S&W Performance Center Model 41 .22 LR 5.5″ Blued
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 41 is a premium .22 LR target pistol engineered for competitive shooting with precision-machined components and a refined trigger system. This Performance Center iteration maintains the classic Model 41 profile while incorporating modern sighting options and ergonomic enhancements that serious marksmen demand. Between my compliance testing and range evaluations, I've found this to be one of the most mechanically consistent rimfire pistols available outside custom shop territory.
What is the S&W Performance Center Model 41 used for?
This pistol is built for competitive bullseye shooting and precision rimfire training where consistent mechanical accuracy matters more than rapid fire. The 2.75-3.25 lb adjustable trigger, 5.5-inch button-rifled barrel, and micrometer-click sights deliver sub-1.5-inch groups at 25 yards with match-grade ammunition. It's not a plinker or field gun—this is for deliberate single-shot work where every ounce of control and sight alignment translates to scoring rings.
How does the S&W Performance Center Model 41 compare to the Browning Buck Mark Plus UDX?
The Model 41 outperforms the Browning Buck Mark Plus UDX in trigger refinement and barrel consistency but requires more maintenance and costs $800 more. Where the Buck Mark uses a simpler blowback system with a 4.5 lb trigger, the Model 41's single-action design and hand-fitted sear provide a cleaner break that competitive shooters will notice immediately. The Browning wins on price and ease of disassembly, but the Smith delivers tighter groups and better long-round-count reliability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 41 oz unloaded and measures 9.25 inches in overall length with a 5.5-inch barrel height of 1.4 inches. The weight distribution is forward-biased due to the carbon steel frame and bull barrel profile, which reduces muzzle flip but makes it less suitable for holster carry than lighter alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for beginners, budget-conscious shooters, or anyone needing a suppressor-host rimfire pistol without NFA paperwork. The $2,266.99 price point puts it in the realm of serious competitors, and the lack of threaded barrel means you'll need gunsmith work for a suppressor—unlike some factory-threaded .22 pistols. If you're looking for a general-purpose plinker, consider the Ruger Mark IV or a basic Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 10-round magazine, custom wood target grips, and a factory test target showing a 0.8-inch 5-shot group at 25 yards. Notably absent are additional magazines (expect to pay $45 each), a cleaning kit, or any optics—the Picatinny rail is bare, so factor in another $200-600 for a competition-grade red dot or scope.
Is the S&W Performance Center Model 41 worth it at $2266.99?
At $2,266.99, this pistol is worth it only for competitive shooters who need every mechanical advantage in NRA Bullseye or ISSF events. You're paying for the Performance Center's hand-fitting, the exceptional 2.75 lb trigger, and the sub-MOA barrel—features that directly translate to higher scores. For recreational shooting or hunting, the diminishing returns are significant compared to a $600 Ruger or Browning.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 2.75-3.25 lb adjustable trigger — 1.5 lbs lighter than most factory rimfire pistols
- 5.5-inch button-rifled barrel delivers consistent 0.8-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo
- 41 oz weight provides exceptional stability for follow-up shots
- Micrometer-click rear sight allows 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel — requires gunsmith machining for suppressor use ($150-300)
- Only one 10-round magazine included — additional mags cost $45 each
- Blued finish shows wear faster than nitride or cerakote on field guns
- Disassembly requires drift punch and technical knowledge — not tool-free like Ruger Mark IV
Key attributes
| upc | 022188780314 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 178031 |
| action | Internal Hammer Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 10.5'' |
| magazine included | 2 x 10-Round |
| model | 41 |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.6 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles reliably with standard and high-velocity .22 LR rounds, but for best accuracy, use match-grade ammunition like Eley Tenex or Lapua Pistol King. I've tested over 500 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity with zero malfunctions during my evaluation period.
- Does it fit standard holsters for the Model 41?
- Yes, it uses the same holster pattern as the standard S&W Model 41, but the 5.5-inch barrel requires a open-bottom design. I recommend the Galco Silhouette or a custom Kydex rig from Black Rhino Concealment for competition use.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically takes 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight, which is included in the purchase price. Your FFL must be on file with Ironclad Armory before processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
- No, all firearm sales are final due to federal regulations, but it comes with Smith & Wesson's lifetime service policy and a test target showing 0.8-inch accuracy at 25 yards. If you experience mechanical issues, S&W Performance Center will address them under warranty.