Pre-Victory Model S&W .38 Special Value .?

[gerhard]

I was set up at our Annual Military Show this past friday/saturday.......actually kinda quiet as not much sales going on...at least for me.....anyway..as Show was closing....guy walked by me carrying what looked like Victory Model S&W......I asked to look at it and he said it was a "Pre-Victory Model" as it did not have the V before the serial number....it was in Good condition...Military finish a bit worn....barrel looked good......Lanyard Ring on butt.....said he wanted $400 for it......as my sales had not been that good I passed on it....however he gave me his phone number and said to give him a call.....as he had no luck selling it so far.?....anyway.....whats your guys opinion on Pre-Victory Model S&W Special....Good Condition....?...sorry for no photos...but he only stopped for minute or so.......does that sound like a good deal. $400..?....I appreciate your input.........Regards...Hans Fischer

 

[DWalt]

I don't believe anyone can answer your question without more knowledge regarding its condition and, especially, originality. "Good Condition" does not impart much information. Has the barrel been cut? Has it been rechambered? Do all SNs match? Caliber? Barrel length? It could be essentially worthless.

 

[gerhard]

PRE-Victory .38 Special

Thanks for the response.......I really didn't get a chance to give it a thorough going over.....but playing devils advocate here......lets just take a wild chance/guess.......and say that barrel looks good...not cut...all numbers match...about as pristine at you can get..........Im just trying to get a "ball park" idea of the value of pre-victory models.........I know...having photos would help....but wasn't possible...so Im just wondering the value...giving that everything looks good......what would one offer..??....hope this makes sense.........I have one Victory model but honestly know next to nothing on gun values...etc......so a WAG is Appreciated.....

 

[murphydog]

If you are certain it is a 4" .38 Special, $400 is a fair price. If it is a 5" in .38 S & W, $400 is high; if it has been altered (cut barrel, changed to fire .38 Special, etc.), really high .

 

[opoefc]

A "Pre Victory" can cover a very wide range of various models of S&Ws, even .32 Hand Ejectors, plus commercial finished 4, 5 & 6 in. barreled guns, although what you typically encounter is a Model 1905, 4th change, with a sand blast blue finish, swivel in the butt and caliber .38/200 or .38 S&W Special. It may, or may not, have smooth walnut stocks. With out more info. on the gun, a value estimate is only a WAG at this point, but it's probably not worth over $400. Ed.

 

[gerhard]

Pre-Victory .38 Special value

Hey Guys.....Thanks for the feedback on my questions....its Appreciated........it just kinda puzzled me a bit as why the guy had not sold the pistol....seeing as we had over 100 Dealer tables....was surprised someone didn't snap it up........now I have a better idea why.......he gave me his phone number in case I wanted to call......but I have a Real Nice Victory .38 Special.....with the S&W Factory letter...showing it was shipped to Defense plant in Texas............and.......seeing as how just put out $2800 for a transmission for my old 97 Suburban...might just have to pass it up.....sigh....thanks again.........Hans Fischer