The Victory Model Smith and Wesson.38 Caliber Revolver The revolvers of the U.S. Armed forces have always been under appreciated by collectors, the good news is that makes them relatively inexpensive to acquire, but this is changing. At a recent trip to the 2003 Louisville gun show I noticed prices on Victory revolvers had increased noticeably. That being said you might want to consider adding a few Victory models to your USGI collection. While the information I provide below can be helpful please see the list on the bottom of this page for reference material you should have if you are going to collect these historical pieces. The Victory model revolvers participated in various roles from guard duty to riding in a shoulder holster with fighter and bomber pilots. I have talked to many ex-military personnel that carried them as late as the 1980s, as you can see these pistols played a significant part of our history.
To this day the Victory model is a very enjoyable shooting collectible, mainly due to its inexpensive cost, light recoil, and good accuracy. Enjoy and happy collecting, Ty The Victory model was so named for the 'V' prefix which was placed before the serial number and represented 'Victory' against the Axis powers in World War II. Serial numbers for the.38 special Victory model began at about V1 in early 1942 and ran until VS811119 with a date of late August of 1945 (end of production). V1 to approximately V39,999 were predominately.38 S&W Caliber (I have observed revolvers in the 1-40000 range in.38 special caliber). Serial numbers are located on Inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of barrel.
Crane and crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number as is correct for Victory model revolvers. The Victory Revolver was produced during World War II, it is a variation of the Military & Police Model of 1905, fourth change and had the following characteristics between 1942 and 1945: Barrel: 2, 4, 5, or 6 inch.
(4 inch common in.38 special, 5 inch common in 38/200 or.38 S&W) Sights: Fixed Finish: Early sandblast blue, sandblast mid-night black (appears grayish black). And finally a parkerized finish. Hammer and Trigger are case hardened. Grips: Checkered walnut with medallion until early 1942, post February of 1942 they are smooth American Walnut with out medallions. Ordnance acceptance marks: The acceptance mark varies with the particulars of the order placed. Navy orders you will find no acceptance marks on the original two contracts they placed.
On later Navy revolvers, ordered through the Army they will be found with the more typical Army G.H.D. Acceptance mark. Below you will find some of the common stamps with links to examples. The acceptance mark of Ordnance officer Waldemar Bromberg is located on the butt (to about serial number V145000). Just to the right of the acceptance mark (W.B.) is usually found an ordnance bomb and proof mark. The 'P' proof mark indicates this revolver has passed military proof testing. EXAMPLE – G.H.D – From approximately 1942 to about May 1943 the acceptance mark of Ordnance officer Guy H.
![]()
Drewry is found on the butt. From approximately V300000 to end of production G.H.D is found on the left top strap; EXAMPLE – Property marks: The most common property marks found on the Victory model are the UNITED STATES PROPERTY, US PROPERTY, and the US NAVY markings. UNITED STATES PROPERTY – Found on left top strap to approximately V300000 and on the M&Ps pre Victory.
Applied at the S&W factory. Idm serial key. Example - U.S. PROPERTY – The property mark was shortened to 'U.S. PROPERTY' at about serial number V300000. At this time the G.H.D acceptance mark was moved from the butt to the left top strap with the property mark. Applied at the S&W factory.
EXAMPLE – U.S. NAVY – Found on the revolvers left top strap as per the two Navy contracts. The Navy also applied a Property mark on the left side plate on some revolvers; these were filled in with red paint. This is not an S&W applied marking. EXAMPLE – and.
Victory models have also been produced with out property marks, these revolvers were probably delivered by the U.S. Defense Supply Corporation (DSC) to defense contractors and public agencies that required them for guarding war sensitive materials. Other common markings: S - Revolvers that have the 'S' marking on the right side plate as well as before the serial number on the butt have the improved hammer block installed.
If the 'S' in the serial number on the butt appears to be machine applied this would indicate it was produced with improved hammer block, and that it was not added later or it would have been hand stamped. The improved hammer block was put into production after an accidental discharge killed a sailor during World War II. This improved hammer block is still utilized in today's commercial Smith and Wesson revolvers. EXAMPLE – P – Proof marking. This can very depending on the contract. Navy marked pistols usually have none.
