need help finding info and value on a victory 38

[bryanm81]

my girlfrind bought me an old s&w 38 for christmas for 75 bucks from a co-worker. ive been trying to find info on it but im not getting much. i took it to a local gun dealer who told me it was only worth $90 but then offered me $100 for it which made me realize that i just might have something special. although i have no intentions on selling this gun, i would however like to know as much as i can about it including value. the serial # is v1231*7 and its has the checkered grip with a s&w medallion on it also bnp is stamped all over it. can anyone tell me where i can go for info?

[DWalt]

There's lots on the S&W V-models both here and at other sites, just search for it. I'd guess $75 is a great price in any workable condition. A general rule is that a dealer will usually try to buy what you have for about half (or less) of what he thinks he can sell it for. Just watch Pawn Stars, very realistic as to the way those guys negotiate.

[bryanm81]

yes it works very well actually. im finding that in most pictures there is a lanyard ring or a hole where one once was but mine doesn`t have either nor is there any sign of repair where one couldve been..does that matter?

[DWalt]

Not serious, as it can be replaced, but all of them I have seen have a lanyard swivel or a hole. More important is originality, and whether it has been converted from .38 S&W (or .38-200) to ,38 Special, if it has been refinished, or if the barrel has been cut down. In any event, it's a common revolver, with no great collector value unless it's in perfect original condition. It's mainly a shooter.

[bryanm81]

[ATTACH]68945[/ATTAIMAG0444.jpgCH]IMAG0442.jpg


maybe these pics will help...any info would be great
thanks in advance

[bryanm81]

it has not been turned into a 38 special it still uses 38s&w bullets which are not cheap i found out

[DWalt]

It's very good that the chambers have not been rebored, as at least .38 S&W ammunition is available if you look for it. What I see at gun shows is usually around $30/box, but I load my own in that caliber. Cosmetic condition seems on the low end, and the grips are from a later period. Assumiing complete functionality, tightness, and a sound bore, I'd say it could bring $150 or maybe a bit more to the right buyer. But it's still just a shooter, not a collectible. I don't know what to make of its having no evidence of having a lanyard loop, maybe someone else knows.

[opoefc]

Judging only from the photo, it does appear that the butt never had the hole drilled for the lanyard swivel, as the "V" stamp is centered in the butt where a hole would have normally appeared. My guess would be that during the rush to get guns out the door in October 1942, when this gun was shipped, the frame missed the hole drilling step and the serial number was then stamped as seen, w/o the letter "V" left of the hole and the numbers right of the hole, as was intended. This is another example of " anything's possible with S&W !" Ed.

[nwhunter]

Another possibility is that the V was added after the fact by someone thinking it would add value. It looks like the v is stamped slightly out of true to rest of the serial number.
For what you paid, and as a shooter, it makes no differance.

[Goony]

I'm thinking that the butt swivel hole might've been filled with weld, and then ground smooth. The "V" to the left of the hole could've been obliterated in this process, but added back on afterwards. I'd like to see a photo of the side of the butt with the stocks removed to see if the butt swivel retaining pin hole is still in evidence.

[merl67]

I think the hole is still there the picture is not real clear but I can see a faint line for the hole in the butt at least I think I can. Still $75 dollars for a functioning Smith that hasn't been bored out ain't bad at all I would have bought it.