Dropping the slide on an empty chamber on the 22a is probably not a good thing either,sounds horrible and may cause that cracking.For the money I'm happy to take the risk.They do run sweet but one dry fire will cause feed issues. Appreciate the post, cheers.
I will stick with my High Standard Victor.Just got the Marval Custom Gunworks no drill scope base and am going to check out the seemore RTS2 red dot.As always ,wonderful video!Oh I had a 41 about 25 years ago with both barrels and I could never get really comfortable shooting it.
I was taught to shoot 'Bullseye' in college with a Model 41. Probably 1967 or 68. I'm guessing that's just not done in schools today. The 41 is top notch. I had a High Standard Trophy (the original company) many years ago that I would put heads up against the Smith. $1600.00 is unobtainium in my budget nowadays, but if you've the wherewithal it's money well spent and you'll pass in on to your grand-kids and they to theirs.
Have you tried a lighter spring? Mine is finicky about 36g lead with the stock-strength spring, but totally reliable with a lighter spring. I have had mine for over 20 years and as you say, it would be the last pistol I would part with. I tried both the 7" and 5.5" a lot and I definitely preferred the shorter barrel for extended shooting. I used to shoot weekly with a small group of very good shooters. One of the guys had a Hamerli 208 that I lusted after for the longest time. But running a couple of bricks through one only made me like my S&W 41 more. With Eley Tenex, it is a far better shooter than I am. But Federal Gold Medal Match is almost as good and half the price.
I've had mine at least 30 years and stopped counting at ~10k rounds. I would venture to say most of these pistols are sold after the owner has passed away...and by the way you can "machine gun" it. For safety's sake I won't say how, but it doesn't involve any modification, the trigger is that good
I ordered a Performance Center M41 this summer and was told to expect it in 20 months.....So I found a used one to shoot until then. I called S&W to ask about getting a 7 inch barrel for the used one(they interchange easily) and they said they were stockpiling parts for their next run and not selling any.... The only gun I own with a sweeter trigger is a S&W Model 52.
I have an as I recall 1971 model purchased used at a local gun shop and a couple of extra barrels (they are interchangeable even those made before cnc machining). It does have one issue in that the magazine that I bought it with performs well, but nothing else does even when carefully tuned to match the original. This has been frustrating enough that I recently bought a Performance Center much like your test model. I haven’t had a chance to evaluate yet, but be aware Model 51s have a reputation for being finicky about magazines.
Shot competition with my 41 for years great precision pistol. Three years ago ran across a Smith Wesson 422. I liked it overall design, clean an sleek. It'll shoot any 22lr ammo. Very accurate. 5 gal. Bucket at 120 yards no problem. Bank for the buck beats the 41 shamelessly.
4tango123. I just came across your post. I have recently pulled my 422 out of the safe ( not sure how many decades ago I purchased it but I believe it was around $179) I also have a 41 and you’re right about the accuracy comparison. And the 41 cost me $1200 a few years ago:). And I just got a thread adapter for the 422 and it cycles flawlessly suppressed. Didn’t realize that the barrel was threaded.
Very nice pistol. I have shot browning 150 's ,Walter , Hammerli. .Sako's and high standards., and the 41 in competition. I have found that out of them all my HS Victor was the best of them all.
Awesome video. Any chance you could do something with regards to the High Standards .22 pistols? I have one that I inherited from my grandfather and its a tack driver.
I'm shocked you didn't already have one in your Collection !!!! Maybe Not the Performance Center version, but at least a model 41 ??? Great Shooting !!! As Always !!!!
One thing I found about the failure on the first round. When you chamber the first round pull back on the slide maybe 1/4" and push it back the first round does not fail. I'm not sure why but it works.
