Identifying S&W revolver

[sdkb]

New member seeking to identify S&W revolver model no. 76309 and serial no. V426018. It has been in the family for several decades and I'm guessing it must have been manufactured in the 40s or 50s. Can anyone please help me to determine when manufactured and any other information regarding its origin and/or identity?

 

[weatherby]

That V in the serial makes it a WWII victory model.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello new guy. Is 76309 the Sn. on the butt of the frame?

 

[22hipower]

The V tells us it is most likely a Victory manufactured for WWII. You didn't give us a lot to go on, barrel length? Caliber stamp on barrel? Many were 38 S&W but some were 38 Special. We often see the 38 S&Ws converted to 38 Special either in the UK or after returning to the US. And US, British or other stamps on the barrel, cylinder or frame? Pictures would help a lot. Welcome to the Forum.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Model19man]

Smith & Wesson did not invent the idea of Model numbers until the mid 1950's. With a V in the serial number the revolver dates to a time when there were no model numbers.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Here is a post with needed ID information described within:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

76309 is a factory internal code used during the assembly process, not a model number.

A revolver with a 4" barrel and stamped .38 S & W Special CTG (cartridge) on the right side was likely made for the US military, and a 5" in .38 S & W CTG for the British and Commonwealth countries.

 

[sdkb]

I will provide additional information as suggested.

 

[hkcavalier]

We'll be here to help. Note that the .38 S&W and .38 S&W Special cartridges are not the same, and not interchangeable either.

 

[DWalt]

Main items - caliber stamping on barrel and what might be stamped on the topstrap. Either nothing or U. S. Property.