S&W Victory 38 special

[Truman]

Have a well used Victory ser V188xx Blue with no property marks or cartouches. Looks like a commercial mod 10 with a laynard. Were these guns made during the war with the military models or later? Is there a ser no range that was specificly 38 special for homeland use or were they scatterd through out production. Thanks Truman

Information

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[lenb]

Truman,
According to the reference material I've seen, the guns were initially made in a blued finish, then it changed to more of a sandblast blue called "Black Magic", then to parkerizing later in the war. The guns accepted into US military service typically have a flaming bomb, US Property GHD stamped on the topstrap, while the ones made for defense plant guards, and other civilian applications didn't. These were typically in .38 S&W Special caliber. There were also many made and sent as Lend Lease equipment for our Allies, though those usually are the ones with 5 inch barrels and made for the .38 S&W caliber. Based on your serial number and description, it sounds like your revolver was an early Victory revolver made for non-military use. If you can post pictures that would help determine originality.

Len

[Truman]

Heres a pic. Just a well worn 38 spec model. I definitly don't care for the square grips for shooting but a bit of history anyway. Thanks Truman

[lenb]

Truman,
The serial number puts it in the WW2 years, but this one looks like it may have been re-blued at some point and probably had post WW2 S&W grips added, as they don't seem to fit as well as the original smooth walnut USGI grips. Still, it's probably a fun shooter.

Len

[browningautorifle]

The grips are late S&W model 10 grips. Earlier had a diamond in the center and the ones from wartime were smooth. It looks like a standard model of M&P that may have been a private deal. After all, everyone had them. Even Herman Goering...