Great video, and thank you for your time posting and commenting on it. I own a M41 and I'd like to add a CMoore Red dot to it, I also have the rail to attach it. My question is: I normally shoot at 7 yards distance, in your opinion which MOA dot should I get?, Thank you
I bought a new S & W 41 performance center recently. Brand new in the box. The trigger guard would not pull down for disassembly, the safety took a pry bar to move ( I am exaggerating but not much) you could not manually rack the slide. It was stuck. Then if you kept working at it and got it to work it would lock up again. All this without ever loading it. The only feature that worked was the mag release. I sent it back and I think they fixed it, but how can a new gun leave the Performance Center with all these failures? As Far as the grips go there is none better, but I have XXXL hand size. The sights and trigger are way ahead of anything else close to this price.
A friend of a friend (the guy you only sorta remember his name LOL) has one of these and let me shoot it, and I tried for the longest time afterwords to figure out what it was. Figured it out because of this video. Thanks!
9 років тому+1
Love your new set up in a "back woods" setting, much like Hickock45's... Keep up the good work!
.22 Plinkster - I hope you see this... Between the two - if you only could have one & as they come "out of the box", and with the iron sites - which one would you choose? A Ruger Mark IV ? or a S&W model 41?
*LOVE my 2 mod 41 long barrels I have. THE BEST 22 OUT there. I have one from the 50's and one from the 80's. looks like the earlier one has not been shot. my 80's I shot the shit out of. they are AWESOME*
Thank you for such a quick response. I love your videos and enthusiasm for firearms. You are so helpful. Do you mind sharingwhat it is about the black mamba that you prefer over the sw performance center model 41? I just bought the performance center based on your great review. I also got an sig Romeo 3 xl red dot to mount on it. I will steam my son to the black mamba based on your recommendation. Thank you@@22plinkster
22 Plinkster I got a bad ass 22 pistol I got it many years ago and it is a tack driver it shot great with The adjustable sights but now I put a red dot on it since I finally found a mount for it the mount was $165. It is a sig arms trailside it’s a awesome 22 pistol bro have u ever shot one. Just a fan of yours. Hoyt
I have a 41 for 35 years also have an old high standard an god it is a good shooter. there were some super good high standards made would love to shoot a 10x. There were a lot of high standard models they were al good but some were gooder.
I shot Bulls Eye competition in my youth. High Standards and Smith 41 and a few Browning Medalists were about all you saw on the firing line and for good reason, they all are fine target pistols. That said will any turn a novice shooter into a master overnight? No Practice and more practice and discipline tighten groups. Today you can pick up a Buckmark or Smith A-1 for $400 or less and both are respectable. Cheers
I have a smith Wesson model41 love it! I believe it was produced in 1958 serial number 3386. In great shape, I shoot it all the time. What do you think ???? In 1957 they made 679 of these I heard so....1958 do you think???
Rugers at my club where I teach, used to fail to fire all the time and always blamed on the factory ammo. I just reset the round in number one on the mag and she fires. I much prefer that model which was the model of choice of line shooters when I am range officer. Cleaning them is easier too.
* Amazing Shooter. I luv my 22's. my Bobcat ,mark 1 & mark 4 22/45 lite. Everyone should be able to enjoy a 22 at some point in life. even my wife luvs her pink wood gripped pt-22. She likes the DAO so happy wife happy life, she even understands the double tap and is good at it. Can't give her any CCI cause of so many failures this year (2017) but the best we have used are the smooth waxed leadheaded 40 gr Remington Thunderbolts. After Christmas im gonna give cci a chance to redeem themselves with thiere Christmas, for lack of a better word gimmick, the red Christmas box with the red & green poly coated Christmas bullets. No we aint gonna shoot at Rudolph but Yes i saw your review on them and went out and found some in my local supplier (Rome gun & pawn) down here in north Ga. got there last few boxes. Thought i would slip them under the tree or in her stocking ;) you know. Keep up the good 22 reviews. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Yes that’s a fine pistol. I don’t own one , I have a Ruger .,It works just fine but not as easy to drive tacks without a lot of practice. But you can with that one. Colt Woodsman also makes a target pistol.
