Need help identifying S&W revolver

[Eyceston]

Hey all! I just acquired an old Smith & Wesson .38 There are no model numbers on the revolver. The left barrel says Smith & Wesson, right side says 38 S&W CTG. The serial number on the butt is V1283XX. The inside of the frame under the barrel has the number 77063 imprinted on it. The barrel is roughly 2.5 to 3" long. Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Jim K]

I suggest doing search on "Victory Model" and see what comes up. The gun is WWII vintage, made for the British; the "V" number is the serial; the number on the frame under the crane is an assembly number.

Jim

 

[Moonclip]

Did British victory models come with short barrels? Or is this likely one of the ones modified to .38 special?

 

[Oro]

Almost all of them were 5" barrels. Many were cut down to various shorter lengths after the war for civilian re-sale, and often had the bores lengthened to accept .38 Special, also. This last bit wasn't very wise, as the 38 S&W had a larger diameter cartridge, so the cylinder bores are oversize for those.

A tell-tale sign is if the forward locking lug under the barrel has been shortened or removed. That is typical of shortened-barreled .38/200 British Service models (aka "British Victory" models).

 

[krs]

Most victory models have a 4" barrel. There were some made with a 2" barrel but those are very scarce and in any case would not be part of the British/American lend-lease agreement shipments sent to England.

The .38 S&W (not special) were lend-lease arms sent to allied forces.