Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a WWII-era variant of the Military & Police (M&P) revolver, distinguished by a unique serial numbering system that began in 1942. To accurately look up and identify a Victory Model, you must locate the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt). www.recoilweb.com Serial Number Prefixes and Meanings "V" Prefix
The defining visual characteristic of the Victory Model is the in the serial number. The finish is typically a dull, parkerized gray or blue, and the grips are usually smooth walnut (without the medallions found on commercial guns). s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
The gun was a ghost. Len had picked it up at an estate sale in a cardboard box labeled “OLD TOOLS,” wrapped in a rag that smelled of camphor and dust. It was a Smith & Wesson .38 Special Victory Model—the matte grey finish, the lanyard ring, the V-prefix serial number. But something was off. Smith & Wesson
Don't just look at the number! Check the grips for the "U.S. PROPERTY" cartouche or the top strap for the "GHD" (Guy H. Drewry) inspection stamp. The finish is typically a dull, parkerized gray
While Victory models were intended to be "utility" firearms with a sandblasted Parkerized (matte grey/black)
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