Hi Plinkster from Canada. I do not post up often, sorry, but first let me say how nice your new facilities are. That is one sweet pistol, one I have been eyeing at our local gun shop. Will you purchase yours? I know you like your Browning Buckmark and you shoot fine with it. Are these guns comparable? TY again for another fine video.
When I was about 14 my cousin, a Vietnam vet, introduced me to shooting and firearms by using one of his old model 41s. After a bunch of lessons in safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and mindset he said "Now its time for your first pistol." I was just graduating high school. He said "Keep this Smith & Wesson!" In the last 2 decades I've introduced many newbies to shooting with this same pistol.
Night Fury good story!
Very nice story and thanks for paying it forward by introducing to new shooters
Thanks for the kind words gents 😉😎
My dad served in Viet Nam also and later taught me to shoot pistols with a S&W Model 41 so your story brought back some great memories, thanks!
I bought mine back in the late 70"s. When I first got it there was a fit and finish problem which didn't effect the shooting but was unpleasant to my eye. I sent it back to S&W and contacted Roy Jinks. He had the firearm remade, he test fired it himself before returning it to me. It is now my most prized handgun. Shoots better than any .22 I've ever owned or fired. We didn't have "steel" to shoot back then so we used change. Both, I and my sons have nickles, dimes, and quarters we shot off hand with iron sights at 15 yards. These things shoot ! I'm sure they can shoot better than anyone that shoots them.
Great Vidieo Plinkster Thanks, and NO, my 41 isn't for sale !
Love my 41. Standard model from 1969. Shoots like a dream. I love the "glass rod" break of the trigger. I bought an after market barrel from Clark Custom so I could mount an Ultra Dot on it. Didn't want to be drilling holes in the original. I've got enough tied up in it, to have been able to purchase a new one from the Custom Shop, but I wouldn't part with this one for twice the money.
I own one of the traditional model 41's, and it is sweeeet. Even with iron sights it is super accurate, and it has almost no recoil.
I have studied this pistol for six month with the intention of purchasing one. I can honestly say I learned much more from your video than my six month of research. I really appreciate the time and effort you put in making this video.
I had a 5.5” model 41 that I let get away about 20 years ago. I have regretted it ever since because it was a superb pistol. I have been looking for another but as you say, they don’t show up in gun stores often.
Had mine since the 70s. Everything you said it true. Shot it a lot, and still will. Never ever getting rid of it.
Same here. Mine is from the 70s (belonged to my dad). I learned to shot with it and he gave it to me in 97. I'll never sell it and love shooting it.
Those little things are crazy accurate and have amazing triggers even when it's not a performance model
Awesome pistol. I bought mine in the mid-seventies, and carried it on the trapline for a few decades. It's never failed me. There is one thing though: it is designed, engineered, and built to shoot 40 grain bullets, and it does that superbly. It's a fussy eater. You can shoot lighter bullets, but you may get a stovepipe on ejection, or a failure to extract/cock. There is nothing wrong with the gun; just the ammo. Just feed it what it was designed to shoot!
My father tought me how to shoot with the Model 41 when I was like 8 yrs old. No optics, just iron sights. I loved that gun. I am 52 yrs old, btw.
I have owned a S&W 41 for 35 years, mine was made in 1958, I have shot many 22 LR pistols. By far my 41 is my favorite of all to shoot.
I used to have a 7” model 41. We were in a desperate financial condition nearly thirty years ago and had to sell it to pay rent. I used it in small bore silhouette competition with its open sights out to 100 yards. CCI Green tag and Eley Club went through it beautifully. That thing shot better than I did consistently. I always regret selling it and would dearly love to have another one like it again.
I think I would have raided my junk drawer before I sold off a beloved and proven shooter. I have junk guns that would be first to go too before a favorite.
Pretty much anybody can find enough ammo, holsters, scopes, reloading equipment etc..etc they bought and now don't like to generate some cash in a pinch.
CCI Standard Velocity is my favorite .22LR ammunition for shooting bullseye. I've found that its performance is outstanding, consistent, and reliable. The accuracy can't be beat!
