Victory Model

[TurboKnox]

I recently purchased what I believe to be a S&W Victory Model .38 Special, but am having trouble identifying any information about it. I am also new to this forum so forgive me if this question has been asked elsewhere...

It doesn't appear that S&W has an online registry lookup of serial numbers (like Ruger), so is there any other way to determine when the piece may have been made, and if it is indeed a Victory model, short of contacting S&W directly?

The serial no. is V466936. The pawn shop where I purchased it simply had it marked as model K-38 (no original box or papers came with it).

Thanks in advance for any info that could help!

3/4/2013: I was able to get better quality (and more photos):

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! A V prefix revolver is a Victory Model. Here is one thread (among others) that may help to narrow down the ship date:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/223676-victory-data-base.html

Two SWCA members maintain the database, and one may be along to give you a specific answer. My impression is yours has been refinished; these were a dull dark grey from the factory. Is it polished blue, or nickel?

Also, it has later stocks and (possibly) the lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame has been removed. Hope this is helpful.

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the Forum.

Yes. Your revolver started life as a Victory Model during the second half of 1943.

It has definitely been refinished and looks like it was nickel plated. The hammer and trigger have been plated as well, which is a dead giveaway that the gun has been refinished.

Pawn shops rarely know anything about S&W revolvers, so they just do the best they can. Calling this a K-38 would be a serious misnomer for several reasons. It is true that the Victory model was built on the K frame (medium size frame) but the K-38 was not so-designated until after the war and it was a K frame revolver with target sights, not fixed sights like the Victory and its younger brother, the postwar Military & Police revolver.

As Alan mentioned, your gun is wearing stocks (grips) that are much later than your gun. They were made in 1968 or later.

Regards,
Jack

 

[TurboKnox]

Thank you for your guidance and help - I greatly appreciate it! I will pursue the Victory database and the factory letter.

 

[TurboKnox]

I am so thankful I found this forum. I very much appreciate the obviously vast knowledge of its membership and look forward to learning more from everyone!

 

[JP@AK]

Well, we are glad you are here.
We're a bit nutty around here about S&W revolvers. I, for one, spend way too much time hanging out on this forum. But it is a very friendly place and you can learn a ton just by reading the many interesting posts.
Again, welcome!
Jack