Hey guys, this is my first post and I am looking at purchasing a Smith Victory model 4" barrel. I have looked around on Gunbroker.com and I wanted to know what the going rate for one is right now that is in good to very good shape? Are the gunbroker prices accurate or high? Thanks for all the great info so far. As soon as I get one I will post a pic. Also looking for an M&P 5" 38sp. Prices on that would be great as well.

Thanks for all the great information and pics.

Around here $400-$500 for a nice Victory, more if it is Navy marked. I recently bought a nice nickel 5" model 10 marked Detroit Police for $350 OTD. Others will soon post their comments. Welcome aboard.

I agree 100%

Jericho, Welcome to the Forum. Victory model prices, and values, are all over the board. It's like asking " I want to buy a car. Are the cars ads accurate or high?" Depends. A garden variety Victory Model, with no factory letter, and US Prperty stamped on the top strap, in good condition, is around $400, give or take $100, at most good gun shows. If it's military stamped US Navy, add $100, If it's miltary stamped USMC, add $250. If letter confirms military issue ad $100. If it's a DSC gun (Defense Supply Commission) premiums can be double the military guns value, if the guns letter to an exotic destination, such as the OSS. Guns that letter to our Colonial Allies (So Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. ) will carry a premium, due to scarcity. Military guns that also letter in the Springfield Research records to a specific unit, such as a Victory Model, US Navy marked, assigned to a specific pilot, on USS Yorktown, sunk in the Pacific - name your own price. Many Victory Models have specific histories that research can bring out, as they were often in the ownership of many different military organizations & countries. I have some that were issued to the OSS, now have both German and Israeli markings. It doesn't take much imagination to think where that gun has been! The purpose of all the above is not to discourage you in your desire to own a Victory Model - go for it! - But you will be bitten by the Victory Bug and want more and more of them! To that end, one can still build a very nice collection of them for relatively little money. Hope that helps, Ed S&WCA #15

Thank you for all the helpful information. Another question....what does US property CHD mean if it is stamped on one?

I believe the mark you are referring to is GHD for the inspector at the time the gun was built and passed for service. I should remember the guy's name, but it has been a LONG day.

Hi, I just bought an unmarked victory model wit matte finish for $275.00

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M.J.Hanna

Gday all.
The acceptance mark GHD stands for the initials of Col. Guy H Drewry. Who was the ordnance officer of the US army the time your piece was made. His mark appeared on Victory models from 1942 to the end of production. From 1942 to approx May 1943 GHD appeared on the butt, from then on its found on the left top strap. Next to that there is probably a flaming bomb symbol, sometimes found on the butt also.
Rgds
Bob

In regard to the Gun Broker part of your question. Yes, GB prices will usually be higher than gun shows, local shops and the little old widow down the street.

Due to the potential internet audience and the auction fever atmosphere, computer purchases tend to be the highest IMHO. Your buyer pool can be in the hundreds of thousands.

Your local gun show will probably see one to several thousand potential buyers during any given weekend in my area where shows are 100 - 500 tables. Larger shows in other areas of the country will have larger crowds.

Next, your local gun or pawn shop probably has a few hundred lookers a week. (Unless online and then see above)

The little old widow lady down the street will have the smallest audience and you can probably purchase items at below to well below the market value.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Hi, I agree with the previous postings regarding Victory Model pricing, especially Ed's (who is a very experienced collector). 5" M & P s are less common in my observations than 4" and 6", possibly about as common or less than the 2". I agree with James' comment about online auction prices tending to be higher, with the exception that someone will occasionally post a gun at a Buy or Buy Now price that is so low that the seller must not realize what the gun is worth. That being said, I've seen 5" guns go for as little as the low $200 range in decent condition, nicer ones in the low $300 range, on up to the NIB/unfired ones for $400-500. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220