I have a 38 S&W Special CTG that I need ore information on. Below is a lil info to get started.

38 Special
fixed sights
4" barrel
V 253386
5 screw
lanyard ring on butt


Any information would be helpful!

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that the V in the serial # means it is a WW2 era revolver. I presume that the markings on it say ".38 special", not ".38 S&W" (a different cartridge, and some number of those revolvers were crudely rechambered when returned from Great Britain over the years after the war).

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NHI, 10-8.

It is marked on the barrel "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG"

"CTG" just stands for "CarTridGe".

Thanks for the information and the link

The only other marking that I can see is the matching assembly numbers on the cylinder. It does have the S&W trademark, and Made in U.S.A marking,



Value of this type of gun?

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LOL, it is kind of ironic that you refer to them as "assembly numbers".

Those are actually the gun's serial number and they appear in a couple of other locations as well.

The ironic part is that there are some actual assembly numbers stamped on the frame and other parts - and most who are new to S&W revolvers will call them "serial numbers"

LOL, it is kind of ironic that you refer to them as "assembly numbers".

Those are actually the gun's serial number and they appear in a couple of other locations as well.

The ironic part is that there are some actual assembly numbers stamped on the frame and other parts - and most who are new to S&W revolvers will call them "serial numbers"

Welcome aboard. Show us some more photos of that neat old victory revolver. We LOVE good pictures around here!

The "assembly numbers" are 2 matching numbers on where the cylinder swings open. I have located all the different places that the serial numbers are located.

Here are a few more pics.

Would love an estimated value on this gun. Bought this gun off of a guy who needed some money and was just curious if it worth anything.

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At least from your pictures, the finish does not look to be original, or at best heavily worn. At that time original Victories had a phosphate finish which was somewhat dull and dark. If it has been refinished, maybe $250-$300 as a shooter-grade revolver. However we don't know much more about it. Is there anything stamped on the topstrap? Do all of the SNs match, including the grips?

It looks better than many I have seen. These were business guns. It has some value, but there were so MANY! Based on the side plate cover, it appears refinished. Bottom line, is take it out & shoot it!
Welcome to the FORUM! Bob

No markings on the top strap. I don't feel like it has been refinished but it does appear to be heavily worn.

Thanks for the info.

Gotcha. I was connecting your reference to "assembly numbers" with the pictures in your post that showed the serial numbers. That's why I thought it was so funny in an (ironic sort of way)
since most people do the opposite - post pictures of the assembly number in the yoke cut and call it the serial number.

Nice looking old gun - in an honest wear kind of way. Just the way I like 'em. Should make a great shooter.

If there is nothing stamped on the topstrap, it was more than likely a civilian gun (often termed a DSC gun) sold to law enforcement agencies and government defense contractors for use by plant security guards, etc. during WWII.

Definitely refinished, but a long time ago since the standard commercial blue which was applied is already showing lots of use wear and discoloration.