The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Picked up a pretty nice example of an early Victory in .38 Special. I believe it to be a late 1942 or perhaps early 1943. It has no US Property markings of any type. It is numbers matching on the frame, barrel and inside right grip. Research seems to indicate that it was an early issue to an agency or contractor for security guards. I don't think there were many Specials made early on as most seem to be .38. It has "231" stamped on the lower back strap. I'm wondering if that is indicative of the agency/entity it was issued to. The left grip is a different color and may have been a replacement. The inside left grip is not serialized as was often the custom, I'm led to believe. Parkerizing is in pretty good shape. Lockup,is tight but with a bit of a rotational wiggle in the cylinder. Timing is very good.

Looks nice ,
Have you used it yet ?

Nope. Cleaned it up a bit this morning. Going to the range with it and a couple of other pistolas next Friday. With all this recent craziness, I'm trying to manage my ammo expenditure. Don't have much .38 special on hand.

Nice looking revolver The 231 is probably an agency or company number.

That's what I was thinking too. Probably have to go to S&W archives to get that. I think they want $50 for that. I'm a cheapskate.

Nice! Those are the nicest revolvers I've ever shot. I've got a model 10-5 in nickel that ticks like a Swiss watch.
Great catch!

Thanks. It's a very interesting piece. I carried an issue one in the Marine Corps right up til I retired n 91. Handling it was like coming home.

That letter from S&W should add at least $50-$100 to the value of the piece and any gunsmith worth their salt should be able to tighten the lockwork up for you. The S&W company would probably do it for you.

Wow. Okay, I'll look into that. I tossed an inquiry via the S&W forum. I'll bring it to my gunsmith for a look. I'm not sure it's even bad. Just a little rotation. Not a budge fore and aft. He'll look at it for free. I'll just bring donuts.. Besides I need to brag on my little coach gun too.

Very nice revolver ;)

Thanks Noble. Can't wait to shoot it this Friday.

Looks Good!

Range report later this week!

Look forward to hearing how it shoots

Nice Revolver , I want one

It shot great for something just a few years older than me.