Pre Model 10?

[Dubyar]

Greetings. New member here. Looking for info on manufacture date, value, etc. on what I've been told is a "Pre Model 10". The gun is nickel plated, 3 3/8 " barrel, 5 screw (I think), ser. # V 531xxx . ".38 S & W CTG SPECIAL" on right side of barrel. Cylinder is very tight, rifling seems worn. Seller is asking $450.00 but after reading around, seems like $350.00 is more appropriate. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanx, Dubyar

 

[johnspider1993]

Depending on condition it could be worth the 450...but remember that there will be times that you see a gun you just have to have. If you buy it and you're happy with the purchase that's all that matters ;-)

Sent from my LG-LS840

 

[JP@AK]

Okay. First of all, welcome to the Forum. You have come to the right place to learn about S&W revolvers.

Now to begin with, this revolver is not a "Pre Model 10." It is a Victory Model shipped in 1944. There were about 1 million of these made to support the war effort. While it is in the lineage of the Model 10, it has significant design differences. Production of the "pre-Model 10" (if we must use that terminology) did not start up until around March, 1948.

The barrel will measure 4", not 3 3/8". Keep in mind it should be measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. If it really is only 3 3/8" it has been cut down. The 5 screw configuration is correct. That did not go away until about 1956. The nickel is almost certainly not correct. Your revolver has probably been refinished.

In my opinion, $450 is much too much to pay for a refinished Victory Model revolver.

I hope this helps you.
Jack

 

[Wiregrassguy]

A V serial numbered S&W .38 Special would look something like this.

Obviously, the grips on the gun pictured are not period correct for a service revolver. Original grips are plain round top walnut.

 

[DWalt]

Dubyar -

I STRONGLY advise against purchasing that revolver. It is a butchered Victory (huge numbers of them exist) and has no collector value, just what someone will pay for it as a cheap shooter. Such modifications to the S&W British .38/200 military revolvers were widely performed in the 1950s and 1960s to increase their attractiveness to US purchasers. They sold for $25-$35 each at the time.

That serial number would place its shipment in early 1944.