Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 has been the benchmark for domestic .22 LR target pistols since 1957. It was designed from the ground up as a competition-grade firearm, developed over nearly a decade of prototype testing and shooter feedback before it ever hit the commercial market. When it finally launched, demand was so intense that the factory couldn't keep up. That same reputation has carried forward to today.
The 7-inch barrel on this model is the longer of the two factory options, and it earns its place in a dedicated target setup. The added length gives you a longer sighting plane, a slightly heavier muzzle, and a steadier hold during slow-fire or precision work. The barrel is button-rifled from carbon steel and sits on a carbon steel frame with a deep blued finish and serrated slide. Sights are a micrometer-click adjustable rear paired with an undercut Patridge front, so you can dial in your zero without guesswork. The frame and receiver are also drilled and tapped, which opens the door to Picatinny rail mounting for a red dot if your eyes or your discipline call for it.
The trigger is where the Model 41 really earns its keep. It comes from the factory set between 2.75 and 3.25 lbs with a user-adjustable trigger stop, so you can fine-tune overtravel to your preference. The single-action, blowback operation is clean and consistent. The checkered wood target grips feature a thumbrest cut for right-handed shooters and provide a firm, repeatable hand position that matters when you are shooting groups instead of just sending rounds downrange.
One of the more underappreciated features is the switch-barrel design. The same frame accepts both the 5.5-inch and 7-inch barrels, so adding the shorter barrel later is a straightforward swap. The sights travel with each barrel assembly, so your zero stays where you set it.
This is a purpose-built target pistol through and through. It belongs in the hands of bullseye competitors, serious recreational precision shooters, and collectors who know what they are looking at. S&W has announced that the Model 41 is being discontinued, which means new production stock is winding down. If you have been sitting on the fence, now is the time.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: 41
- MPN: 130512
- UPC: 022188305128
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action, Internal Hammer Fired (Blowback)
- Barrel Length: 7 inches
- Barrel Type: Button-Rifled Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 12 inches
- Weight: Approx. 44.7 oz
- Capacity: 10+1
- Finish: Blued
- Frame Material: Carbon Steel
- Grips: Checkered Wood Target (Right-Hand Thumbrest)
- Sights: Undercut Patridge Front / Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear
- Trigger Pull: 2.75 to 3.25 lbs (Factory Set)
- Safety: Thumb Safety
- Drilled & Tapped: Yes (for Picatinny rail mounting)
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 41 Pistol
- 2 x 10-Round Magazines
- Hard Case
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 7-inch and 5.5-inch Model 41?
Both barrels mount on the same frame, so this is really a question of how you intend to shoot. The 7-inch barrel extends the sight radius, adds a bit more weight forward, and generally favors slow-fire and precision benchwork where a steadier hold pays dividends. The 5.5-inch is a little more manageable for extended range sessions and is required for certain International shooting formats. Since the switch-barrel design lets you run both on a single frame, plenty of owners end up buying both.
Can I mount a red dot or optic on the Model 41?
Yes. Current production Model 41 barrels are drilled and tapped, so mounting a Picatinny rail and a red dot is straightforward with standard hardware. If you want to keep the iron sights intact, many owners pick up a second barrel specifically for use with optics. The sights and adjustments stay with each barrel assembly, so swapping back and forth is clean and simple.
Is the Smith & Wesson Model 41 being discontinued?
Yes. Smith & Wesson has announced the end of production on the Model 41, making remaining new stock genuinely finite. The pistol has been in continuous production since 1957, and it has long been considered one of the finest .22 target pistols ever manufactured in the United States. For collectors and serious target shooters, this is a meaningful development worth paying attention to.
What ammunition works best in the Model 41?
The Model 41 is a blowback-operated pistol that cycles most reliably with standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition. CCI Standard Velocity is a go-to choice among dedicated Model 41 owners and has a long track record in this platform. High-velocity loads will cycle fine but tend to accelerate wear over time. For formal target and bullseye work, standard velocity ammo also tends to deliver tighter, more consistent groups.
Is the Model 41 suitable for competitive bullseye shooting?
It is one of the most commonly used pistols in NRA bullseye competition at the national level and has been for decades. The factory trigger, adjustable sights, and button-rifled barrel make it competitive right out of the box without needing aftermarket work. The grip angle matches a 1911, which is intentional and makes transitioning between rimfire and centerfire categories in competition much more natural.
How difficult is the Model 41 to clean and maintain?
Field stripping is simple and does not require any tools. The barrel removes quickly from the frame, giving you easy access to the bore and action components. Keeping the gun clean and the springs in good condition is the main thing to stay on top of, and the Model 41 rewards that kind of regular maintenance with consistent, reliable performance over a very long service life.





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