Smith & Wesson S&W Navy Victory Model .38 Spl 4″ WWII DA/SA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $2025
LSB#: 210918MW36
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: U.S. Navy Victory Model
Serial Number: V158746
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945
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”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB.6.06. SEPT.14.09. DEC.29.14”, the right is marked “38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG”. The butt of the grip frame, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, front of the ejector star (no letter prefix), and rear flat of the yoke (no letter prefix) are marked with matching serial number “V158746”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The topstrap is marked “U.S. NAVY”. There are inspection marks on the crane, its cut, and the sides of the grip frame. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped “158746”.
Barrel Length: 4”, 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 are some scattered draglines and light compressions. There are a few dings into the wood and light scrapes, mostly on the right panel. There are some scratches. There are areas of discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished, likely Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is worn but has remained strong. There is scattered erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There is scattered erosion under the finish. The ejector rod knurling is worn. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are sharp. The main markings clear, some of the smaller markings are light. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some light 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: Included is a leather flap holster.
Our Assessment: At the beginning of WWII S&W began producing their M&P revolver for military use. They added a “V” for Victory to the serial number; this iteration thus became known as the Victory Model. As we entered the fray, we were producing them for US forces as well as for our allies. Victory model revolvers were standard issue for Naval and Marine aviators as well as guards back in the States at defense installations and factories supporting the war effort. This one is a Navy contract revolver and has Navy markings on the topstrap. This one will be a nice addition to a WWII collection and is still a K-frame .38, perhaps the benchmark for a .38 duty or defense revolver and will certainly serve faithfully for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!