Odd victory model

[Marvin9679]

I just acquired a victory model unlike my other 3. It has what appears to be a 2 inch barrel with nothing written on topstrap, all numbers match serial # V560100. On left side says cal.38 special. On frame in front of cylinder it has BNP with what look like a crown over the three letters. On barrel it has worn writing but appears to be 767 and under that maybe a 3 then 1/2 tons. A P in front of hammer. Looks more like an old police snub nose then a victory. Any ideas?

 

[Igiveup]

Looks to be a British reimport with those markings. Same proof markings on my 38 S&W revolver. Someone with more knowledge will be here soon, I'm sure. Neat revolver, I'm jealous.

 

[JP@AK]

The barrel was chopped from 5" to roughly 2", eliminating the front locking lug. Sold postwar into the civilian market in the U.S. There are hundreds of thousands out there like this one. It's a beater gun for keeping under the seat in your pickup, or whatever.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

This is a 5" British Service Revolver (BSR) cut down to 2" and rechambered to .38 special. There is no collector value. Probably worth about $200, + or - $50.

 

[murphydog]

0.767" is the length of the .38 S & W case, and 3 1/2 tons the pressure of the proof load (13000 psi). So it was proof tested for .38 S & W prior to being sold by the British onto the commercial gun market, then converted to fire .38 Special after this.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Looks like mine. US property stamp on the topstrap, British proofs. Had issues, besides the obvious ones, with the action being rough and sticky. Played with it some, polished things, swapped a few parts and now it’s got a nice action. Still looks like death eating a honeybun with a lanyard ring but it is what it is, a wartime Smith.

 

[sigp220.45]

On the bright side, you are halfway to a “Guns of Lee Harvey Oswald” complete collection.