Classified for an S&W Victory model.

[Rugerlvr]

I noticed this ad today: http://www.ksl.com/index.php/index.php?nid=218&ad=3308427&cat=185&lpid=

I have read on this very forum about these guns, so I found a thread or two about it, read up on them, and then sent the ad poster this message:

You have a Smith & Wesson victory model revolver there. They were originally made to fire the .38 S&W cartridge which is NOT interchangeable with the .38 Spl.

It appears from the ramp front site, and the shortened barrel, that it was converted to fire .38 Spl. before being reimported to the United States. (If it had actually been acquired in WW2, it would still be chambered for .38 S&W.)

You should probably disclose this in your ad.

Did I tell it correctly?

 

[Old Fuff]

Yes and no....

It's true that most of the shortened barrel Victory models on the market are rechambered from .38 S&W to .38 S&W Special, but not all of them are. Some .38 Special Victory models were shortened - they were inexpensive surplus revolvers at the time - and I have seen .38-200 (.38 S&W) Victory models that were shortened but not rechambered.

But you are correct in saying that a seller should make clear exactly what the revolver is chambered for. .38 S&W, .38 S&W Special or rechambered from .38 S&W to .38 Special. The trouble is, I think a lot of sellers and buyers don't understand the issue at all.

 

[Oro]

You were also wise to point out if it was WWII aquired, it wouldn't be converted. It's worth maybe $275 on a good day to an eager buyer. But $600? You can get a 98% US Navy model (much rarer, and really .38 Spcl.) for less than that...

 

[Hutch]

There's a sucker born every minute. The guy that is offering that revolver is trying to find one of 'em.

Victory models were chambered in .38 Special OR .38 S&W (38/200). They are not interchangeable. Many were brought back from the Commonwealth and sloppily converted to handle .38 Special ammo by reaming the chambers deeper. Many were bobbed to 3" and reblued. None of the modified ones are worth $200, IM(ns)HO.

 

[bannockburn]

Rugerlvr

I also couldn't help but notice that along with the shortened barrel and possible rebluing (couldn't be sure from the pix), the gun had later Magna style grips on it. Not even close to being worth $600.