S&W Victory .38spl (Updated today 5/4)
- Thread starter DuckBeav
- Start date
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Made in 1944.
Stocks are much newer than the gun. The smooth targets are probably worth as much as the revolver.
Stocks are much newer than the gun. The smooth targets are probably worth as much as the revolver.
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- Jun 28, 2007
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Looks rough cosmetically, how are the mechanics?
The front sight blade looks to have been shortened, and the Target stocks are modified (bottoms cut flush with the grip frame), sadly.
The front sight blade looks to have been shortened, and the Target stocks are modified (bottoms cut flush with the grip frame), sadly.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Very poor maintenance practiced by prior owners.
The front sight appears abused. The proof is in the pudding so you need to go out to the range and fired 158 grain bullets at a target at least 15 yards (45 feet) away.
The front sight appears abused. The proof is in the pudding so you need to go out to the range and fired 158 grain bullets at a target at least 15 yards (45 feet) away.
Now that it was mentioned, the front sight has been ramped a little. Mechanically, I think I'm going to have it gone through by a local gunsmith. The cylinder thumb release, as I said, needs to be fixed. I think a spring in there is jacked up. I'm not out a lot on this one so, don't mind having the gunsmith fix and check timing.
DWalt
Member
Without the topstrap property stamping, it is highly likely to have been one made for WWII stateside civilian service - law enforcement, defense plant guards, etc. Those are called DSC Victories.
Last edited:
larryofcc
SWCA Member
Well, I took it to my local gunsmith and he is going to go through all the internals, fix the thumb release issue and see if he can make sure timing is good. I also found a set of original smooth grips and ordered them. Not sure just how great a condition they are in 'til they get here. I fear at $27 total with shipping, my hopes are not high. LOL!
If not, a small nail or the shank of a drill bit works also.
A quick update! I got my DSC Victory back from the Smithy and he fixed timing issue with a new hand, cylinder release mechanism is fixed, and he said it shot great! I put the period correct grips on and also ordered a lanyard loop/pin from Numerich's. 
Major 2
Member
You've done it proud; it has its dignity restored.
Agreed- now it looks like V. Hope to see an update with a lanyard loop
Thank you both! This Victory has found a special place in my heart for some reason. The years have not been kind to the exterior but, with some smithy tlc, she's in fine working order now.
And an extra thank you to @Timothy2700 for unknowingly giving her a name "Hope" as in, I hope she'll make another 81yrs.