Pates books indicate that some delivered under an Army contract could be found with a P mark. Post the V400,000 serial number range they are located on the underside of the barrel, back of the cylinder and left side plate. The later appear to be Army Supply Program contract revolvers. EXAMPLE – Serial Numbers: Serial numbers are located on the inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of grip.
Serial numbers should be matching on all revolvers. Crane and Crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number and is correct for Victory model revolvers. Grip/Stock EXAMPLE – Barrel EXAMPLE – Cylinder EXAMPLE – Extractor Start EXAMPLE – Butt EXAMPLE – Production: 38/200 British Service Revolver (S&W Caliber) - There were over 571,629 of these models produced between October 1941 and May 1945 for the British Common wealth countries.
These countries include the Union of South Africa (21,347), Canada (45,328), and Australia (8,000). The remaining 384,100 shipped between 1941 and the end of World War II were supplied by the U.S. Army Ordnance through the lend lease program to Britain for distribution. Victory model 38 Special – 352,000 shipped to the Army and Navy. Some of these were shipped to a commission responsible for supplying the civilian industries. They will usually have no property marks.
Uses included guarding factories, ports, and federal/local government agencies. Note: You can find all kinds of variations, with additional war and post war markings. These include rebuild markings, country ownership markings, unit markings, and much more.
For a complete listing see the books referenced below. Recommended reading: US Handguns of WW II - The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers by Charles W.
Pate Americas Right Arm - The S&W Military and Police Revolver by John Henwood Smith and Wesson 1857 - 1945 by Robert J. Neal and Roy G.
Is there anywhere online where i can research vintage S&W serial numbers? I've acquired an old pocket pistol and was curious as to the age. Bruce THANK YOU FOR VISITING GUN & GAME - The Friendliest Gun Forum on the Internet! If you would like for us to help you find more information about your specific firearm please do the following: PLEASE READ THE LIST COMPLETELY FIRST! -Register for a FREE account here on Gun & Game.Click to start a new thread in the Smith & Wesson Forum, use the thread title, 'Help Identifying S&W Firearm' -We request you post the model, describe the firearm, and the serial number leaving the last 4 numbers as 'XXXX'.
So it might look like this 'SW2315XXXX' -If you have pictures, post them! Don't know about the internet, but I have a book. I have been pretty successful in finding dates for old Smiths.
Tell me the caliber, identifying marks, serial number. Leave out the last couple of digits if you like, but include x's.
Like 1234xxx. I need to know how many digits in the serial number to do this right. Top break or swing-out?
A picture is very helpful. By the way, some Smiths have a lot of numbers on them.
The serial number is usually on the bottom of the grip frame. You may have to remove the grips to see it.
I don't know how 'old' your gun is. Sometimes people think a gun is 'old' when it was made in my lifetime.
I don't think I'm 'old.' But if the gun is a swing-out and has a model number on the frame under the crane, include that also.
S & w serial number. Without a model number, we cant even give the years that model is made. I cannot find a comprehensive source for s&w serial #'s. Some sources say in fact that the numbers are duplicated and confusing. I have found some other sources that say you can contact smith & wesson for veriication, but that may be for rare or special firearms only. Does any one else have any info on the s&w question?
For winchester and remington, info is readily available. What about s & w?.
Smith And Wesson Model 57 Serial Number Lookup
This is the book. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica, Richard Nahas (2007) about $25.00 This is S&W's customer service number: 800-331-0852 then 7 They can generally get you a date of manuf. During business hours or you can request a letter from S&W for $35.00 I don't know of an on-line resource. If you had provided the gun's serial number, I would expect you would have an answer already.
Many have the book and would have looked it up for you. Here's another resource: Smith & Wesson Forum. Pajaro, the great majority of Smiths made before 1957 did not have model numbers. It is still relatively easy to determine model and vintage (at least approximately) from serial number and other identifying characteristics such as caliber. A picture is a great help, as minor features changed over the years (pinned vs.
Forged front sights, left had thread vs. Right hand thread on ejector rods, etc.).
It can be a fun little detective puzzle. Vonfatman is spot on. Supica's book is my primary reference. It still can be a little tough to nail down a specific year without a factory letter, because Smith did not always produce guns in serial number order. Click to expand.
