Need Information on my S&W 38 s&w ctg

[mrpabst1]

The revolver looks like a victory model,The barrel is 5 inches long, it has smooth wooden grips and a lanyard ring.On the left side of the barrel it says Smith & weeson,The right side says 38 S&W ctg,the top of the barrel has the patent infn top of the frame it is marked United States Property.The serial number is 884861.My question is when was it made .Is it a victory model and can any other ammo be used in it.Is there any inexpensive 38 S&W on the market .Thankyou

 

[Vern Humphrey]

This is a Victory Model, made for WWII, so date of manufacture would be between 1941 and about 1944. If it had British marks, it might have been made earlier.

.38 Smith and Wesson ammo is readily avialable, although not so plentiful as .38 Smith and Wesson Special (which you should not attempt to fire in your gun.)

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480_14658_14743_14907_14852