Original lend-lease?

[4570shooter]

Good morning, local store has a lend-lease 38 special with 6" barrel, parkerized, British proof marks, V prefix. was wandering if it sounds like its original configuration. no pics.

 

[DWalt]

Markings on it and the serial number would be helpful. Lend-Lease guns would have a property stamp on the topstrap. The first L-L revolvers shipped around October 1941, and I believe all of those had 5” barrels and were chambered for .38 S&W. There were some shipments of 6” revolvers to the commonwealth, but those were prior to the L-L shipments. Military revolvers were never Parkerized. If yours has a V prefix SN, it would be a L-L, but should not have a 6” barrel. Do all SNs match?

 

[Retired W4]

I believe the 6" guns shipped to the Brits prior to L-L were blue and chambered in 38-200 (38 S&W). Something doesn't sound right about the one you are looking at. I'm no expert though.

 

[4570shooter]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll pass on this one. No US property mark and some other things don't match up. Just thought I'd check. They wanted $450.

 

[Igiveup]

Not a bad price now days. I bet it is 5 inch barrel.

 

[DWalt]

If it has a V-prefix SN, a 6” barrel, in .38 S&W, and no property stamp, something is off.

 

[4570shooter]

It definitely has a 6"barrel, and it's in 38 special, but your right, somethings not right. I will take pics next time I go there. Thanks.