I have the same model, #148XXX, made in 1905. That would put yours around 03-04? Brucegodlesky, According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition.
Your gun is.32 Safety Hammerless (a.k.a. Safety, New Departure or Lemon Squeezer) Yours is a 1st Model which was manufactured from 1888 - 1902.
The serial number range for the 1st Model guns: 1 - 91,417 Your gun appears to be in good condition (or better) and thus the estimated value: $250-300 if the action is good and the bore is decent. If I were guessing.(which is all I am doing).I'd estimate your gun was produced towards the end of the 1st Models which might put it out-the-door around 1901-02???
My gun is a bit older, s.n. 298xx Here's my gun. Madcratebuilder, Your gun would most likely be a 2nd Model based on it's serial number. The 2nd Model Serial Number range: 91,418 - 170,000 Wolfgang, Your snub-nose S&W may be a Model 36 (pop open the cylinder and look on the frame). 1977 - 1978 Mr.
BOBBLAKELY, I covet a nice Model 66 to go with my Model 19. Your gun would have been manufactured in 1980. Value, well I'm no expert, but if it's in fine shape, don't let it go for less than four-Franklins.
As ALWAYS.a factory letter ($50) is the only certain way to determine age and (in many instances) the condition the gun left the factory.
Today, Smith & Wesson is mostly known for revolvers and their growing line of M&P pistols. Despite the rapidly growing popularity of these polymer-framed striker fired semi-auto pistols, there’s also a lot of buzz around the former metal-framed S&W pistols that were discontinued a few years ago. Prices on the used market for the so-called 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation S&W pistols are still affordable, but have been rapidly rising over the past couple of years. These pistols are usually tough, reliable, and excellent shooters. If you happen to run across one for a good price, now would be a great time to snatch it up.
The trouble with that plan is the absurdly confusing system that S&W used to assign the model numbers for these pistols. Today, their M&P pistols follow a pretty logical formula. I carry a M&P9c — a. Makes sense, right? Well, the 3rd Gen equivalent of that pistol is the 6904. But if it was made before the late 80’s, it would be the 2nd Gen version — the 469.
And the single stack version would be the 3914, which is virtually identical to the 908. Confused yet? Unless you’ve committed these models to memory, looking at the numbers stamped on the slide of an old S&W pistol in the case at a gun shop or an online ad doesn’t really tell you much. Even if you ask Google for some help, you might have to wade through a multi-page forum thread to get a straight answer.
Well, believe it or not, there is some logic to the old S&W numbering system, it’s just not particularly intuitive. So we whipped together this S&W semi-auto model number quick reference chart to make it a little easier for you the next time you misplace your S&W decoder ring. Our chart covers most of the regular production models for the discontinued Smiths chambered in major service calibers.
There are a few less common ones out there, but these are the pistols you’re most likely to run across today. Even with the chart, there might be a few confusing details about the numbering system, so keep reading for a little background info on each “generation” of S&W autos. 1st Gen Pistols The first S&W semi-automatic chambered in a service caliber was the Model 39, which first saw the light of day in 1954.
The aluminum alloy-framed 9mm pistol had an 8-shot single-stack magazine, a 4-inch barrel and a traditional double action/single action trigger with a slide-mounted safety/decocker, similar to what many people are familiar with from the Beretta 92 series. The Model 39 was developed as a potential replacement for the U.S.
Army’s M1911A1. The Army declined to adopt the Model 39, but the pistol was a commercial success, and was even used by a few police departments as one of the very first semi-autos carried by American law enforcement. In the early 1970s, S&W released a version of the 39 that used a double-stack 14-round magazine dubbed the Model 59. Together, the 39 and 59 are considered the “first generation” of S&W semi-autos.
All of the following S&W 2nd and 3rd generation 9mm pistols are essentially derivatives of these two and in many cases, their model number provides some clue to that origin. The S&W Model 39 and the 439 that followed are among the only S&W semi-autos to come standard with a blued finish and wood grips.
