Victory data base

[DWalt]

I cannot say how many of the surplus BSRs imported in the 1950s and 1960s had their chambers reamed to .38 Special, But I imagine a majority did. The U. S. PROPERTY topstrap stamping is usually fairly light and easily buffed off. My guess that when yours was plated, that is what happened.

Those sold off by the British normally had a series of proof stampings applied to comply with British law prior to sale. Those "Duffel Bag Specials" brought back by GIs did not have proof markings. Rememmber that in those days, A US GI might get such a revolver in exchange for a carton of cigarettes, and it is not unusual to find un-proofed BSRs. Yours may well have been one of those, modified by plating and barrel shortening by its owner at some later time, but leaving the chambering original. Unfortunately, there will never be any way to know how it arrived on these shores and what happened to it afterward.

While those BSRs with original un-bored chambers are more desirable, ammunition supply problems exist. While .38 S&W ammunition is still factory loaded, it's not so easily found in most areas, and is somewhat expensive when found, unlike .38 Special. There are internet sources for .38 S&W, but the shipping costs for small amounts are high.

 

[Dutchboyy]

Thank you DWalt for your perspective and information. I already reload for 38 S&W, and my purpose for this gun is to serve as a pleasant way to shoot this mild caliber. Since it has no collector value, I won't have to baby it. I can just use it, and enjoy shooting it. The plastic, stag grips will go in a ziplock bag, and they will be replaced with a set of Hogue grips, which will be more comfortable. (I'm assuming that the frame on the Victory model is the same size as a regular, square butt K frame. If that's wrong, I would appreciate someone posting a correction.)

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Yes, the BSR uses the square butt K frame same as the US Victories. Here is a picture of my Victory with some aftermarket K frame magnas.

 

[DWalt]

K-frames made between 1914 and 1944 were the same, except for some minor changes and cosmetics, and of course calibers and barrel lengths. In 1945, a major change to the hammer drop safety was added.

 

[walkcubs]

Just got home after purchasing another Victory Model. No pics yet.
S/N V4188**. 4 inch barrel. .38 S&W Special CTG. Ammo Symbol & "U.S. PROPERTY GHD" on top strap. All serial numbers match in the right places. Unfortunately re "parkerized" but not overdone. Action is like new. Lanyard ring is missing but the hole is not plugged. I'm thinking 1943 United States Armed Services model. No british proof marks of any kind.

 

[DWalt]

V4188** would have shipped about September 1943. If the barrel is 4" and caliber-stamped 38 Special it is one of the US military revolvers, most likely Navy. Depending upon what you paid, the re-phosphating may not hurt value too much if it's a good job.

 

[walkcubs]

DWalt

Thanx for the feedback. I attached some photos. The refinish was very well done. The only way I could tell was some of the lettering on the barrel patents were filled in slightly as well as the large S&W logo on the side plate.

 

[walkcubs]

Are 1917s Covered in this Thread?

I got a very good Model 1917, Brazilian Contract version the other day. I attached some pics. Don't know if this is the forum to ask this. I read these versions are not very popular but I can't believe this. I've seen 2 of these over the past months. I bought the 2nd one I saw. Everything is original except the grips. All serial numbers match and the action is like new. A little scratched up but I think this adds character to this shooter. I think this gun was shipped in 1937/38. Part of the original Brazilian purchase.

 

[DWalt]

Thanx for the feedback. I attached some photos. The refinish was very well done. The only way I could tell was some of the lettering on the barrel patents were filled in slightly as well as the large S&W logo on the side plate.

You should get a pair of correct smooth grips. It's entirely possible that before it was re-finished it was in far worse cosmetic condition. Unlike re-bluing, i personally feel that a good re-phosphated finish on a Victory in formerly shabby condition is no major sin and not that detrimental to value provided the revolver is otherwise sound and not otherwise desecrated, such as having a chopped barrel and/or rechambered cylinder.

Victories were intended to be mass-produced, cheap, rugged, and functional no-frills revolvers for combat service manufactured under wartime conditions, not rare objects of beauty like a 99% Registered Magnum. So I believe a competent refinish to restore them to their original appearance shouldn't be a big negative to value. I'd feel the same way about a well-used WWII M1911A1. In fact I ran across a pair of near zero%-condition (but complete) M1911A1s for $400 each this weekend, and I strongly considered buying at least one of them with the intent of doing a phosphate refinish. But I didn't.

 

[walkcubs]

DWalt

Grips are on order as well as a lanyard ring with pin.

Thanx

 

[gunsmithtobe]

Yes, post the info here. Ed

can i get some info on my victory model

 

[walkcubs]

DWalt

Need your opinion. Just got in the grips for my latest Victory model. See attached. Looks good even with the lanyard ring I installed. What do you think?

I also posted a picture from another Victory model I have. I didn't notice the "P" under the grips. Any ideas?
This piece is a pre Victory BSR purchased by the Canadian military thru a defense contractor. I asked you the info earlier in this thread. S/N 9488**.

 

[dmzu]

Another Victory model for the database

I just bought Victory from a local gunshop. It's serial number is V505606. Barrel, frame, cylinder, and grips match.

The 5 inch barrel has 38 S.W. CTG on the right side. Gun is blued (maybe re-blued?) It has a lanyard ring. The hammer and trigger are not blued (case hardened?). The grips are smooth walnut. 38 Special will not chamber.

It has an Austrian police mark on the left side and P marks on the barrel, upper portion of the frame on the right side, and the back of the cylinder. There is no stamp on the top left hand side of the gun that would indicate US ownership. No flaming bomb. All other stamps are pretty sharp.

I'm wondering if perhaps the gun may have been refinished to remove that marking or any other Austrian markings. If soemone did refinish, they did a pretty good job.

I paid $325 for it to be a shooter not a collectible. Trigger pull is incredibly smooth.

Thanks in advance for any info you can help find.

 

[nmckenzie]

Recently added Victory Model s/n V130xx to my collection. It's a 5" barrel, gray parkerized, .38 S&W, plain walnut grips, w/lanyard swivel. Serial number's on base of grip, inner side of right grip panel, underside of barrel and rear face of cylinder. US Ordnance Department flaming bomb and inspector's initials (W.B.) on base of grip. No US Property, US Navy, Broad Arrow, or importer's markings. Any thoughts regarding month/year of manufacture or wartime user? Thanks in advance for any info

 

[NavyCommander]

V38249

Hello, I have a S&W Victory model .38. Number V38249. I know I can get a letter from S&W for $50 for exact detail, but was wondering if someone could help narrow down the year. Thanks

 

[DWalt]

Hello, I have a S&W Victory model .38. Number V38249. I know I can get a letter from S&W for $50 for exact detail, but was wondering if someone could help narrow down the year. Thanks

V38249 would have shipped about July 1942. With a SN that low, it would probably (but not necessarily) be chambered in .38 S&W, have a 5" barrel, and be a .38/200 British service revolver. But you haven't provided enough detail for a firm ID or a picture. Getting a factory letter would probably not be the best use for a spare $50 bill.

 

[NavyCommander]

V38249

Wow! 1942? Amazing. Thanks, DWalt appreciate the response. I think I can rustle up $50.

 

[BubbaBlades]

5" Victory #V1948 in .38 S&W. Gun has been nickel plated and it looks like the hammer and trigger have been changed. Grips are not original to this gun but all numbers (barrel, frame and cylinder) match.

This gun is accurate with Remington 146 gr. ammo but shoots slightly high with 146 gr. reloads.

I bought this gun several years ago because it was the cheapest S&W ($100) that I have ever purchased (and that includes guns going back 40+ years).

Mark

 

[DWalt]

It appears the hammer has been "jeweled", as that is what the swirled circles are called. The trigger may also be, but I cannot tell from the picture. The grips appear to be from the 1911-1919 period. It's worth more than $100 as a shooter. 3ME Jeweling

 

[Hdscooterman]

Australian Victory

Found at small gunshow on Saturday. Australian 38 S&W ctg. Victory. S/N V91350 numbers matching on all metal. Includes numbered box gun was shipped to importer in with broad arrow marked cleaning rod and old pamphlet describing Australian Victory model. Markings as follows: s/n on butt, under 5" bbl, under extractor, back of cylinder. Barrel marked with patent info on top, 38 S&W Ctg on right side of barrel. Right frame marked MADE IN USA, D/|\D, FTR MA53, /|\ 2L, S&W logo. Frame bottom /|\. Frame top UNITED STATES PROPERTY. Left frame VEGA SAC CA. Butt V91350 flaming bomb and P swivel present. Smooth well fitting non matching numbered grips. As new at FTR Parkerized finish. Case hardened trigger and hammer. Bright bore. Paid$425. Any information appreciated.