Mist Passiert : All the formal ammo tests show CCI Standard Velocity is very close to the performance of the very expensive brands. Big 5 this month had it on sale for $3.50 per 50. You can then toss on one of the “$10 off purchases of $30” coupons. 400 for $18 ($.045 per shot).
I have a Ruger Mark III and it is nice, however my dream pistol is a S&W 41, I shot one many years ago, it was a dream to shoot. As you note they are pricey. Since this initial post, I have purchased a S&W 41, and I love it.
I have a 5inch model 41 with ten magazines , I love mine , loves CCI tactical . Anyway , while I have other guns and in other calibers, like you , I love 22 . Waiting for my dead air mask HD , sounds great on my ruger American rimfire with 1 1/2 lb timney trigger . Trying to find a 7 inch barrel for the 41 . Been watching your videos for years , great videos ! Also , I picked up recoil springs which help . Wolf springs will help with both lower and higher velocity ammo . LOVE My 41 ! With eley tenex it is the most accurate pistol I've shot . You really don't realize just how accurate that button rifled pistol is until you put some high dollar 22 ammo thru it . Thank you again .
I love my model 41! Mine is 20 years old... Not even sure they had a Performance Center model back then. It is a little finicky on ammo. 40 gr CCI std vel works great. I try to shoot once a week and I always start with my 41. It teaches you good habits. If/when I start to shoot bad with something else, I always go back to it. It shows me what I'm doing wrong.
Well! I needed to know that! Thanks! I have a mixed lot of ammunition and several revolvers, so I got in the habit of just using whatever was handy, with mixed results. Now I have a CLUE! I'm so glad this is something that's freely available.
I sold an "A" model many years ago, and was fortunate to pick up another Model 41 about 15 years ago, a 7". This one isn't going anywhere. Plinkster forgot to mention you can change barrels if you want to own both a 5" and 7". Thanks for the video !
Extra clips are $90 each yiu might want to buy a few and out a couple up
@@paulatudor691 The last time I looked they were $45, but things have changed. I know S&W 422 and 622 mags will work, but they are hard to find for a decent price.
Way back in 1975-76, I was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. I got on the post pistol team and I was issued 3 pistols, a custom tuned 1911A1, a S&W model 52 in 38 Special Wadcutter and a model 41. I got to be pretty good with all 3 of them but the 2 Smiths were always better shooters than I was.
Hickok, you sure look a lot younger now!
+Lorde Kiblington No Soda died....
+Lorde Kiblington No pot smoking either. =(
+Tika Gitzen but life is still good ...!!!...=)
agree
+Lorde Kiblington Looks like his range as well.
I wish I had bought a model 41 back in the 80's when I first started shooting. It was around $500 CAD. My friend is buying this gun soon and I will finally get to try it out!
Smith and Wesson did in fact design the pistol to be shot with 40 grain round nose ammo. That is info straight from a very knowledgeable tech at Smith and Wesson. Also, the older models from the 50's through early 1970's are superior in every way to the newer current made pistols. Fit, finish trigger, there is no comparison to quality of the vintage guns. YOUR video nailed it!!!
I just bought a Model 41 7 3/8th barrel with comp, a High Standard "The Victor" and a High Standard Supermatic Trophy. Not sure how old the 41 is but the High Standards were both bought on the same day back in 1975. The 41 has the cocked hammer indicator on the rear and it looks to be an older one. I just love pawn shops.
I was considering a new Victory with fiber optic sights priced at $439 however I’m going with the new 7” model 41 priced @ $1200. Because I want no avoid wanting Volquartson upgrades, also the last one I want is a woodsman match and Maby a HiStandard Victor. Great video, thanks!
Super video.
Nice pistol. I have one from 1977 , its shoot like a dream. Number one 22 pistol.
Hickok 22
+Matthew Vega Nah....Hickock pronounces all of his "L"'s.
