38 special ctg

[Wiregrassguy]

Right, should be convex. After being out of school for over 40 years, I forget my geometry.

sarlaud, the grips are not original to your gun as Texas Star pointed out. However, they are valuable and, if the owner of the revolver with that serial number finds them, you will likely have a profitable sale.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Sarlaud, Robertson Trading Post will have the lanyard ring assembly and period correct grips for your gun.

To print go to the top of the thread. On the upper right just above the first post, see Thread Tools dropdown box. Select "Show Printable Version." You can then print that.

 

[sarlaud]

i am american and do need glasses and maybe dictionary. or grammar but i just type as i think. oops!

 

[D R Greysun]

I have just had a s&w revolver that belonged to my grandfather who was in law enforcement. Not sure what model or year it was made. It has s&w 38 SPF ctg on barrel and "U.S Property GHD" on top of frame above cylinder. On butt has " w and v with six digit serial number in 300,000's. Has a p above cylinder on frame. Can anyone help with model etc. are manuals available for these

I don't know about you guys but I read V506573 looks to be refinished & those patina spots sure look familiar! Grips are obviously not original to the Victory.

D R

PS: What's with the 'W'? dr

 

[sarlaud]

yes I know its 500 series just didnt remember until i looked and took pics.

 

[sarlaud]

What is the "W" or "M" stamped on the butt?

 

[DCWilson]

Ownership mark of Western Electric. During WWII, the regular supply of firearms to law enforcement and independent security firms was managed by an agency called the Defense Supplies Corporation. A lot of Victories were DSC orders, and many guns went to arm security forces at plants considered critical to the war effort.

Usually DSC guns were not marked with the US PROPERTY GHD stamp, but there is a little inconsistency in markings that is easy to understand when you consider the different agencies receiving crates of S&W's wartime output.

 

[sarlaud]

Thank you D.C for your info much appreciated.

 

[sarlaud]

DR, no I don't think it was refinished, not when I can see holster wear from being a service revolver for many years. I also know he as I am very particular about gun care and keeping like new condition. He was in law enforcement all his life and was a bank guard after that in retirement. It is definitely worn as if used in holster daily.

 

[sarlaud]

Texas star, appreciate your input, very helpful and I don't plan on selling this piece or really change it because that is how it was used in law enforcement by my grandfather. I bet he switched out the smooth grips as I would in law enforcement, you would want the checkering for grip especially in bad weather where he came from. I will pass it down by then it may be 100 yrs old in relative good condition for regular use. That's my opinion.

 

[sarlaud]

Does anyone know what the medallion is made of that is in my grips for victory that is gold in color?

 

[Green Frog]

Texas star, appreciate your input, very helpful and I don't plan on selling this piece or really change it because that is how it was used in law enforcement by my grandfather. I bet he switched out the smooth grips as I would in law enforcement, you would want the checkering for grip especially in bad weather where he came from. I will pass it down by then it may be 100 yrs old in relative good condition for regular use. That's my opinion.

You just stated what I was about to suggest. While the gun has a certain inherent value, certainly, it's value as part of your family history is immeasurably greater. Make sure your kids and grand kids are aware of what it is so it doesn't end up in a yard sale, though!

It wouldn't hurt to find the original type grips and lanyard loop assembly to keep with the gun to keep it "complete" and they can be installed (or changed back) by simple process. IIRC, there is a reprint available of the Field Manual (FM) for that revolver that you may also wish to purchase... the last one I saw was $5 or less. Since ultimately you plan to keep the gun pretty much as-is, you don't need to be in a hurry to get these and can afford to take the time to shop around for good deals. Congratulations on becoming the caretaker of such a great piece of your family's history.

Regards,
Green Frog

PS It wouldn't hurt to write down a short narrative about the gun and how your grandfather used it (high points of his LE career, etc) so the family history can be that much better preserved.

 

[sarlaud]

Thank you green frog for your input. I will get the items you said and place with gun.

 

[gerhard]

I purchased over a year ago....a Mint Unfired Victory S&W and sent a letter off to Smith & Wesson and they replied it had been issued to a plant in Texas for Defense Guards....I have since fired it....yeah I know..."Safe Queen..etc.etc"...however I am 76 years old and want to carry it on long hikes...in the Mountains....what ammunition is suggested to carry/shoot with it..?....from some of the notes I have seen...everyone says Do Not shoot +P ammo in it....so....what is the Best I can carry that is close to +P..?.....I Appreciate anyone taking the time to answer....Kind Regards from Sunny Tennessee.....Hans Fischer

 

[DWalt]

Gerhard, you tagged onto an ancient thread. But to answer your question, yes, you absolutely can safely shoot +P in it without it blowing up. But there is little point in doing much of that. For any recreational shooting, use the cheapest standard velocity lead bullet .38 Special loads you can find. If you think you might run into Bigfoot on your long hikes, you might carry it with a cylinder full of +P loads just in case.