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11-25-2016, 11:21 PM
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Please help me identify/date this revolver.
Hello all, new member here. I recently came into possession of a Smith and Wesson revolver by way of my uncle (not a gun guy) who acquired the revolver from a client back in the 1980's. It is a Model 10 (no dash) as there is a 10 stamped on the back of the grip underneath a faded but still legible "USN" (United States Navy?) marking. The finish is parkerized and features a pinned barrel with all matching serial numbers beginning with 539xxx and being preceded by a "V" and followed by a "P" only on the cylinder. Five screws. .38 Special. My main goal from posting here is to gain assistance in properly identifying what I have and potentially dating it along with shedding some light on potential history surrounding the revolver. After talking to some fellow gun guys (one of which specializes in old guns and refinishing/repairing them) I have come to believe (or theorize) that the revolver saw use as in the Navy (security or air crew) and was later made into a Model 10 for law enforcement use. I could be wrong and would love to learn more about this revolver and more as I am new to them and always am willing to learn new things. Thank you all in advance, I've been researching on and off for about two days and figured it was time I probed the forum here.
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Last edited by comrade_gunslinger; 11-25-2016 at 11:29 PM.
Reason: Had to switch a photo.
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11-25-2016, 11:44 PM
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It's NOT a Model 10. It's a .38 Military & Police 'Victory' Model and was produced during WW2. The Model 10 was not introduced until 1957. The '10' stamped on the rear grip was not done by the factory. It is probably some kind of rack number from its time in military service. The grips on it now are much newer than the gun. They are from 1968 or later. The largest hole in the bottom of the grip is for a lanyard ring that is missing. No idea why someone drilled the other holes. That's weird! Aside from the extra holes, it's in very good condition.
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Chris
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11-26-2016, 12:20 AM
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Ah, I see. So it really is a Victory model, thank you for helping me out. I was told that the screws on the bottom could potentially be for a baseplate or medallion which would cover the bottom of the grip. So what do you think an approximate date would be for the revolver? Thank you for your reply too!
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11-26-2016, 12:43 AM
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A Victory Model from 1944.
The butt looks like it was used to pound nails. Lots of wear on the finish. I think "very good" is a bit generous with respect to the condition. It is a shooter grade revolver.
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Jack
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11-26-2016, 06:07 PM
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Ah gotcha. Thanks for your reply. Definitely not in immaculate shape but it's pretty decent looking and pretty clean as far as the bore and whatnot. Can't wait to shoot it. Thanks for your help.
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11-26-2016, 06:23 PM
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Based on the serial, it likely (but no certainty without a history letter) shipped in spring of 1944, maybe March or April. The finish does seem original, but as others have said, the gun seems to have seen lots of use.
Looks solid, though, and should make a good shooter. A set of original replacement grips (smooth walnut) and a lanyard swivel can be easily found if you would ever put it back in its original configuration.
The backstrap stamp is interesting, although I have no ready explanation. I assume there is no US PROPERTY stamp on the topstrap? You probably would have mentioned that. By that time and serial, all Navy-shipped Victorys came through the Army Supply Program and had that stamping.
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11-26-2016, 06:27 PM
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There is nothing on either topstrap, something I found odd as well. I have since ordered some original (smooth) grips for it along with a repro holster and some spare parts (firing pin, etc). I'm gonna look for the lanyard swivel now that you mention it, I knew I was forgetting something. Thank you for your reply and information, I appreciate it.
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11-27-2016, 07:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by comrade_gunslinger
There is nothing on either topstrap, something I found odd as well. I have since ordered some original (smooth) grips for it along with a repro holster and some spare parts (firing pin, etc). I'm gonna look for the lanyard swivel now that you mention it, I knew I was forgetting something. Thank you for your reply and information, I appreciate it.
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Get a mainspring too, mine snapped in 2 
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