Help identifying pistol

[KevDen2005]

I have a 38S&W revolver that I am trying to get date on. Can someone help identify information about it?

79821

[KevDen2005]

79822

[KevDen2005]

These are the only two pictures the site would let me post. I have more and any help identifying information about this gun would very much appreciated.

[ray1970]

I?d guess late 1960?s.

Pre 1966 would likely have a flat cylinder latch and I think the serial numbers started using a J prefix around 1969 or 70.

Hopefully someone knowledgeable can pin it down for you.

[SAnd]

Not an expert or RKI but I have one with similar markings.
M&P Victory model. Made for Australia during WWII. The upside down P with the V were typical of them. The hole in the butt is for an lanyard loop.
You need a description of any other markings.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/287974-pre-victory-victory-model-timeline.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/209224-australian-victory-model.html (http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/209224-australian-victory-model.html)

[ray1970]

Oops. Ignore my post. I thought I was looking at a chiefs special or model 36. Didn?t notice this was a six shot model.

Sorry.

[Martinjmpr]

Any pictures of the right side? I'm thinking the number of screws might give a clue.

Also anything written on the inside of the frame where the crane contacts the frame? Most of my S&W pistols have something written there.

K frame in .38 S&W sounds like a Victory model though. Any writing on the barrel?

[.455_Hunter]

Definitely a ~1943 production Victory that has been cut-down, front sight relocated/filled and the whole thing hastily reblued. The front cylinder lock point appears to have also been removed, moving it into the questionable shooter category. Many guns like this also had the chambers reamed to poorly except .38 special with bulging, but .38 S&W would still shoot fine. Such "conversions" were a popular way to make these surplus guns more desirable to the public in the pre-68 GCA era, with Oswald's revovler used to kill the LEO being an almost twin to the above gun, sans grips.

[KevDen2005]

Definitely a ~1943 production Victory that has been cut-down, front sight relocated/filled and the whole thing hastily reblued. The front cylinder lock point appears to have also been removed, moving it into the questionable shooter category. Many guns like this also had the chambers reamed to poorly except .38 special with bulging, but .38 S&W would still shoot fine. Such "conversions" were a popular way to make these surplus guns more desirable to the public in the pre-68 GCA era, with Oswald's revovler used to kill the LEO being an almost twin to the above gun, sans grips.

I read that. I also read that there were 2 inch and 2.5 inch guns out there in the M&P realm/V Model realm that were issued to CID or other types of agents. Is this true? I'm texting Chick Norris who can post more pics for me

[ChickNorris]

Viola

[Gman]

.455_Hunter is all over it. Definitely looks like a hack job.

The Smith & Wesson Victory .38 ? A Cop Gun Goes to War (#1 ? Allied Small Arms WWII) (https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/the-smith-and-wesson-victory-38/)

[.455_Hunter]

I read that. I also read that there were 2 inch and 2.5 inch guns out there in the M&P realm/V Model realm that were issued to CID or other types of agents. Is this true? I'm texting Chick Norris who can post more pics for me

I know that there are a few 2" Victories, but they would have the proper ejector rod locking point under the barrel, not the bandsaw special floating ejector rod. The only K frame guns with no front rod support/locking from the factory were the original 1899-1901 guns, quickly rectified in 1902.

[Doc45]

.455_Hunter is all over it. Definitely looks like a hack job.

The Smith & Wesson Victory .38 ? A Cop Gun Goes to War (#1 ? Allied Small Arms WWII) (https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/the-smith-and-wesson-victory-38/)

Definitely this ^. I used to have one as well, modified Victory, they were frequently advertised in the gun mags of the 50s, early 60s. It was my first snub, don’t think I have any pics but will look. The guy I sold it to had a 4” barrel, lanyard stud and ring he put on it and Parkerized it.