S & W Introduces 50th Anniversary Model 41
Of the thousands of handguns on display at SHOT Show 2008, one in particular caught our eye — the 50th Anniversary Smith & Wesson Model 41 22LR Target pistol. As accurate as it is beautiful, the commemorative Model 41 features full Class A+ machine engraving from stem to stern, with 24-carat gold edging. Served up in a glass-top presentation case, the 50th Anniversary Model 41 has an MSRP of $2150.00.
The Model 41 is one of those classic American designs that has stood the test of time. Many feel the Model 41 represents the apex of American 22LR pistol design, much like the Colt Python is the “crown jewell” of double-action revolvers.
S&W historian Roy Jinks recounts the development of the Model 41: “Sales began in December of 1957 and the Model 41 was first cataloged in 1958. The factory was soon heavily back-ordered and [the Model 41] became the most popular auto-loading pistol offered by the company. In May of 1959 Smith & Wesson introduced a 5-inch lightweight barrel for the handgun to meet the demand of hunters[.] The line of Model 41s was further expanded in September of 1960 with the introduction of the Model 41-1 which fired .22 shorts for the International Rapid Fire Shooters. [I]n August of 1963 the company introduced the 5.5 inch heavy barrel. The last of the major barrel changes occurred in 1965 when the company produced the 5.5-inch heavy barrel with an extendable front sight[.] During the last 50 years the Model 41 has … established many records around the world. Today it is one of the classic target handguns.”
Click For More Info and History of the Model 41 by Roy Jinks (.pdf file)
Similar Posts:
- Sunday Gunday: S&W Model 41 — Classic Rimfire Target Pistol
- Sunday GunDay: Smith & Wesson Model 41 — Rimfire Classic
- New “Optics-Ready” Performance Center S&W Model 41
- Smith & Wesson Revolver Auctioned to Benefit USA Shooting
- New .22LR Rimfire M&P Pistol from Smith & Wesson
Tags: 22LR, Engraving, Smith Wesson
In this age of polymers, plastic and alloys this pistol is somewhat of an anachronism. Steel and wood paired with refined design and elegant finish to persform flawlessly – and still be esthetically beautiful. Form and function have become one with this edition of the Model 41. At its current street price it represents a terrific ‘bargain’ for a product that, in my opinion, will soon be virtually unobtainalbe except by the wealthiest of collectors. I have two – and shoot each. They are more accurate than I will ever be and bring me pleasure each time I look , use and clean them. Bravo to S&W!!
I agree with above comment as I owned one as well. My only issue was putting it back together after cleaning. I had some problems getting the parts to lock in place but it was really the most accurate gun I had for target shooting.
This gun is an anachronism in itself. Steel and wood should be paired with real hand engraving rather than machine engraving. Anything not worthy of hand engraving is simply not worth owning.
would like to buy, any for sale?