Interesting S&W .38 Special Victory Model I just acquired!

[imarangemaster]

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.

[browningautorifle]

Looking forward to the pics. This revolver sounds like the M&P pre Mod 10. Lots of guys had the M&P in police service.

[imarangemaster]

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.

[Jakeroub]

Interesting that they bothered to take the extra time to blue them.

[browningautorifle]

they bothered to take the extra time to blue them.

Blue and Parkerize take the same amount of time. It's just that blue isn't as durable in the field.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I got a S&W factory letter for my VM. I want to say it was $25.00. Not sure what it costs now but I'll bet it adds more value than it does cost.

Just a thought.

Trust photos to be posted post incarceration.

[imarangemaster]

Letters are $100 now.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Letters are $100 now.

Ouch! I would still do it.

Firearms News magazines are $10 now.
So much for retirement.

[imarangemaster]

[browningautorifle]

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...