I started bullseye shooting 34 years ago. The club where I started talked me into getting the 41 and a custom .45. I’ve had only one issue with the gun and that’s failure to eject completely. At the very beginning, that was a known issue with the gun. Old timers put a small drop of gun oil on the case, not bullet, of the top shell in the mag. I’ve never had a single failure since in 34 years. Now they suggest removing the bolt buffer or replacing the 7.5lb recoil spring with a lighter spring. You can purchase a pack with a 7, 6.5, and a 6lb spring to see which works best.
Love the heck out of my 41. Looking forward to seeing you hit 1M subs too! It’s definitely coming!👍🏻
Hi, Thanks for 12 minutes of nostalgia. Before the pistol ban here in the UK I had a model 41. It was the best all round pistol I ever shot. It's true the European single shot target (free) pistols have better triggers and are more accurate, as do their rapid fire pistols. If however you want one 22lr pistol for all competitions, you won't get better than a model 41.
The gooberment TOOK your 41? That just ticks me off.
@@hokanut to be fair it was the people who did it. After a mass shooting ( the only one I think we've had in the UK) a huge number of people lobbied their MPs (congressmen) to do something to prevent it happening again. At the next election the leader of the Labour Party (Democrat) said if he was elected he would introduce stricter firearms laws and ban the private ownership of handguns. He was elected with a huge majority. It's what the people wanted, and in a democracy we abide by the majority decision .
That Model 41 is to die for. Oh, one question- if you buy one does a Smith & Wesson tee shirt come with it?
I love the 41, I mainly use a volquartsen for target, but dinking around in the woods this is my goto
I just got this exact model, it is everything you describe.
Great vid! I started with a 41. Now I only buy guns that is as good as or better. If you have´nt tried an AW93 (Feinwerkbau), thats the king. I promise. Cheers from Onsala.
I had the 41's little brother the Smith 422 in six inch that was a little more affordable for the average person back then. I don't know '87 to '96 when it was produced. Wish I had kept it. Just didn't like the internal hammer and the field strip. I could have lived with it in hind sight considering what is on the market today. But it was an awesome target pistol for the price back then. Thanks for sharing.
I got my 41 in 1981... $280. Soda cans at 100 yards, off-hand with open sights, was something I could hit with no problem. I used it for targets and squirrel hunting too. Great gun... my sons both lay claim to it and I need to figure out what to put in my will!
Thank you good vid. I have 41 and love it, worth every cent.However if the money is on the high side for anyone then get a S&W 22A .Has to be the best 22LR pistol for the money. I have one and it is a very reliable shooter. Both these pistols are easy to clean and maintain. One thing to remember , avoid dropping the slide on an empty chamber, just hold it and slow it down as you drop it. The frame has been known to crack and it does seem this may be the cause. We all need at least one 22 LR pistol :) cheers.
+sooner54 I didn't know about this pistol. Its nice they have something to compete against the Browning Buckmarks and Rugers. I'll have to hunt up some UA-cam reviews of the S&W 22A. Thanks for your post.
PacificAirwave144 They are an excellent pistol, they are solid have good weight to them and are so easy to strip and clean compared to most 22 LR's .They will eat most ammo but we find the 40 grain slugs moving nice and fast really make the 22's a joy to shoot. That price is really money well spent. It's a keeper like the 41 ,Fortune cookie 45 does some good vids on these and 22 plinkster is worth looking at too. you wont want to sell it. Cheers.
+PacificAirwave144 I hope you didn't buy the 22a ,they have a pos "pot metal" frame. I I had one w/ under 1k rounds through it and the rear "hook" broke right off, like this --- bryco-jennings-jimenezarms.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=23499
den hayes Hay thanks for the reply. Yes they have been known to fail there. I will machine up a little nylon shock absorber for mine. I put one in my SKS and it really stops the slide smashing back at the end of its travel. Dropping the slide on an empty chamber on the 22a is probably not a good thing either,sounds horrible and may cause that cracking.For the money I'm happy to take the risk.They do run sweet but one dry fire will cause feed issues. Appreciate the post, cheers.
