Chambers the standard .38 Special (.38 S&W Special). Barrel Length: Typically features a 4-inch barrel.
All Lend-Lease guns bear the inscription stamped on the top strap, a legal requirement of the Lend-Lease program. The barrel will clearly indicate the caliber. A critical caution: many .38/200 Victory Models have been modified over the years to accept .38 Special cartridges, but such alterations can compromise safety and should be examined by a qualified gunsmith before firing.
To help narrow down the history of your specific revolver, tell me:
Stamps like "6 TONS" or "38 .767" applied by British proof houses when the guns entered the commercial market post-war. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
I can give you a more precise estimate of its production date and intended military destination. Share public link
The (smith-wessonforum.com) maintains an extensive Victory Model Database maintained by collectors Charlie Flick and LWCmdr45. This community project has been collecting data from Victory Model owners for over a decade. The database tracks:
. In many cases, a lanyard ring is also attached here, and the "V" may be on one side of the ring with the numbers on the other. Secondary Matching Locations Chambers the standard
Confirmed Victory Models have (mottled gray/blue) hammers and triggers. All-over blue or nickel indicates a re-finish. Re-finished = no longer extra quality.
To look up a Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model serial number, check the bottom of the grip (butt) of the revolver for a "V" or "SV"
Not every Victory Model can achieve extra quality status. Avoid these common pitfalls: The barrel will clearly indicate the caliber
To mark this pivot, S&W restarted the serial numbers and added a prefix. This creation became known as the . Key Characteristics
Serial-number research for the SW 38 Victory Model and claims of “extra quality” require careful examination of physical markings, factory records, provenance documents, and expert inspection. Serial numbers help identify production era but usually must be paired with documentation or physical inspection to confirm special-order or EQ status. When in doubt, use S&W’s records and experienced collectors or gunsmiths to verify.
5-inch barrels cut down to 2.5, 3, or 4 inches, often resulting in a missing front sight blade that had to be crudely welded back on.
