$500 Converted Victory model - Too High ??

[Bekeart]

Saw local ad.

I think the $500 is TOO HIGH.
I MIGHT go $350 - $375.

NO LINK - Following rules.

Bekeart

Smith and Wesson Victory
38 s&w ctg
3 1/2" barrel
Converted by Cogswell & Harrison
London
Has original grips . Nice gun

$500.00 or trade

On left frame near Cylinder Release Stamped

Converted by
Cogswell & Harrison
London

Nice bright and smooth finish.

Profile picture seems to show Folded Over Lanyard Ring.

Question asked by member:

"Converted to what?"

The listing does not indicate current caliber.
My guess is that the "38 s&w ctg" in listing was copied from marking on barrel.
Feel sure that if it was a 22 caliber conversion, it would have been mentioned.

 

[austintexas]

conversion

What was it converted to? There are a lot of conversions and they run from great to stinky. The first conversion I picked up had the cylinder sleeved to 38 special and it was just like and original 38 special, I had one that they just bored the cylinder to take 38 special and it bulged and cracked the brass. I have a 38 special M&P Target that was one of 1000 Targets sent to England and the cylinder was bored to take 38 S&W, It shoots OK with eather round.
If It is converted to .22 I would be interested , but for $300 to $500 It would have to be a really good conversion. Spend a little more and get a non- converted revolver.
SWCA 892
PS I paid $15.00 for my first converted revolver.

 

[younggun22]

I sold one a few years ago and I believe I got $350 for it. Nice conversion, refinished, sleeved to .38 spl if I remember correctly.

I think for $500 you have other/ better options

 

[Dave Baird]

I've always liked the looks and history of those conversions! Up until 10 years ago or so, I could find them for under $400. Today, I've seen them as high as $600, which is too high IMO. There's one on one of the auction sites now for $1K!! If you get a good one, they are terrific for self-defense, especially for a home gun. Most of the C&H conversions, from my finding, were 38 S&W to 38spl. by reaming the cylinder, and they cut the 5" barrels back to 3" and added a front sight, using the surplus Lend Lease Victories we sent to Britain in WWII. There are no parts that need worn-in and a 3" barrel will give you more punch than a snubbie 2". I like'em!!! I now carry a Taurus 617 in .357, but nothing wrong with a 38spl.

 

[murphydog]

If it has not been altered since its modifications overseas, it probably has British proof marks that will show you the current chambering. ".38 .767" would be .38 S & W and ".38 1.150" is rarely seen but indicates .38 Special.

 

[2152hq]

$500 can buy a pretty decent pre war M&P most places.
Unless the 'conversion' of a Victory is the draw, and maybe the Coggy name, I can't see spending that amt of money on one if it's one of the simple 38S&W reamed to a 38Spcl conversions.
Those w/ the shorty bbl versions w/o the front bbl lock lug aren't much of an added specialty either IMO.
Since forever these have been placed on the bottom of the pile of desireable M&P's.
Now all of a sudden they are something to spend a good chunk of cash on??

Cogswell&Harrison did 1000's of those conversions after WW2. Yes there is some history there. Lend/Lease, WW2 and all that.

 

[gmborkovic]

I dont know how many of you grew up on a farm back in the 50s, but I did.
And the tractors had a metal tool box on the inside of the right rear
fender. Most had a cut down BSR from the surplus store in town.
For what purpose, not a clue. G- dad said it was for critters. Never saw a
critter or heard a shot. The one rule, you didnt touch the tool box. didnt
care, had my own Rem. 22LR.

 

[mtgianni]

He is open to trades, offer up a high point 9mm.

 

[DWalt]

I would definitely avoid it at that price. Go find something better.

 

[Drm50]

Too high to be practical

 

[Green Frog]

Bekeart, you still haven't answered the most important question, "Converted to what?" If it is a Cogswell & Harrison that has been converted to 22LR and has adjustable sights, I would be very interested. I've never heard of C&H doing the "just ream the chambers and send it off to the Yanks" strategy some of the lesser gunsmiths used, but if that's what it is, I'd evaluate it at about half the asking price. Those would be the top and bottom prices and "opportunities" I can see without further explanation and information. What can you add?

Froggie

 

[rincar]

$500 to much money. Unless you just must have one. I would agree $ 400 or less.

 

[DWalt]

I would not go anywhere beyond $250. Maybe not even that after inspection. $500 is insane.

 

[reddog81]

I think for $500 you have other/ better options

That's what I was thinking... For $500 or not much more you can get a decent old school Colt or Smith and Wesson .38 Special that hasn't been molested.

 

[Ameshawki]

No chance of $500. I'd be hard pressed to go half that. I can't see the converted guns ever becoming remotely collectable.

 

[GypsmJim]

I have one. I admit I bought it 12 years ago, but I paid $200. It shoots OK.

A High Point is a gansta or gang gun. But, that's only my opinion. That would be the very last gun I ever owned.

 

[Frailer]

I love these Victory conversions for their historical significance, but I'm with those who think $500 is over the top.

I picked up mine up about three years ago. It languished in the dealer's case for months at $325, but I couldn't resist when the proprietor had a 15% off Christmas sale. These days I'd think $350 would be a decent price.

 

[Bekeart]

Bekeart, you still haven't answered the most important question, "Converted to what?" If it is a Cogswell & Harrison that has been converted to 22LR and has adjustable sights, I would be very interested. I've never heard of C&H doing the "just ream the chambers and send it off to the Yanks" strategy some of the lesser gunsmiths used, but if that's what it is, I'd evaluate it at about half the asking price. Those would be the top and bottom prices and "opportunities" I can see without further explanation and information. What can you add?

Froggie

Question asked by member:

"Converted to what?"

The listing does not indicate current caliber.
My guess is that the "38 s&w ctg" in listing was copied from marking on barrel.
Feel sure that if it was a 22 caliber conversion, it would have been mentioned.

 

[Dave Baird]

It is 38S&W to 38spl. I found it.