Interesting S&W .38 Special Victory Model I just acquired!
I work part time in a local gun store, and I just picked up a S&W Victory model, .38 Special, 4 inch, lanyard ring, walnut grips, with a V serial number and all matching numbers. I does not have "US Property" on it. It is blued, rather than parkerized.
The back story is a guy older than me (I'm 70) brought it in. It was his father's duty revolver. He was a cop starting during World War II, and it was his duty weapon, even after the war until he retired in the 70s.
It is tight as a drum. Its still in Commiefornia 10 day gun jail, but I can't wait to shoot it. Really sweet trigger pulls, too.
A side note, my Dad fought on Iwo Jima. He was was an NCO with the Army advance party of the 142nd AGF, and landed on day 6 of the invasion. He was issued an M1 Carbine (Inland) and a 1911. He hated the 1911, and traded is for a Victory Model, which he said he shot much better than the 1911.
Information
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It is actually a Victory model, with the V serial number. IIRC, it was made in 1943 based on serial number. Thousands were without US Government property markings, and shipped to police departments and defense plants for guard forces.
Nice little revolver. I always wanted one of those. Had the five inch in .38 S&W and lots of the Model 10s but never one of those. They just aren't around here...