S&W Victory Model (38 Special)

[IrvJr]

Hi all - my father-in-law just purchased S&W Victory Model 38 special revolver. It's the M&P type of revolver with a landyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame.

I think my FIL bought it to use as a plinking and home defense gun. He got a good deal on it (I think around $240) and I think it was in very good shape.

I would like to know how we can tell whether or not it is safe to carry this gun with all 6 chambers loaded. How can we tell whether or not it has a positive hammer block installed? Can I tell by the serial number? Or do I have to remove the side plate? If so, what does the modern hammer block look like?

Thanks in advance.

 

[scha]

If a Victory model has the updated hammer block it should have an "S" in the serial number (VS or SV) and/or an "S" stamped in the upper corner of the sideplate.

The original Victory hammer block worked on a ramp on the hand that pushed the block out of the way. Spring tension kept it in position. The updated hammer block slides up and down and it activated by a pin on the rebound slide. The updated hammer clock is loose and will fall out when the sideplate is removed. The original Victory hammer block fit in a hole drilled vertically in the sideplate.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks for your post Steve. It was very helpful for a S&W revolver novice like myself (even though I own a few S&W's - I don't know much about their internal operation).

I haven't had a chance to see the revolver yet, but will take a look later this week. Thanks again for your help.