Just received my brand new 41 from Wolverine... The mag release button won't depress and the mags won't latch in place. Why??? I was sooo excited to take this beauty out to the range. Everything else on the pistol seems fine. Took the grips off...nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but I'm no Smith or Model 41 expert. I haven't called the dealer yet, was hoping for a simple fix
S&W Model 41 problem
- Thread starter Caboose
- Start date
Its been soaking, still won't budge. Something seems amiss with the plunger assembly. Even tried manipulating it from the mag latch side...no joy
I unboxed it, function checked with mag #1 seemed fine. Took the barrel off, gave things a rub down (wasn't oiled very well?) and reattached the barrel. Function check with mag #2 and it pushes in with some resistance??? Wouldn't latch or drop free. Had to pull the mag out with the same resistance...and the release button locked up tight. Both mags now fit freely into the mag well, but do not latch in place
I unboxed it, function checked with mag #1 seemed fine. Took the barrel off, gave things a rub down (wasn't oiled very well?) and reattached the barrel. Function check with mag #2 and it pushes in with some resistance??? Wouldn't latch or drop free. Had to pull the mag out with the same resistance...and the release button locked up tight. Both mags now fit freely into the mag well, but do not latch in place
It sounds like something is off kilter with the magazine catch assembly. If something like the spring slipped and jammed the catch in the one position it'll make seating the mags tough as blazes and obviously the catch won't catch.
Find out how they come apart and see if you notice anything distorted or otherwise not at all right. Outside of that I'm guessing it's warranty return time.
Find out how they come apart and see if you notice anything distorted or otherwise not at all right. Outside of that I'm guessing it's warranty return time.
There's a couple Model 41 gurus at my club. They turned me on to this awesome pistol by letting me try theirs, I bet they can help with a fix. I hope I don't have to return it for warranty work...what a buzz kill that would be 
I just bought a new one, had the same problem. If you put your fingernail in between the mag front protrusion and the cutout area on the frontstrap and give it a bit of a downward nudge, it will release. I did this for aprox 100 rounds and the release started to work properly ! Another finding with the new 41's...after disassembly, the trigger guard can seem almost impossible to snap back into place...mine was impossible to move by hand, and I didn't want to "snap" anything ! I phoned S&W customer service and was advised by a rep that a sharp wrap with a nylon or rubber hammer is what they use ! The 41's are built VERY tight! Anyways I tried it and it works great...just remember to use nylon or rubber to save the surface of the trigger guard.
BINGO! It was jammed in the fully depressed position. There's a burr, but some wiggling and things came loose. Seems the mags go in smoother when the release button is slightly pressed.
It looks like there's a very clear ding on the metal of the catch. No wonder it's jammed into the slot. I'm guessing that it's deliberate to make it fit with no play. But apparently yours is a bit TOO tight. If it keeps sticking a lick with a fine slip stone would remove just a whisper of metal and make it free moving but still with no slop.
That same slip stone used to slightly round over the edges of the catch that engage the magazine would likely allow the mags to push it out of the way more easily when being seated.
Over time it'll wear those areas to a fit just from use. The question is how long it takes. Me? I like to tinker so I'd help it along with the slip stone so I can enjoy it more fully sooner.
That same slip stone used to slightly round over the edges of the catch that engage the magazine would likely allow the mags to push it out of the way more easily when being seated.
Over time it'll wear those areas to a fit just from use. The question is how long it takes. Me? I like to tinker so I'd help it along with the slip stone so I can enjoy it more fully sooner.
When the button isn't jammed and the mag is latched, the gun won't fire. The magazine seems to not be proper seating, might have something to do with safety disconnect. It's going back to Wolverine. I never would have purchased this one if I was there in person. Mag latch issues alone. And the grip, the cut out for the mag release button also interferes unless I'm pushing gorward as I reinstall the stock. Unexceptable for a $1400 plinker...
- Location
- West Quebec
Smith is getting sloppy these days
Rod B
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
My old one is pretty fussy too. It's just a fussy gun. I love the smith but she is a bit of a primadonna.
If you want a cheaper accurate .22 pistol thats less fuss I would also suggest either the browning buck mark or ruger mk3. Both are harder to take down and clean though. I prefer the style and feel of the buckmark but the rugger has a larger after market for upgrades.
If you want a cheaper accurate .22 pistol thats less fuss I would also suggest either the browning buck mark or ruger mk3. Both are harder to take down and clean though. I prefer the style and feel of the buckmark but the rugger has a larger after market for upgrades.
