A friend of mine has an old Model 41 22LR that he wants to start using again for plinking, grouse hunting etc.
It was his Dad's and he used it when he was younger.
He has the original box and instructions (no it's not for sale, I already asked )

The original manual states something to the effect of:
Target or standard velocity ammo should be used in this firearm...

Now he wants to know if there would be any possible damage to the pistol if high velocity ammo (CCI Mini-mag for example), or is that just to keep Smith & Wesson out of liability for anything that might occur or because it was designed for more accurate ammo and accuracy might possibly suffer?
He said as far as he could remember his Dad always used target ammo in it.

I could not find a listing on AR that specifically addressed this issue, although there are a few old threads talking about guys using all kinds of ammo in theirs.
Numerich only lists one replacement recoil spring for the Model 41.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

--Mike

Yes, the 41 is a target gun and designed to shoot standard velocity ammo. High velocity ammo will put much more wear and tear on the gun. I doubt you would see immediate results, but it could cause problems like the extractor breaking and the spring wearing out. As early 41's are worth more each day on the collector market, my advice is to shoot what is recommended.

just what buckeyeshooter just said, mine probably has 7-800,000 rounds through it, all of it target stuff and still is in near perfect shape.

I Shoot Fed Gold Medal's & Remmy Golden Bullets in mine for last 15yrs. With no problems at all.. IF you stick to standard loads you will be fine!

I've found very few brands that my 41 won't shoot better than I can hold. It does seem like you can get some extra value out of the better ammo but I've been shocked how will it will shoot the cheap stuff.

That is kinda what I thought.
I will tell him to stick to standard velocity stuff.

Thanks guys,

---Mike