Smith & Wesson ~ Model 41 ~ .22 Long Rifle

The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a semi-automatic pistol, chambered in .22 Long Rifle and developed by Smith & Wesson after World War II as a competitive target pistol. It was designed with a 105 degree grip angle, the same as the Colt M1911 pistol, to maintain a consistent grip angle. The Model 41 is a typical blowback single-action semi-auto. The barrel is fixed, with the forward part of the slide running under it. The left side of the frame features two control levers: the forward tab is the slide release, as the slide will lock open after the last round has been fired. The manual safety is found at the left rear of the frame, and is moved up to place the pistol on safe. The wooden target grips have a prominent thumbrest on both sides and a checkered panel below each. The magazine release is a pushbutton located just aft of the junction where the trigger guard meets the frame on the left side. The iron sights are what you would expect to find on a premium level, match grade target pistol. The front sight is an undercut Patridge blade front sight while the rear sight is a fully adjustable BoMar style with a large serrated, slightly backward-sloping rear blade. The top of the barrel is serrated in a milled flat that runs the length of the upper surface from the back of the front sight to the rear. Additional features of the Model 41 include an adjustable trigger stop. A hex wrench is needed to turn a set screw that allows adjustment of the trigger travel. Smith & Wesson still makes the Model 41, and, amazingly, it is largely the same pistol that debuted in 1957. There are a few minor cosmetic differences, of course, but the design, accuracy and polish is still there. The bluing on this Model 41 is in reasonably good condition showing some minimal signs of wear on the sharp edges. The checkered wood grips are in very good condition, showing only very minimal handling wear. This Smith & Wesson comes with the original box, two additional magazines, and the original Model 41 Parts List, Instructions for Use, Maintenance, and Specifications. The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is the top of the line in rimfire pistols. Used by national level competitors for acute precision in competition, the Model 41 is considered one of the best .22 target pistols ever manufactured.