Victory data base

[Muley Gil]

It appears that this Victory model has had a 6" .38 special barrel fitted to it, sometime after WW II.

It started out as a British Service Revolver and the .38 S&W cylinder has been re-chambered to .38 special.

 

[montzsterww]

It appears that this Victory model has had a 6" .38 special barrel fitted to it, sometime after WW II.

It started out as a British Service Revolver and the .38 S&W cylinder has been re-chambered to .38 special.

I appreciate the information, thank you.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

What is the serial number under the barrel? Also, your gun is missing the extractor rod locking bolt, spring and pin. The gun will function ok without them but the cylinder would be more stable if you reinstalled them. You can find the parts at Gun Parts & Firearm Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts.

 

[montzsterww]

What is the serial number under the barrel? Also, your gun is missing the extractor rod locking bolt, spring and pin. The gun will function ok without them but the cylinder would be more stable if you reinstalled them. You can find the parts at Gun Parts & Firearm Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts.

I will look into this, thank you for the link.

There is an F6 stamped above the numbers 47261.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Those are assembly numbers and fitter or inspector's mark. What is the number under the barrel...if there is one?

 

[montzsterww]

Those are assembly numbers and fitter or inspector's mark. What is the number under the barrel...if there is one?

Unfortunately I do not see any numbers on the barrel. The only markings would be smith & Wesson on the left and 38 s&w special ctg on the right.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Well, no serial on the barrel confirms Gil's conclusion the barrel was replaced. That should improve the accuracy a bit. Enjoy your shooter!

 

[montzsterww]

Well, no serial on the barrel confirms Gil's conclusion the barrel was replaced. That should improve the accuracy a bit. Enjoy your shooter!

I appreciate all of the information. I plan on running a few rounds through this weekend. Any idea of the age based on the V number?

Thanks again.

 

[Absalom]

… Any idea of the age based on the V number?
.

A four-digit V serial puts the gun early in Victory production, mid-1942, maybe around June.

 

[daveduncan]

I have a 38 special victory and am wondering the year of manufacture. Under grips, V - 356021. What I am curious about is on right strap infront and ontop of trigger guard it reads MADE IN U.S.A. Also on right side there is the smith and wesson logo. US Property G.H.D on top left above cylinder. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[KEN L]

Some pics would be most helpful, but sounds like you have a standard Victory model that most likely shipped in July 1943. Have you removed the grips to see if they are numbered to the gun?

 

[DWalt]

I have a 38 special victory and am wondering the year of manufacture. Under grips, V - 356021. What I am curious about is on right strap infront and ontop of trigger guard it reads MADE IN U.S.A. Also on right side there is the smith and wesson logo. US Property G.H.D on top left above cylinder. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Standard typical markings on a Victory from that time period (mid-1943).

 

[shamuscull]

My contribution to the database. Ser#V502xxx. Have put on proper grips since photos.

 

[Ameshawki]

V201083. Standard four inch, 38 Special. I suspect a DSC gun, belonged to a long time deputy in the area. Someone engraved his name and badge number on it, I imagine when he retired. Adds a bit of history to it. Last I knew he was still alive and living in an assisted living home just up the street from me. I'm thinking late '42.

Also have a UK Victory, V579739. Standard five inch. I'm thinking 1944.

 

[Absalom]

V201083. Standard four inch, 38 Special. I suspect a DSC gun, belonged to a long time deputy in the area. Someone engraved his name and badge number on it, I imagine when he retired. Adds a bit of history to it. Last I knew he was still alive and living in an assisted living home just up the street from me. I'm thinking late '42.

Also have a UK Victory, V579739. Standard five inch. I'm thinking 1944.

Around Jan. 1943 on the first one, April/May 1944 on the second one.

If the guy is indeed still alive whose name and badge no. is on the US Victory, you can enhance the resale value to collectors by documenting the gun’s use, like department, times, maybe get a photo from the guy’s active duty days. Collectors love that kind of provenance, especially if it provides context for otherwise meaningless personalized scratchings on a gun.

 

[Ameshawki]

Around Jan. 1943 on the first one, April/May 1944 on the second one.

If the guy is indeed still alive whose name and badge no. is on the US Victory, you can enhance the resale value to collectors by documenting the gun’s use, like department, times, maybe get a photo from the guy’s active duty days. Collectors love that kind of provenance, especially if it provides context for otherwise meaningless personalized scratchings on a gun.

Thanks for the information.

 

[Skiffer]

My contribution to the data base is V194119. Marked US Navy on the top left strap. Shipped from the factory Monday, January 4, 1943 to Norfolk, VA.

 

[ordnanceguy]

My contribution to the data base is V194119. Marked US Navy on the top left strap. Shipped from the factory Monday, January 4, 1943 to Norfolk, VA.

Got it. Now added to the Database. Thank you, Skiffer.

 

[hkpv70z]

Here is one for the DB. Parkerized, 38S&W short.

 

[JeffreyJ5]

Hello, All! I'm considering the purchase of a S&W Victory Model in .38 S&W Special listed as a "1942" production. Serial Number V7655. I’ve included a link to some photos I’ve taken of the gun in hopes of getting information on the gun. The serial numbers seem to match in all the correct spots (including the grips).

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Looking for possible ship date and destination among any other information available. Also looking for some insight as to if $450.00 is a reasonable price.

Thanks in advance!

Photo Album : S&W Victory - Google Photos

Edit: I pulled the trigger (pun intended) on the firearm, but still looking for info! Once I get it cleaned up, I'll follow up with better photographs for the database!