Even if the price was the same, I'd buy the older one mostly because they're just prettier. But I wouldn't buy the old one unless I had a chance to shoot it. I would be too worried someone ruined the crown by improper cleaning. That is the peace of mind you get with buying the newer gun.
But it's really a matter of personal taste, if you like the newer ones, they still shoot fantastically. Either way you go, you're going to be very happy with a 41, that I can guarantee you. You just never seem to regret buying the best.
I'm headed to a gun show this weekend (I really dislike gun shows, typically a waste of time) to see if I can get rid of my Para Ordnance, and a S&W 41 would be a very nice replacement.
