First shot flyer finally solved

I'll let the gunsmiths weigh in on why but my S&W M41 5 1/2"barrel developed a 1st shot flyer problem about this time last year. I figured it was just me. I did clean that barrel and chamber and the problem went away. Well it started happening again a few months ago. I decided to try a new dot barrel as my 7" 41 barrel that I use for EIC wasn't doing it. I bought a Clark 6 1/2" barrel and the problem is gone. Not only that, the new barrel is shooting tighter groups in my hand. I highly recommend the 6 1/2" barrel WITHOUT the top strap. Moral of the story, it's not always the shooter:

I have a 41 with a match dot, weaver rail and Nills target grip and the thing weighs 53-54 oz., which I find a might bit heavy.  I was thinking of going to the 5.5 inch Clark barrel (with no top strap over the slide) to try and help my gun loose weight. (Me?, well that's another issue ).  Wondering why you chose the 6.5'' barrel over the 5.5"?  Would you mind telling me how much your 41 weighs outfitted as in the photo? (nice looking gun!).

I'll weigh it at home but I can say that this setup weighs 4oz less than with the S&W 5 1/2" setup with same dot....I was pleasantly surprised. I like the way the 7" balances so I tried the 6 1/2" Clark. I'm very pleased.

46.4 oz

Thanks! - Now you've given me something more to think about.  I am going to call Clark and ask them the weights of both barrels, then decide...

LSM 124 when I was sighting in the new barrel using the top of my bullseye box as a rest I had a 5 shot group that was 1/4" at 50 ft. Obviously not the greatest method but that is the tightest group I've shot with a .22. I consider it money well spent.

I also have a 41 that is being a bear. I am pretty sure the barrel is the problem. I always seem to have a flier(or more) in a 10 shot group. I plan on getting it re-lined. I like the balance better of a scope at the back of the pistol. I wish Clark made a barrel that had slots all the way to the rear. This is the better of two targets today. The othere had 3 fliers.