38 S&W Special CTG

Father was in law enforcement for forty years and passed his sidearm to me on his daeth in 1977. Chrome plated 4" barrel Serial # V 478986. Any comment (age, etc.) concerning this piece would be appreciated.
Uncle Sam

Victory Model?


Jim

The info provided is scant to say the least but the V serial is a tip off.

It does sound like a "Victory Model" Military & Police Model made 1943-45.

The 4" barrel and 38 Special caliber indicate it was likely for domestic use. If it lacks military markings such as US PROPERTY or similar it was probably sold for police or security work during the war.

None of these were nickeled or chromed so your dad's gun has been refinished along the way. The original stocks were smooth walnut. Likely has a lanyard ring on the butt or a hole where the ring used to be.

This is the K frame Military & Police Model (M&P) that was the mainstay of the S&W line for decades. The gun would be worth around $150-$200 as a shooter grade gun in its present condition but of course it's worth more to you as a keepsake.

The gun would be safe to shoot with any factory 38 Special ammo. I have a similar gun that has fired many thousands of rounds including 1,100 +P and +P+ as a test.