Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Victory Model
Serial Number: V668558
Year of Manufacture: 1944 / C&R
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "SMITH & WESSON / 38 S.&W.SPC CTG.". The left side of the frame is marked "P". The side plate is marked with the S&W monogram. The right side of the frame is marked "MADE IN U.S.A.". The bottom of the grip frame is marked "V 668558" with a flaming bomb. No US property or other military markings present. The yoke is marked "70999" with two inspection marks. The yoke cut is marked "70999". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "V668558" with a "P". The extractor star is marked "164406". The inside of the right grip has a matching serial number. The bottom of the barrel is marked "V668558" with a "P".
Barrel Length: 2", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The revolver has a square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap and a half-round blade front sight fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. There is little to no handling wear. There are no cracks. There is a small chip at the bottom front of the right grip. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Rework-Style Refinish
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. The Parkerized finish displays a subtle crystalline appearance. The hammer and trigger retain strong case colors. There is very little operational or handling wear. There are a few light drag lines. The screwheads are sharp to very lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some side-to-side play. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. 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: This revolver comes with a two piece Kraft reproduction cardboard box with wax paper. The side of the top piece has a matching serial number stamped in ink.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson’s Victory Model was the wartime evolution of the company’s long-running Military & Police revolver, with the “V” serial-number prefix introduced during World War II as production expanded for U.S. and Allied military requirements. U.S.-issue examples were chambered in .38 Special and most commonly encountered with 4" barrels, making the compact 2" configuration an especially interesting variation. Smith & Wesson did produce a very small number of factory 2" Victory Models for wartime government use, including the well-known 1944 OSS procurement.
This 1944 Victory Model, V668558, is an unusual 2" example retaining a matching-numbered frame, cylinder, grip, and barrel. The extractor is numbered 164406, and the revolver has received a later arsenal rework-style Parkerized refinish. It appears to be an assembled copy of a 2" Victory Model. Nevertheless, its wartime Victory Model foundation, compact configuration, excellent bore, smooth DA/SA operation, and clean military presentation make it an appealing representative of one of Smith & Wesson’s most recognizable WWII service revolvers.
