Background

I tried a wide variety of 22LR ammunition when I first purchased my Smith & Wesson Model 41. Some ammunition worked reliably for hundreds of rounds whereas others suffered stove-pipes, jams, feeding problems, and misfires.

Email posted to Bullseye-L

I’ll add a STRONG WARNING on this [thread]. No doubt my “beginner” status contributed heavily to the “learning experience” (below) and all I can say is I’m glad the “keep the gun pointed downrange” rule had been thoroughly ingrained into my habits.

Email posted to Bullseye-L

I look forward to a 2700 like Kevin just reported. My own first experience (last night) was on a smaller scale, but very enjoyable, and VERY educational. (I just stuck a note in my pocket that says “5-7 clipboard and calculator”. Thanks, Kevin.)

Email posted to Bullseye-L

If you’re looking for a reusable “snap cap” for your Smith & Wesson model 41, you might want to take a look at what I created. I’ve used it for hundreds of dry fire “shots” and it shows little signs of wear. It is cut from a commonly available trash can and can be made in just a few minutes. I call it the “Trash Can Snap Cap.” No disassembly of the pistol is needed for installation or removal but a small tool such as a miniature screwdriver or pair of tweezers will facilitate installation and removal.

Email posted to Bullseye-L (long since defunct)

I have been surprised to find out, and I’m maybe even a little embarassed to admit, how important arm, and especially shoulder, strength is in all this. Seems obvious to me now but …

On the Monday after Christmas, I called Coach Pat [Dolan] at the phone number he’d given me during the Bullseye competition two months previously. I introduced myself, said I was very interested in taking him up on his offer of coaching, and asked when he might be available and what range was convenient for him. In thirty seconds we found that 1:00PM that same day was good for both of us, and that he preferred the facilities at the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club where the Bullseye Competition had taken place.

I bought a Smith and Wesson Model 41 .22 caliber target pistol (about this date) from Sportsman’s Warehouse in Phoenix AZ. I paid $749.00 plus tax.

I sold both the Ruger .357 New Blackhawk and the Walther P-22 semi-automatic pistols at a gun show today.

I sent a letter of complaint to the Scottsdale Gun Club:

The P-22 arrived back from Walther and the rear sight is tight again. They took about three weeks, start to finish, to do the warranty work. I suppose I could have asked for faster shipping (possibly at my cost), but I didn’t.