Been shooting one scene 1974 in bullseye matches CCI SV it is flawless
First person sight view looks awesome! Please add more of that, especially while doing trick shots.
WOW! S&W let you borrow one!!!! There are many who will never see one in person let alone borrow for several months!You r a lucky fellow!
You are a worthy heir to the Hickock45 throne. Awesome video, and GREAT shooting man. Subscribed.
I will stick with my High Standard Victor.Just got the Marval Custom Gunworks no drill scope base and am going to check out the seemore RTS2 red dot.As always ,wonderful video!Oh I had a 41 about 25 years ago with both barrels and I could never get really comfortable shooting it.
Thanks for this video. Seems like a remarkable pistol.
I was taught to shoot 'Bullseye' in college with a Model 41. Probably 1967 or 68. I'm guessing that's just not done in schools today. The 41 is top notch. I had a High Standard Trophy (the original company) many years ago that I would put heads up against the Smith. $1600.00 is unobtainium in my budget nowadays, but if you've the wherewithal it's money well spent and you'll pass in on to your grand-kids and they to theirs.
Have you tried a lighter spring? Mine is finicky about 36g lead with the stock-strength spring, but totally reliable with a lighter spring.
I have had mine for over 20 years and as you say, it would be the last pistol I would part with. I tried both the 7" and 5.5" a lot and I definitely preferred the shorter barrel for extended shooting. I used to shoot weekly with a small group of very good shooters. One of the guys had a Hamerli 208 that I lusted after for the longest time. But running a couple of bricks through one only made me like my S&W 41 more.
With Eley Tenex, it is a far better shooter than I am. But Federal Gold Medal Match is almost as good and half the price.
I've had mine at least 30 years and stopped counting at ~10k rounds. I would venture to say most of these pistols are sold after the owner has passed away...and by the way you can "machine gun" it. For safety's sake I won't say how, but it doesn't involve any modification, the trigger is that good
What did it cost 20 years ago?
IIRC I bought 5 Wolff springs for less than $20
The model 41 is outstanding. This is the 1st time I`ve seen one of the PC 41s.
hey plinkster , what about to get tuned metal plates to shoot at it and make a song xD could be great.
i was thinking of a video request, play jingle bells on steel with a suppressor.
+TheRfmodulator same here, thought it would be fun for a Christmas video.
I just got some personally, they're really fun and easy to use.
@jcims like this one ? ua-cam.com/video/YOtf5zDZc5s/v-deo.html
Gorgeous! Love to find a nice, older one, but will never, ever get rid of my Browning Medalist.
I would have liked to see what kind of group you could get on paper. I'm sure it's .25 in your hands but I do like to see accuracy tests on paper
I ordered a Performance Center M41 this summer and was told to expect it in 20 months.....So I found a used one to shoot until then. I called S&W to ask about getting a 7 inch barrel for the used one(they interchange easily) and they said they were stockpiling parts for their next run and not selling any.... The only gun I own with a sweeter trigger is a S&W Model 52.
I have an as I recall 1971 model purchased used at a local gun shop and a couple of extra barrels (they are interchangeable even those made before cnc machining). It does have one issue in that the magazine that I bought it with performs well, but nothing else does even when carefully tuned to match the original. This has been frustrating enough that I recently bought a Performance Center much like your test model. I haven’t had a chance to evaluate yet, but be aware Model 51s have a reputation for being finicky about magazines.
Shot competition with my 41 for years great precision pistol. Three years ago ran across a Smith Wesson 422. I liked it overall design, clean an sleek. It'll shoot any 22lr ammo.
Very accurate. 5 gal. Bucket at 120 yards no problem. Bank for the buck beats the 41 shamelessly.
4tango123. I just came across your post. I have recently pulled my 422 out of the safe ( not sure how many decades ago I purchased it but I believe it was around $179) I also have a 41 and you’re right about the accuracy comparison. And the 41 cost me $1200 a few years ago:). And I just got a thread adapter for the 422 and it cycles flawlessly suppressed. Didn’t realize that the barrel was threaded.
