Need help identifying estate sale find

[Donttasemebro]

So my wife goes to estate sales and sometimes I go with her. I buy the firearms and she buys stuff for her antique shop. I came across this old S&W revolver and I’d like to fix it up. My questions are:
1. What is it? Model etc.
2. How old is it?
3. What’s it worth, though I doubt I’d sell it
4. Where can I get replacement screws for it? Also where can I find a replacement front sight and how would I mount it?
5. Is it safe to use brass wool to take off some of the surface rust? Or should I just leave it as is?

Thanks in advance

 

[MelvinWalker]

A Victory model that was originally chambered in .38 S&W, (not .38 Special). It may have been reamed to .38 special...WW2 era.

The barrel originally would have been 5 inch and the grips would have been smooth wood with no checkering. There would have been a lanyard ring on the butt, however like so many of these post war refurbs, the hole has been filled in before being reblued..

 

[diyj98]

5. Is it safe to use brass wool to take off some of the surface rust? Or should I just leave it as is?

Brass wool is perfectly safe for removing rust.

 

[Goony]

As noted above, originally a circa 1944 "Victory" model that was manufactured in the British Service Revolver configuration. With its barrel having been shortened, the original grips replaced, and the exterior surfaces polished and reblued, that's basically three strikes towards diminishing its worth. At this point if it's been rechambered to accept .38 Special in lieu of .38 S&W. that's not too consequential, kind of a foul ball. I wouldn't be investing much money in it, although it will undoubtedly cost something to affix a front sight if you so choose. It may look better if you can strip whatever was slathered on those grips.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I think I would try a solder on front sight and file it to correct height. Replace the screws and see what rounds chamber in it. Or if the price is right maybe try to fit a different barrel. I’ve seen a bunch of these old war guns butchered/modified. Some good. Some not so good. Neat project gun but value is not going to be high. If you do the work yourself it will save money and gain an experience. I wouldn’t mind a project like that to re barrel as I’ve not done it before but wouldn’t experiment on a nice one.

 

[ol777gunnerz]

info

For blued guns, 0000 steel wool with a generous amount of good oil will work really well. I have used it on many guns with fantastic results & will not harm the bluing at all. Works way better than the brass wool as well as quicker.

 

[handejector]

The pic of the cylinder shows that it is still cal 38 S&W, not reamed to 38 Spec.

 

[67tempest]

I use 0000 bronze wool with Kroil, not steel wool to remove surface rust. The bronze wool is softer than the steel and will definitely not damage the finish. If you are to aggressive with steel wool you run the risk of damaging the finish.

 

[Yendor357]

I know it’s dumb I’d to feel sorry for an inanimate, mechanical object.
But I do.
That poor, once proud, beautiful example of American craftsmanship, is reduced to what we see now. Just a little care and a few drops of 3 in 1 oil occasionally would have preserved this poor thing.

 

[BB4XL]

Numrich gun parts may have screws. Also they have some parts.

Gun Parts & Firearm Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[45NUTT]

It would make a good drop gun if one had need of that!

 

[AudieMurphy]

It would make a good drop gun if one had need of that!

or a gun buy back..I heard HEB is giving a $150 food voucher here in SA when the police have them....

 

[M1A4ME]

For blued guns, 0000 steel wool with a generous amount of good oil will work really well. I have used it on many guns with fantastic results & will not harm the bluing at all. Works way better than the brass wool as well as quicker.

All I've ever used. Never had issues with damaging the bluing either. Really does a good job of cleaning them up. Just wipe off with your regular oily rag when you're done.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Way back, Kmart in Ft. Collins, CO. Say you never heard of Kmart?
Anywho, they had a pile of Brit Victory Models for sale.
Reamed out for 38 Special which was stamped on the barrel.
I looked at some but passed.
I’m thinking they were $75.