Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: U.S. Navy Victory Model

Serial Number: V199240

Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. There is a lanyard ring on the butt of the grip frame. The serial number is stamped on the inside of the right panel. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most around the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered finish wear, a little more notable in the grip areas. There is scattered light surface erosion. There are some nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: At the beginning of WWII S&W began producing their M&P revolver for military use. They added a “V” for Victory to the serial number; this iteration thus became known as the Victory Model. As we entered the fray, we were producing them for U.S. forces as well as for our allies. Victory model revolvers were standard issue for Naval and Marine aviators as well as guards back in the States at defense installations and factories supporting the war effort. While we did get the Victory and win WWII, the revolvers went beyond the call of duty and were used long after the conclusion on the conflict. Continuing after WWII, regulations prohibited the 1911 and 1911A1 from being carried with a loaded chamber, this made racking the slide a difficult task for aviators as well as K9 handlers so revolvers were the clear choice. The preferred issue of revolvers for aviators lasted quite a while, and Army helicopter pilots even used Victory Models until they replaced them with modern double action 9mm semi-autos, a testament to the S&W design.

This is a nice example of a revolver that has made its contribution to keeping the world free and will be a nice addition to a WWII or U.S. martial collection. This one is a Navy contract revolver and has Navy markings on the topstrap. The revolver shows honest wear consistent with service and some light erosion consistent with exposure to salt water. This one will be a nice addition to a WWII collection and is still a K-frame .38, perhaps the benchmark for a .38 duty or defense revolver and will certainly serve faithfully for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!