Oh mman, in 1996 I paid $400.00, still got that sweet girl.
Love your new setup plinkster. Great vid
I've been wanting a model 41 since 1976 but have always put family first. Now that everybody is grown up maybe it's my turn to own one....maybe
Nice pistol, Plinkster! I will probably get one when I have the chance. However, I was more impressed with your custom Scorpion and have one on order.
Thanks a lot for sharing this! Always cool to see the model 41.
Thanks for the video. Got me motivated to rebuild Dad's early CO2 version I have sitting here.
Very nice pistol. I have shot browning 150 's ,Walter , Hammerli. .Sako's and high standards., and the 41 in competition. I have found that out of them all my HS Victor was the best of them all.
Awesome video. Any chance you could do something with regards to the High Standards .22 pistols? I have one that I inherited from my grandfather and its a tack driver.
Good shooting as usual. Colt made high dollar pistols that few could afford also. Thanks for the video.
I'm shocked you didn't already have one in your Collection !!!! Maybe Not the Performance Center version, but at least a model 41 ???
Great Shooting !!! As Always !!!!
One thing I found about the failure on the first round. When you chamber the first round pull back on the slide maybe 1/4" and push it back the first round does not fail. I'm not sure why but it works.
I got one 👍🏼 love it 😊
Great video, and thank you for your time posting and commenting on it. I own a M41 and I'd like to add a CMoore Red dot to it, I also have the rail to attach it. My question is: I normally shoot at 7 yards distance, in your opinion which MOA dot should I get?, Thank you
I'll be looking this pinker up for sure!
Plinker...lol
I bought a new S & W 41 performance center recently. Brand new in the box. The trigger guard would not pull down for disassembly, the safety took a pry bar to move ( I am exaggerating but not much) you could not manually rack the slide. It was stuck. Then if you kept working at it and got it to work it would lock up again. All this without ever loading it. The only feature that worked was the mag release. I sent it back and I think they fixed it, but how can a new gun leave the Performance Center with all these failures? As Far as the grips go there is none better, but I have XXXL hand size. The sights and trigger are way ahead of anything else close to this price.
A friend of a friend (the guy you only sorta remember his name LOL) has one of these and let me shoot it, and I tried for the longest time afterwords to figure out what it was. Figured it out because of this video. Thanks!
Love your new set up in a "back woods" setting, much like Hickock45's... Keep up the good work!
The new range is nice, congrats.
love the vids and that ur back making vids
.22 Plinkster - I hope you see this... Between the two - if you only could have one & as they come "out of the box", and with the iron sites - which one would you choose? A Ruger Mark IV ? or a S&W model 41?
Older 41s are where it’s at. I would own a modern one as a beater.
Hello 22plinkster,
You should make a music video (xmas special) using those steel targets. Perhaps a live, uncut one... :)
Keep on plinkin...
I'll second that suggestion. Maybe use a suppressed 10/22 with a 25 rnd mag at 50 yds... A missed shot or bad timing would really stand out.
Chris Chang has done a few songs with a supressed 10/22
Already have one and it's a classic!
ua-cam.com/video/T0_zzCLLRvE/v-deo.html
I have the 46 that was developed for the Air Force as a training gun. They only made 4000 of them…. But it’s a great gun!
If I would live in USA I would certainly buy S&W 41, Ruger IV and Brown Buttmark to myself. Cool guns!!!
*LOVE my 2 mod 41 long barrels I have. THE BEST 22 OUT there. I have one from the 50's and one from the 80's. looks like the earlier one has not been shot. my 80's I shot the shit out of. they are AWESOME*
Now you just need to review the Clark custom threaded model!!
Which would you chose: Model 41 or black mamba?