Smith Wesson Model 13-3 Serial Number Lookup
2nd Gen Pistols In the late 1970s the S&W models 439 and 459 were released, which are considered the first of the second generation pistols. These were basically the 39 and 59 with a few small changes and the number “4” added to the begining of the model number. Steel framed versions of these pistols followed, available with either a stainless, blued, or nickel finish. Blued and nickel model numbers start with “5” (539, 559) and the stainless steel models start with “6” (639, 659). In the mid 1980s, S&W released two alloy-framed compact versions of the 59 series; the 469 (blued or nickel finish) and 669 (stainless finish). Establishing the form factor that the third gen compacts would follow, these pistols had a 3.5-inch barrel and 12-round magazine. Around this same time, S&W also began producing their first.45 ACP pistol — the model 645.
This was a large frame, single stack pistol with an 8-round magazine, 5-inch barrel, and DA/SA with slide-mounted safety/decocker just like the 9mm pistols. There is one variant of the second gen.45 pistol — the single action only model 745, which was a special limited run intended for IPSC competition shooters. I hope you caught all that because here’s where it gets complicated 3rd Gen Pistols The third generation of S&W pistols started hitting the market in the late 80s.
They can be easily spotted by their four-digit model numbers. S&W continued the numbering trend they had started on the 9mm pistols — the 3900 series are full size and compact single stack pistols, the 5900 series are double stacks, and the 6900 series are compact double stacks.
Third gen pistols in other calibers are much easier to remember. The 4500 series is for.45 ACP, 4000 series for.40 S&W, and 1000 series for 10mm. So, looking at the first two digits of a four-digit model number from a 3rd gen pistol, we can know the caliber, and if it’s a 9mm, we might also know the frame size.
The rest of the info we’d need is in the second half of the model number. The S&W Model 4506 is large, even by.45 ACP standards, but the slim single stack grip makes it usable even for people with small hands. The third digit indicates one of nine possible combinations of action type and frame size. Most S&W autos are DA/SA, but not all.
![]()
Some are double action only (DAO), and a few were even made with a slide-mounted decocking lever and no external safety (similar to what you’d find on a Sig P220 series pistol). Each model series has a frame size and barrel length that is “standard” for that series, which we’ve listed on the chart. The third digit will tell you if a given model is the standard size, mid-size, or compact. The final digit in the model number indicates the frame material and finish. Frames are either steel or aluminum alloy and the finish is either blued/black (sometimes with a nickel plating), or stainless/silver.
Exceptions What makes this complex system frustrating to follow is that there are multiple exceptions to the product “codes”. Some are pretty easy to figure out like the “value” series pistols. These were budget versions of the third gen pistols that lack some of the finishing touches of the standard models and have a three-digit model number. The first two digits reflect the caliber (9, 40, or 45). The Chief’s Special pistols are also easy to spot, like the one in the header image of this post. They are single stack, sub-compact variants with a “CS” pre-fix and they’re some of the most sought-after 3rd gen pistols on the used market. There’s one model each chambered in 9mm,.40 S&W, and.45ACP called the CS9, CS40, and CS45 respectively.
Besides these obvious exceptions, there are a few sneaky model numbers that look normal but don’t follow the numbering trends. For instance, the 6906 should really be the 6903 — a “6” for the final digit normally means stainless steel, but the 6906 is an alloy framed pistol with a silver stainless finish. The compact.40 S&W pistols can also be confusing. Most are double stack, but a few single stack versions were made.
The model 4040PD in particular breaks multiple model numbering “rules” and seems to have been given its name arbitrarily. Letter suffixes are another detail to watch for.
A couple of letters tacked to the end of the model name might mean something minor like a new finish, but they can also indicate major changes like the “TSW” (Tactical Smith & Wesson) series of pistols which indicate the addition of features like improved sights and accessory rails. Sometimes, the TSW pistols were built with a completely different frame size and barrel length than the standard model. Some of the oddball model names come from pistols developed by S&W’s in-house custom shop, the Performance Center. To keep things simple (relatively speaking, anyway) we didn’t include these and other obscure models in our chart. If you want more detailed information on any of these models, I highly recommend picking up the which was a huge help in verifying the info for the chart. Hopefully, the next time you’re trying to track down a deal on an old Smith, this info will help your search go a little quicker.
If we’ve missed anything important, or if you spot any errors in the chart, let me know and I’ll try to correct it ASAP. If you guys like this one, be sure to tell us in the comments and maybe we’ll tackle S&W revolvers in the next one! Awesome chart, I just saw it shared on the Smith and Wesson forum. I tackled tabulating all the 3rd gen models including the rare variants and their production numbers; it is an ongoing task as I find more information on each model.
If you ever decide to expand your list feel free to use the information I’ve gathered. You can find it as a sticky on the Smith and Wesson forum “The Complete 3rd Gen Model List”.
It also has the 3rd gen era rim fires (not really 3rd gens, but built during the same time frame). Awesome information! Thanks for taking the time to share it. One thing, unless I’m wrong, I noticed you said the safeties are “frame-mounted”, but if I’m not mistaken, these guns (aside from a few exceptions, I’m sure) predominantly have their safety/decocker mounted onto their slide, don’t they? Is my terminology off or wouldn’t these be considered “slide-mounted” safeties?
Finding Nemo (2003) Animation Movie [Online] Free. Unsubscribe from Janji. Full movie free.
The first time I notice you mention it is under the 1st Gen segment, and then again later on. Thanks for your time and so much for putting the chart together! I’ve Been A Pistol Shooter 30 Years And NRA Instructor For 20 Years.
I Lived 15 Minutes Away From COLT MFG. In Connecticut, And,30 Minutes From MOSSBERG AND MARLIN FIREARMS, 30 Minutes From RUGER, SOUTH PORT, CONNECTICUT, And An Hour From SMITH AND WESSON MFG.
Model 17 Smith & Wesson Serial Number Lookup![]()
Just Amazing, Even. Charter Arms, The Most Powerful Handgun Ever Made THE WILDEY,WHICH SHOT 45, 45 Winchester Mag, And 2 RIFLE CALIBERS AS CHARLES BRONSON USED IN DEATH WISH 3. I Believe He Used A.375 Rifle Round. It Was Sent In A Walnut Box With 1 Or 3 Barrels of 3 Different Calibers.
Still The Baddest Pistol, In A 1911 Type Frame And Threaded On Barrels. Makes A Desert Eagle Seem Like A Toy. So After Owning All Generations of Smiths, and SIG SAUL 2 Hours Away, All The Great Pistols Were Blue, Nickel and Stainless. In 1990 I Bought The First.40cal Glock Serial Number 67. – The Cops And Not Many People Knew About The 40cal. And I Started Bleeding Out Of My Steel Pistols Holding Onto My Sig P220, Colt Gold Cup,Officers ACP,And AR15. And The Original Mossberg Marriner Stainless 12ga.
8 Shot Shotgun. Even Sold My BROWNING Tactical.
After Owning 3 GLOCKS,And The HK USP9 & USP COMPACT 40, 3 XD SPRINGFIELD ARMORY STRIKER, AND THE P320 SIG, ALL GREAT GUNS. I Have Been Buying The Second & Third Generation SMITH AND WESSON STAINLESS STEEL AND NICKEL PISTOLS. I Love These Guns And Should Have Kept Them.
I’ve Got A Bright Stainless Steel 639/9mm,4506 Stainless Steel, I got A,469 Nickel/9mm, I Just Bought A 1006/10mm, I’m Searching For A Mint 5906, And A Model 66.357 Revolver, Stainless,The Best.357 21/2 Made. I Got Caught up On Sigs P220, 229-, 239, And Colt Defender.
I’ve Found These Pistols Were Made To Last Forever, And You Can Modify Them To Shoot Extremely Accurate. They Look Better, Feel They Have Shorter Barrel 45’s, 10 mm. Better, And Shoot Better.
Buy Those Smiths, They Are Great. So Many Supurb Models, LIKE THE 40cal TSW. Expect To Pay 450-500 Bucks For Mint Ones. OTHER THEN THE 10mm That’s The Very Most I’ve Paid.
When comparing the relatively short 4,000,000+/- 1oz Engelhard bar run with the continuously increasing 525,000,000+ to-date production US Silver Eagles, it is easy to recognize why many bullion investors and collectors continue to invest in these 1oz Engelhard bars. Unlike the 1996 US Silver Eagle, a meaningful percentage of these 1oz Engelhard bars were melted during the 1979/1980 silver spike. 100 oz silver bar ebay. Imagine, more US Silver Eagles are produced in a single month than the entire Engelhard 1 oz bar production ever.
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |