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04-24-2016, 11:21 PM
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My first "Victory model" date of manufacture?
Hey guys! I just won a victory model off of gunbroker. And I currently do not have it in my possession to film you in on markings and such. But I did read somewhere on a victory database.
Here's the serial, if someone could perhaps help me out. And will post pics and any additional markings once I pick it up...V306340.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
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04-24-2016, 11:59 PM
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We don't have manufacturing dates, and neither does the S&W historian. From known shipping dates, we can extrapolate an approximate shipping date. Your gun most likely shipped in the summer of 1943, June or July. Only a history letter could give you the exact date.
Is it a .38 Special US version or a .38 S&W British version?
Last edited by Absalom; 04-25-2016 at 12:02 AM.
Reason: Spelling
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04-25-2016, 12:54 AM
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Oh ok, thanks for the reply! It's always nice to know round about what I have. And it's in the s&w cal.
Last edited by Tygambit; 04-25-2016 at 12:55 AM.
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04-25-2016, 02:14 AM
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Absent Comrade US Veteran SWCA Founding Member
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V306340 was likely shipped from S&W in late May, or early June, 1943, based on known ship dates of close serial numbers. Most guns shipped at this time went to the US Navy. Production was running close to 6,000 guns per week at that time and they did not hang around the factory for very long, so the build date was probably pretty close to the ship date. Ed.
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04-25-2016, 02:40 AM
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I may also add, the grips are of the checkered pattern.
Thanks for the replies again, I'm most definitely going to get the letter, can't wait for it to be shipped to me! As a WWII collector, it's always nice to know a lil history on a item.
Last edited by Tygambit; 04-25-2016 at 02:42 AM.
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04-25-2016, 03:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tygambit
....And it's in the s&w cal.
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Okay, not to harp on this, but for its identification, it's important to clearly distinguish two calibers. Both have S&W in it, so your post still needs clarification:
Does the barrel read .38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG or .38 S.&W. CTG?
If it's the first, Ed's information applies, if it's the second, it will have gone to Hartford Ordnance Depot for shipment to Britain. Both types have a V prefix and are commonly referred to as Victory models.
If the grips are checkered, they would not be original. Both US and British versions shipped only with smooth walnut stocks in 1943.
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04-25-2016, 02:01 PM
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Ok sorry. Yes it is in .38 s&w ctg, the British round. It also has the 5 inch barrel. I won it on gunbroker yesterday, for 200. I feel it's somewhat a good deal, I'll find out lol And thanks for the info! I'll post more info when I actually get it in my possession, and hopefully find some markings that weren't listed in the ad.
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04-25-2016, 02:10 PM
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Here's a screenshot of the gun from the auction, best pic I have as of now.
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04-26-2016, 12:09 AM
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You did fine at $200. Those grips were used from about 1930 until late 1941. And in good condition, those 1930s grips are relatively scarce. I'd rather have those than the usual Victory smooth grips. When you get it, see if a .38 Special cartridge can be completely chambered. If so, then the chambers have been lengthened. If not, you are fortunate. It may have a bunch of British proof marks stamped on it. If it does not, you are doubly fortunate.
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04-26-2016, 12:59 AM
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What DWalt said. The finish is obviously worn, but there is no sign of a refinish or any other mutilations that would detract from its original state, and for non-original stocks, these may have ended up on this gun during its time in British service. When you get the gun, check for a serial number on the right one; it won't match the gun, but will tell you what gun they came off, maybe a Britain-bound pre-Victory. I think I see what are British proof marks on the frame in front of the cylinder, but that could also be scratches.
At any rate, it's a shootable WW II artifact certainly worth $200.
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04-27-2016, 08:09 AM
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Just picked one up last week for $200. Yours seems to be in better condition. Going to have mine re parkerized and I'm changing out the grips to something more original.
Semper Fi
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