Victory Model

[relem]

I have what I've been told is a "Victory" model S&W revolver. It appears to have English proof marking as well as ".38-200" on the barrel.

Any info out there?

 

[OldChief]

Yes, I believe what you have is a Lend Lease Victory Model. The British insisted on .38 S&W caliber with a 200 grain bullet. Hence, the .38-200. The .38 S&W is not to be mistaken for .38 Special, it is a shorter round and the bullet is .361" while the .38 Special bullet is .357" in diameter. Your revolver should also have a 5" barrel, another specification the British insisted on. I have one that went to Australia and found it's way back to the U.S. in the 80s.

 

[Targets Guy]

Welcome to the forum. A photo would help but OldChief has it right.

One of my BSR's with Brit markings after their makeover.




As you can see I use mine for hunting English walnuts now. I think it only fair after what they did to my revolver.

 

[Absalom]

I have what I've been told is a "Victory" model S&W revolver. It appears to have English proof marking as well as ".38-200" on the barrel.

Any info out there?

The previous info is generally correct, but you are most likely mis-reading a number or there is something odd about this gun.

No S&W British Service models were labeled .38-200 by either the company or the British. It would be stamped 38 S&W CTG.

The British did not use the .38-200 designation in WW II. The 200gr bullet had been replaced by a 178gr bullet in the 1930s, and the caliber was generally referred to simply as .38, while the cartridge designation was .380 Mk IIz.

So it either could have the (mostly Canadian) supplementary 38/380 stamp, or some commercial or private non-standard markings.

 

[kwill1911]

Any info out there?

Welcome to the forum. If you will go to the proper section and do even a moderate search you'll find reading for days.

 

[relem]

Heck, I didn't even know which was the proper section. I'll guess I'll just just read and not show my ignorance with any more posts.