Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 has been a staple of serious rimfire shooting for decades, and the Performance Center version takes everything that made the original great and sharpens it. Built on an all-carbon-steel frame with a blued finish, the 5.5" heavy button-rifled barrel gives you a balance point that sits right over the hand and makes the gun feel like a natural extension of your grip. At just over 41 ounces, there's enough weight to keep muzzle flip in check between shots without feeling front-heavy or cumbersome.
What Makes the Performance Center Model 41 Different
The biggest thing that separates this pistol from the standard Model 41 is the factory trigger work. S&W's Performance Center specs the trigger pull at 2.75 to 3.25 lbs with a user-adjustable trigger stop that lets you dial in overtravel to your preference using the included Allen wrench. The break is clean and consistent, and that matters a lot when you're running timed fire strings or trying to squeeze out tight groups at 50 yards. The micrometer-click rear sight pairs with a removable undercut Patridge front sight, giving you precise, repeatable adjustments in both windage and elevation. The integral Picatinny rail up top also opens the door to mounting a red dot or reflex sight if you decide to go that route down the road.
Model 41 Performance Center Versatility and Long-Term Value
One feature that doesn't get enough attention is the switch-barrel design. This gun is compatible with both 5.5" and 7" Model 41 barrels, so if you ever want to experiment with a longer sight radius or a different balance for a specific discipline, you can swap barrels without buying a whole new pistol. The 5.5" heavy barrel is the more popular choice for most competitors and recreational target shooters because it keeps the weight centered over the hand and tracks back on target quickly in rapid-fire events. The custom wood target grips are checkered, ergonomic, and ambidextrous, so left-handed shooters aren't left out. This is the kind of firearm that tends to stay in collections for life and gets handed down.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: Model 41 Performance Center
- MPN: 178031
- UPC: 022188780314
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Action: Single Action Only (Internal Hammer Fired)
- Barrel Length: 5.5"
- Overall Length: 10.5"
- Height: 5.6"
- Width: 1.7"
- Weight: 42.61 oz
- Capacity: 10+1
- Finish: Blued
- Frame Material: Carbon Steel
- Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
- Grips: Custom Wood Target (Checkered)
- Sights: Micrometer click adjustable rear / Removable Patridge front
- Safety: External Thumb Safety
- Trigger Pull: 2.75 to 3.25 lbs (factory set)
- Rail: Integral Picatinny-Style Rail
- Threaded Barrel: No
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 41 Pistol
- Two 10-Round Magazines
- Owner's Manual
- Lock
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trigger pull on the Performance Center Model 41 compared to the standard version?
The Performance Center Model 41 is factory spec'd at 2.75 to 3.25 lbs, which is a light, competition-grade pull. It also includes a user-adjustable trigger stop that you can fine-tune with an Allen wrench to minimize overtravel. Most shooters find very little break-in needed and the trigger is generally considered slightly more refined than the standard non-PC Model 41.
Is the 5.5" barrel a good choice, or should I look at the 7" version instead?
Both are great, and it really comes down to personal preference and intended use. The 5.5" heavy barrel keeps the balance centered over your hand, which makes it feel natural and tracks back quickly in rapid fire. The 7" offers a longer sight radius, which some find helpful with iron sights at distance. The 5.5" is the more popular choice across the board, and the switch-barrel design means you can always add a 7" barrel later without buying a new pistol.
Can I mount a red dot or optic on the Performance Center Model 41?
Yes, the Performance Center Model 41 has an integral Picatinny-style rail on the barrel, making it straightforward to mount a red dot or reflex sight. Many competitive bullseye and rimfire target shooters run optics on their Model 41s. Just make sure the sight you choose is compatible with a standard Picatinny rail mount.
What ammo runs best through the Model 41?
Standard velocity .22 LR ammunition is the standard recommendation for the Model 41, and what competitive shooters have relied on in it for decades. Loads like CCI Standard Velocity and Federal Champion target ammo are popular choices. High-velocity or hyper-velocity rounds aren't necessary and can accelerate wear over time.
How does the barrel swap work on the Model 41 Performance Center?
The switch-barrel design is one of the Model 41's best features and it's surprisingly simple. With the pistol unloaded and the slide locked back, you rotate the triggerguard down, lift off the barrel assembly, and drop in a replacement. No tools required. This means the 5.5" and 7" barrels are interchangeable on the same frame.
Is the Model 41 Performance Center suitable for competitive shooting or just recreational use?
The Model 41 has a legitimate competition pedigree and has been used by national-level bullseye competitors for years. The Performance Center version is right at home on the firing line in rimfire pistol events, but it's also a fantastic choice for anyone who simply wants the best rimfire target shooting experience available. It's a pistol that serious recreational shooters and competitors both reach for.





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