Just what do I have here?

[Karnivore]

Picked up this S&W at the latest gun show. I think it is a Victory. .38 Special that has a snub barrel. Not sure if it is a factory offering or a fairly well done custom? It is recessed and pinned.

Does anyone recognize this type of Smith

 

[twaits]

It does appear to be a cut down and nickeled Victory model. I used to have one that was similar. Be aware that some of these were converted from .38 S&W to .38 Special (mine was). These will split .38 special cases as the diameter of .38S&W is larger.

 

[Muley Gil]

After WW II, the Brits sold off their .38 S&W chambered Victory models and many of them were imported back into the US. Since .38 S&W cartridges were hard to come by and .38 special was common, importers would often rechamber them to .38 special and chop the barrels to create a "snub nose".

Notice that this revolver does not have a lug under the barrel for the end of the ejector rod and it has a tinny ramp front sight. The proper front sight would be a half moon. The finish would be either blue or a Parkerized type, not nickel.

 

[opoefc]

Why do you think it's a Victory ? Is there a V in front of the serial number? Plugged hole on the butt? It's chop job, buffed and nickeled, and probably converted from a Lend Lease .38S&W caliber revolver to a .38Special caliber, with after market non-S&W stocks. (Notice the British "sold from surplus" stamp on the left frame in front of the trigger guard. ) Ed.