Victory data base

[weatherby]

I just picked this one up V 139166.
Has a 4" barrel all the numbers match cylinder barrel and frame.
It is chambered in 38 special.
Has a brushed/satin blue finish?
The magnas on it are un numbered and the front sight had been replaced.

 

[JustinL]

I saw this Victory for sale in a gun store today.

Serial: V364444
Caliber: .38 Special
Configuration: Phosphate finish, 4" barrel, smooth walnut stocks that did not fit correctly. Lanyard ring removed
Markings: US Property on left side of top strap. I do not recall if there was "GHD" stamped anywhere.

 

[DWalt]

At that SN, G.H.D. should have been stamped on the top strap also. It would be from mid-1943.

 

[moosedog]

Here's a few for the data base.

Four incher is SV 775869 shipped Jan 1945

Snub nosed one is serial number SV 800295. Unknown who did the barrel but suspect it might have been done by a military armorer.

 

[DWalt]

"but suspect it might have been done by a military armorer."

What's your reason to suspect that?

 

[fredott]

Need to register my Victory .38 Special

Serial number is V 727806, which I understand is late 1944 or early 1945. It has nickle finish and bone grips, which may not be factory. Question is, What is the purpose of seeking a factory letter?

 

[captsnapshot]

Victory front sight

My new Victory 5" barrel prints high with what I`ve been feed`n it. 158grns RNFP over a minimal charge of Vithavouri N320.
Also tried a 125grns FP copper coated ball over a moderate charge of HP38. Well they both give deasent groups but prints high. So my question is; What is the factory hight of the front sight when the barrel is 5"...? I supect someone has previousley been on it with a file.!

 

[DWalt]

If the front sight height has been altered, it should be very apparent. It will have a flat top surface, not rounded. Depending upon the condition of yours, that sight enhancement would have a negative effect upon value. And it's not easily reversible.

Personally, I would leave it alone, and if further efforts to tailor a load which will shoot more closely to the point of aim are unsuccessful, I'd just make a mental adjustment to the sight picture.

 

[trap4570]

38-200 Victory Model

Thought I would add my Victory to the data. S/N on butt by lanyard ring: V339249. S/N on frame under crane: 82767 and slightly slanted to the right. S/N under barrel is same as on the butt. The crane has the same slanted 82767. Recoil shield seems pristine with no signs of battering from recoil.

 

[trap4570]

38-200 additional picures

Another 5 pictures.

 

[DWalt]

That one would have left the factory in mid-1943. Does it have the typical topstrap property markings? The 82767 numeral stampings are just assembly numbers with no significance. It appears original. Have you checked to determine if the chambers have (or hopefully have not) been bored to accept .38 Special cartridges, and that all SNs match (including grips)?

 

[DWalt]

Serial number is V 727806, which I understand is late 1944 or early 1945. It has nickle finish and bone grips, which may not be factory. Question is, What is the purpose of seeking a factory letter?

There's no purpose for you to spend $50 for a factory letter, as it will tell you nothing of interest. Yours has been heavily modified and has no value other than as a shooter.

 

[brigham33]

Merchant Marine Victory

Another small piece of data for your data base. Victory 982936 (pre "V") was sent to the United States Maritime Commission in San Francisco on 25 May 1942. No markings other than usual S&W and serials. (Jinks letter)

 

[JustinL]

Another LGS Victory

Serial: V373156
Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson
Barrel: 5"
Finish: Reblued
Other features: "US Property GHD" marked on the left side of the top strap. "P" stamped on butt. No British markings noted.

 

[DWalt]

Another LGS Victory

Serial: V373156
Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson
Barrel: 5"
Finish: Reblued
Other features: "US Property GHD" marked on the left side of the top strap. "P" stamped on butt. No British markings noted.

That one shipped in mid-1943. Have you checked to determine if the chambers have been bored to accept .38 Special cartridges? Being reblued is definitely not a good sign. If you have not bought it, don't - unless it is priced cheaply.

 

[huthike]

Here's mine:

Serial number: V518164
Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel: 4"
Markings include: "U S Property G H D" on left side of topstrap
"Made in USA" on right side of frame
Has lanyard ring
Grips have black or deep blue (?) finish mostly worn away

 

[JustinL]

That one shipped in mid-1943. Have you checked to determine if the chambers have been bored to accept .38 Special cartridges? Being reblued is definitely not a good sign. If you have not bought it, don't - unless it is priced cheaply.

I have no intention of buying it; certainly not at the tagged price of $599! I was just listing it for the database.

 

[DWalt]

Here's mine:

Serial number: V518164
Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel: 4"
Markings include: "U S Property G H D" on left side of topstrap
"Made in USA" on right side of frame
Has lanyard ring
Grips have black or deep blue (?) finish mostly worn away

Early 1944.

 

[DaSandmanCometh]

Here's info. for my Victory for the database, let me know if you need any more info. I'll be happy to help out. Will be sending off for a letter sometime after the new year.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...o-38-s-w-special-revolver-my-grandmother.html

 

[JustinL]

Follow up on post #567

Courtesy of Mr. Jinks