S W 38: Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality Hot!

Victory Models left the factory with grips (no checkering) for most of the war. Later 1945 models had checkered commercial style. Cracks, chips, or incorrect medallions (silver instead of unmarked) degrade quality.

Indicates the revolver was refurbished in a British or Australian arsenal (e.g., "FTR / MA 53" means it was repaired at the Lithgow arsenal in Australia in 1953).

The Victory Model inherited the architecture of the legendary .38 Military & Police (M&P) line. Production numbers are categorized into chronological ranges spanning early WWII through the war’s end: Smith & Wesson Serial Numbers s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

In 1944, a sailor was killed when a dropped Victory Model discharged. S&W redesigned the safety. Models with the "VS" prefix are often considered safer for shooters and highly desirable for those interested in the evolution of firearm safety.

Smith & Wesson produced approximately 842,000 Victory models between 1942 and 1945. Use this breakdown to locate your revolver's approximate manufacturing window: Victory Models left the factory with grips (no

Note: You may also find the number stamped on the underside of the barrel, the rear face of the cylinder, and the inside of the ejector star. In a high-value "extra quality" specimen, all these numbers should match. Step 2: Decoding the Serial Number Range

Smith & Wesson did not record exact "manufacturing" dates but rather "ship" dates (when a gun left the factory). However, by using historical data, we can pinpoint the approximate production period of your revolver. Indicates the revolver was refurbished in a British

: Ensure the serial number on the bottom of the barrel and the cylinder face match the frame butt perfectly. Non-matching parts drop collector value by 30% to 50%.

By compiling these data points, you can accurately identify, date, and value your piece of World War II history.

Whether you’ve inherited one or found a gem at an auction, here is how to decode your S&W Victory Model. What Defines a "Victory" Model?

To verify your revolver is all-matching, check for the serial number in these key locations: