Victory Model in 32 S&W?

[Louie]

I am being offered a Victory Model S&W (have not seen it yet) and am being told it is nearly new in the box and is in 32 S&W.

I am not aware of the Victory model in 32 S&W being made. Can someone shed some light on this? WERE there Victory Models, military finish, in 32 S&W Long?

Thanks in advance

Louie

 

[H Richard]

Be sure to take pictures when you see it, because it would be a one of a kind. If it is really a .32, it isl probably a .32 Hand Ejector with a lanyard ring.

 

[moosedog]

If it is a K frame in 32, it is a rarity. I'm betting it is not a Victory but possibly a J or I frame.
Pictures, if possible, will tell.

 

[rburg]

If its indeed a K frame gun in 32, buy it. Look for obvious signs that a local auto mechanic did the conversion, but buy it just the same. I don't even know where they'd find a 32 caliber barrel and cylinder. Well, other than boring out a 22. Its one of those things that it pays to follow up the lead. Even when the last 5 such things didn't pan out, you still go and look. But if its not as stated, you get a free shot or two at the people who lied to you about it.

 

[Green Frog]

There was a rather small number of .32 S&W Long calibered Military & Police Models made, IIRC just prior to WW II. I'm not @ home with my copy of SCSW, so I can't be more specific than that, but maybe somebody else will chime in. Note please that I did not say it was a Victory Model, and by extension, a "Military Finish" seems unlikely to be original. JMHO from my limited experiences, I am willing to be corrected.

Froggie

PS I should also have mentioned on a gun of this vintage (and probably value) it would behoove you to check the serial numbers on the back of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel for a match to those on the butt of the grip frame. Just sayin'!

 

[KEN L]

Are you sure they didn't say, "Pre-Victory Model"? Even then the original finish wouldn't be parkerized. Could be the dull blue finish of the time that someone thinks is parkerizing. Just a thought!

 

[OFT II]

I've got two bits that says it's a 32/20.

 

[delta-419]

32-20

+1 for it being a 32-20!

 

[Texas Star]

+1 for it being a 32-20!

Pretty likely, but just a normal M&P, not a Victory.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I've got two bits that says it's a 32/20.

Seems the most likely to me also. It'll be interesting to see what it is.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[walnutred]

I'm wondering if it is one of my old revolvers. Back in the 1980s when such items were relatively inexpensive I practiced my Parkerizing techniques on beater revolvers. There are several I Frames and Spanish M&P clones floating around with very nice Parkerized finishes which I was guilty of creating.

I once watched with pride as two "collectors" debated why the Military would have issued a 32 Regulation Police revolver. They were convinced the finish was too good to be a home job and it must have been a special order for a high ranking WAC officer. They almost had ME convinced of the story and it was MY pistol!