Gordon

I have a S&W model 41 barrel with an extended front sight marked A.F. Behlert, Cranford. Just looking for more info, time frame.

Austin Behlert

Is the bbl a 5 1/2 in or longer. I used to put extended front sights on the 5 1/2 in pretty regular. BE shooters liked the 5 1/2 in weight but wanted a longer sight rad. This would haveto be in the late 50s or early 60s.

Gordon

Thank you so much for that info. Yes it is a 5 1/2" heavy bbl. I purchased it used several years ago.

Austin Behlert

As long as you have a 41 I must ask the question. Are you catching empties crossways when extracting and feeding??? If not forget the question. If you are let me know

Rapt

I'm not the original poster but a good friend has a 41 with that problem.

Austin Behlert

Its amazing that S & W 41s have been having that problem since day one. Catching empties crossways with a live round coming up. Take the slide off and push the extractor, if you have end play that is the problem. The headspace in the slide is just the thickness of the cartridge rim . Therefor if you have 010 or 015 thousanths end play the rim of the cartridge is caming out of the headspace and turning so when it gets to the ejector it isnt in line to eject. Take out the extractor and lay it at the bottom of a small machinist vise with the locating tang at a diagnal with the hook. In other words you will be squeesing the tang in the direction of the hook. Apply enough pressure to the vise that the tang moves toward the hook. Not too much or you may break the extractor. Now with a 1/4 in flat punch tap the extractor all over. This will cause it to remain this way. Now try the extractor in the bolt . You may have to file the corner of the bolt so it swings into place.Assemble the extractor with spring and plunger in the slide and insert a cartridge. You should be able to shake it without loosing it. Problem solved. It should throw the empty 15 feet.

One more problem you may have is the safety working up during firing. The bone in your thumb is puishing up while firing. Take the safety stamping out and file the sides so only the detent is left. Bend the safety in some so it doesnt go in and out so easilly, but still works.

I had a feature in one of the gun mags on this problem some years ago and I had work sent from all over the country to solve this. Ive told S&W this solve a dozen times but who am I to tell them.

Rapt

Thanks very much! Its great to have access to this info.

ZigZag

Mr Behlert - I am having the same problem with catching empties crosswise with a live round coming up. I know it is not the safety. However, I am not familiar with the nomenclature of the inner workings of the pistol. Is it possible for you to maybe try to explain it to me, a novice, again? I would appreciate it. Thank you. ZigZag ops: