I bought a new 2021 manufactured 41PC version late last year. Had some initial issues which I think were related to the magazines more than the gun. Mostly shoots well now. There were feed and partial extraction issues. Mostly with CCI SV. I've used a lot of Eley Contact recently with no problems. So typing this, maybe the CCI SV is more of an issue. Anyway, I like my pistol. Have no experience with older models to be able to comment.

 

Many shooters will consider the 1980's era model 41 pistols to be better finished and better quality, but the new model 41's come with a lifetime warranty. Just something to consider.

 

Thanks for the posts.
Would the lifetime warranty apply to a used recent model?
Sparx

 

Looking at S&W Warranty page- I would take this as only for the original purchaser.

This warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson Inc. This warranty is effective from the date of purchase and applies to the original owner of any firearm.

Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989, ...
Eligibility for this Lifetime Service Policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within 30 days of purchase.

Warranty | Smith & Wesson (smith-wesson.com)

 

There are reports here regularly of quality control issues with the current offerings. Mine is from the early 1990's but after the downgrades in finish. Previous versions were finished in a deep hight polish blue. I have handled those early ones and they are indeed nice to handle and look at.

 

I agree I have newer ones and they shoot great but the older ones have a much higher luster look to the blueing

 

The earlier the better. I like very early M41s.

 

I’ve not had the best luck buying used gun. For the most part someone got rid of them for a reason unless an estate sale or similar circumstance. I can truthfully say the 41 I bought last year is the best firearm I’ve owned out of the hundreds I’ve had in my 82 years

 

There is no way to say with absolute authority that the 80s versus current production will be better. Some will and some wont. You place your bets and you takes your chances, as they say. If you can shoot the particular gun before purchasing that would be optimal. Personally, I got a great price on mine from an estate and took my chances. it turned out to be a winner. It is a 1979 model with a 7" barrel. I would have preferred a 5.5 inch barrel, but I can't complain.

 

Never owned an 80's model 41 and don't intend to

 

Mine is from late ‘60’s, theres something about the craftsmanship back then, I like old school

 

Didn't they stop using the lazy ampersand in 1964? Yours has it.

 

Nope, no Grasshopper here. Just like to verify tidbits of information when I hear them. One would think it would have been much easier for S&W to "fix" their QC issues than institute a lifetime "fix-it-for-free" program. Saying you will repair something for life could get pretty expensive over the long haul when you are dealing with thousands upon thousands of firearms don't you think? I thought the lifetime warranty program started in 1989 for S&W as a way of attracting new customers away from other popular European pistols.

In any event I almost wish Smith and Wesson would drop the Model 41 from its line-up to end the incessant whining about the quality of the pistol. Of course if they did that the whining would turn to crying about why they dropped the 41 and used 41 prices would no doubt increase substantially. Then people would really have something worthwhile to complain about. From a personal stand point I commend Smith and Wesson for continuing to market the 41 and make it affordable to many people. We simply don't know how many Model 41's are made each year and what the actual failure rate is from a warranty return standpoint. Without those numbers any speculation is worthless. My Model 41 PC needed repair right after I bought it and it was handled quickly and efficiently by S&W. With the internet today anyone can start a forest fire over some problem and before you know it the problem item is no more because it is removed from manufacturing. Bad news travels fast on the Net.

Is the Volquartsen a better target pistol? I don't know cuz I have never owned one and don't care to, nor have I owned a Pardini or High Standard. I have owned a Ruger MKIV and it was a decent pistol, but not a great pistol for me. I didn't care for how it felt in my hand. I do like how a Model 41 feels and I followed the suggestions to buy "only vintage" here several years ago. That idea didn't work out for me. It looked terrific, just don't try and shoot it. So I went to the other side and bought new and true to what I heard, it needed a slide stop fix, but I didn't have to fix it or pay for it. Smith and Wesson took care of it. The pistol works flawlessly now. Am I happy with Smith and Wesson? Yes and no, yes because I have a great shooting pistol, but no because I had to send it back to them for repair. That repair doesn't detract from the fact the pistol shoots well now and I am a happy camper.

Rick H.

 

While it may have easier for S&W to fix the problem it was much cheaper to offer a warranty . With a warranty they may only have to fix 1/10 of 1 % . It's all about money Grasshopper.

 

I think there is a little bit of that “I have something and you don’t” going on. I also think the model 41 in all of its variations is one of the best guns ever conceived in the mind of man. I sometimes praise God for giving me the means to afford one. I can find no fault in my recently made one. It just keeps on keeping on. I’m sure it will outlive me and my grandsons as well. I’m completely satisfied

 

I am and have been a match ( Bullseye/Precision Pistol ) shooter since 1980. In some regards your" I have something and you dont" may apply in my case as I have shot my Serial # 14XXX in the 890's and have some national records on the wall . Do you or are yours BS records ?

 

I’ve never shot competitively so no BS here.The 41 sets beside me on the front porch waiting for a critter to show itself. I assume you are proud of your accomplishments and rightfully so.I’m happy we both are satisfied with our 41s

 

If you go to Europe you need to visit Hammerli's plant and museum . In the museum in a glass display case there is a pistol that you would bet is a Model 41 but if the guide will take it out of the display case for your closer examination . You will see Hammerli stamped all over it . You will say how come and you will find out it was developed by Hammerli but they never got it to function to their satisfaction and gave up on it .

 

I had a 90’s model. I had the documentation of lifetime Warranty . when I called for service. , they told me they never had a lifetime warranty.

However, over the three times that the gun went back for the same issue, I was never charged . I just had to pay one way shipping .

I think if I were to do it again, I’d look for a used one that I could shoot before buying .

Should you ever need service, imo , you‘d be better off finding a gunsmith you trust and paying for the repairs. My experience with Sw service has been unacceptable.

That said , if you get a 41 with no issues, I gotta admit, there’s nothing that comes close .