Black Mamba 💯
Thank you for such a quick response. I love your videos and enthusiasm for firearms. You are so helpful. Do you mind sharingwhat it is about the black mamba that you prefer over the sw performance center model 41? I just bought the performance center based on your great review. I also got an sig Romeo 3 xl red dot to mount on it. I will steam my son to the black mamba based on your recommendation. Thank you@@22plinkster
The mic makes that .22 sound cool.
Paid $400 for my 41 and have never had any problems. It may cost a little more now have had the 41 about 36 years.
22 Plinkster I got a bad ass 22 pistol I got it many years ago and it is a tack driver it shot great with The adjustable sights but now I put a red dot on it since I finally found a mount for it the mount was $165. It is a sig arms trailside it’s a awesome 22 pistol bro have u ever shot one. Just a fan of yours. Hoyt
I have a 41 for 35 years also have an old high standard an god it is a good shooter. there were some super good high standards made would love to shoot a 10x. There were a lot of high standard models they were al good but some were gooder.
If you have shot a High Standard Citation? If so, how does it compare to this S&W?
I shot Bulls Eye competition in my youth. High Standards and Smith 41 and a few Browning Medalists were about all you saw on the firing line and for good reason, they all are fine target pistols. That said will any turn a novice shooter into a master overnight? No Practice and more practice and discipline tighten groups. Today you can pick up a Buckmark or Smith A-1 for $400 or less and both are respectable. Cheers
The M41 is the Python of 22's
Let's see a comparo with the Model 41 and the Colt Woodsman Match Target!
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IS the Performance Center Mod 41 that much Better than the standard 41?....other than the rail ? Nice job !
Really good video Plinkster!
I have a smith Wesson model41 love it! I believe it was produced in 1958 serial number 3386. In great shape, I shoot it all the time. What do you think ???? In 1957 they made 679 of these I heard so....1958 do you think???
Rugers at my club where I teach, used to fail to fire all the time and always blamed on the factory ammo. I just reset the round in number one on the mag and she fires. I much prefer that model which was the model of choice of line shooters when I am range officer. Cleaning them is easier too.
It’s very nice looking gun .
Awesome video. You should find metal plates with certain pitches and play marry had a little lamb by shooting them.
* Amazing Shooter. I luv my 22's. my Bobcat ,mark 1 & mark 4 22/45 lite. Everyone should be able to enjoy a 22 at some point in life. even my wife luvs her pink wood gripped pt-22. She likes the DAO so happy wife happy life, she even understands the double tap and is good at it. Can't give her any CCI cause of so many failures this year (2017) but the best we have used are the smooth waxed leadheaded 40 gr Remington Thunderbolts. After Christmas im gonna give cci a chance to redeem themselves with thiere Christmas, for lack of a better word gimmick, the red Christmas box with the red & green poly coated Christmas bullets. No we aint gonna shoot at Rudolph but Yes i saw your review on them and went out and found some in my local supplier (Rome gun & pawn) down here in north Ga. got there last few boxes. Thought i would slip them under the tree or in her stocking ;) you know. Keep up the good 22 reviews. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Yes that’s a fine pistol. I don’t own one , I have a Ruger .,It works just fine but not as easy to drive tacks without a lot of practice. But you can with that one. Colt Woodsman also makes a target pistol.
Hi Plinkster from Canada. I do not post up often, sorry, but first let me say how nice your new facilities are. That is one sweet pistol, one I have been eyeing at our local gun shop. Will you purchase yours? I know you like your Browning Buckmark and you shoot fine with it. Are these guns comparable? TY again for another fine video.
How does the 41 compare with the High Standard Supermatic Trophy in your opinion?
I just brought a S&W 41 std model also has trigger stop. I think the standard model is preferable to the PC model.
Can you make a video about the Walther Hammerli 22lr...
Just got a pc new bad boy I have 5.5 two m41 with7” I got new love all them.
S&W recommends CCI SV ammo, don't second guess them. My 41 is around 1970 vintage, a wonderful pistol.
my ruger sr22 will failure to feed with the first two rounds of federal bulk too never have a problem with 40 grain