The primary difference between Victory Models produced for different nations was the chambering. Guns made for the United States were chambered in .38 Special, while those destined for Britain and the Commonwealth were chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson to accommodate the British .38/200 round used in Webley and Enfield revolvers.
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. This prefix was introduced in 1942 after S&W reached the one-million mark in their standard Military & Police serial series. 1. Locate the Serial Number Primary Location : The authoritative serial number is stamped on the butt of the grip s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
If your revolver has a V prefix on the bottom of the frame, but an S stamped a short distance away from it (or on the right side of the frame near the hammer), it means the gun was sent back to the military or factory after late 1944 to be retrofitted with the new safety block. 2. Year-by-Year Serial Number Lookup Chart
The Smith & Wesson Victory Model is a definitive piece of military history. Produced during World War II, these revolvers served Allied forces across the globe. Today, they are highly prized by collectors. The primary difference between Victory Models produced for
: A military proof mark, usually found on the frame, cylinder, and barrel, indicating it passed high-pressure test firings. British Commonwealth Markings
But now, whenever he held it, he didn’t feel a tool. He felt a witness. And somewhere in a quiet French village, a very old man still dreamed of the man who carried that gun—and woke up grateful that the war ended before the extra quality was ever needed again. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted
Smith & Wesson stamped the serial number in multiple places on the Victory Model. For a definitive lookup, you must check the primary location, as parts were frequently swapped during wartime field repairs or post-war surplus rebuilds.
If the serial number has an S, it indicates a post-1944 hammer block safety improvement.