What should I look for to guard against fake US NAVY stampings on a Victory model M&P? I found a 4" M&P in the rough black finish, the grips looked correct. Overall the gun was kinda rough. The was pitting on the cylinder and general wear marks. The top strap is stamped US NAVY on the cylinder latch side. Serial number is V236XXX. They were asking $575. Any thoughts?

Lettering it from S&W is the surest way I know. If it is in rough condition, barring some heavy historical provenance, $575 sounds high to me but then I'm no expert.

Wish I could be more help.

Bill

The marking sounds right. Look at the examples in the SCSW to recognize the script type, size, spacing and location.

For that price, I would expect well over 90% condition as I've seen them routinely in that condition at that price, or even a little less.