Model 41 HV Ammo ?

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:11 pm

So, first let me say that I'm fortunate to have acquired two very low mileage 41s. I've installed buffers and only shoot standard velocity ammo, mostly CCI SV with some Remington Target, and Federal Automatch. I really don't see any need to shoot HV in them as I'm punching holes in targets, not hunting so, I'm only asking the question because the subject rages on in thread after thread on the forums not because I'm trying to decide whether or not I should. I'm interested in what Bullseye has to say on the subject because he has sent so many rounds down range in these fine pistols, and knows what works,what does not. What say you? Regards

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:28 am

Shooting HV ammo in a model 41 will put more wear on the pistol. But are you going to have a catastrophic failure, with or without a shock buffer? No. In reality, the difference between HV and SV .22 ammo is typically around 100 to 150 fps. I wouldn't shoot any hyper velocity ammo like Velocitors or Zappers in it.

What will happen is as the mileage of your pistol increases to about 50K, you will see more wear in the interface between the barrel and the bolt. This wear will reveal itself as pronounced battering on the chamber face. But this wear usually doesn't cause operational failures unless the battering becomes excessive and peens the chamber edge, that will increase feeding and extraction failures. The seven inch barrels are more prone to battering deformation as the breech face surface area is smaller due to the slimmer profile of the longer barrel.

A shock buffer absorbs some of the excess energy from HV ammo recoil and helps keep the battering to a minimum. Can you shoot HV ammo in your M-41? Sure, as long as you're willing to live with the eventual wear it will cause. If you don't shoot a lot of ammo and just want to plink around you wont see that much damage from HV ammo.

BTW, all ammo will cause bolt to barrel battering in the M-41, it is just that using HV ammo accelerates the wear. A hardened bolt repeatedly striking a mild steel barrel eventually causes wear.

Is a shock buff worth the $10 they want for them? It doesn't hurt and can help slow the aging process in your pistol.

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

DancesWithSquirrels · Post by **DancesWithSquirrels** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:38 am

Now that is what I like about this particular forum. A well thought out useful response to the original question with no denigration of the poster. You would be surprised at how many forums the original poster would have been knocked around for asking this question.

DWS

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:16 am

Well said DancesWithSquirrels, while I've been pleased with the groups provided with SV this question does get asked on a regular basis with less than well thought out responses. I'll listen to those with thousands of rounds of real experience. I do feel better about having the buffer in place even with the SV, and it has done no harm. Thanks Bullseye.

DancesWithSquirrels · Post by **DancesWithSquirrels** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:50 am

Where did you get your buffer from?

I have been happily using nothing but CCI SV in both of my target 22's, a Smith 41 and a Ruger MK III. It has been extremely reliable and groups very well. Considering the higher cost of the 41 I might be willing to try something that would extend its lifespan.

DWS

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 4:03 pm

My buffer came from Midway, under $10. They were also the best price on CCI SV at the time. Regards

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:33 pm

When you use a shock buffer in a Model 41 there is a slight difference in the felt recoil. The pistol seems to hold better on target and you don't feel the rearward pull of the bolt as sharply.

R,
Bullseye

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:10 am

Bullseye wrote:When you use a shock buffer in a Model 41 there is a slight difference in the felt recoil. The pistol seems to hold better on target and you don't feel the rearward pull of the bolt as sharply.

R,
Bullseye

Sound reaqsonable, that is why I use one in my full size 1911 and also the small radius firing pin stop, just about eliminates most of the muzzle jump caiused by the slide hitting before returning to battery, this allows use of a lighter spring for positve ejuection and less muzzle dip fom the slide returning to battery.

OpsMgr · Post by **OpsMgr** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:24 pm

Great response Bullseye - Very helpful. I have installed a buffer in my new M41 and hope to try it out this weekend if weather permits. Normally shoot Wolf MT, SK Std+ and CCI SV. Have had some surprising groups with Federal AM22 in my Ruger Mk pistols, 10/22s and CZ 452. Will give the AM 22 a try in my M41 soon. Don't shoot anything hotter than that when it comes to rimfire. The lower velocity ammo just seems to group tighter to me...