Victory 38 barrel length

[Kohost]

My Victory 38 has a 3 inch barrel did they make any in this barrel length?  I have the V stamped on the bottom, serial starts with 42, lynard is broke off, crown marks on barrel, pinned barrel, Property of US Gov on top of reciever, 4 screw frame.

[FUJIMO]

It is said that 2" models exist and are considered scarce. From there is the 4". There's nothing for a 3" cataloged, at least none I've read. The crowning on yours looks factory and the extractor rod, catch, etc looks original. Only thing that looks out of place to me is the front sight. Most V models I own or have owned have the half moon style sight. Might be one worth getting a letter on. Are there any stampings suggesting it's been sent back at any point to be worked on or modified ? What year range did you place it in ?

 

[Kohost]

Your right the front sight should be half moon.  I just read up on the Victory 38 yesterday.  Where will the markings be if it has been sent back on the barrel?  How do i figure out the year/range?

[FUJIMO]

14 minutes ago, Kohost said:

Your right the front sight should be half moon.  I just read up on the Victory 38 yesterday.  Where will the markings be if it has been sent back on the barrel?  How do i figure out the year/range?

Well I've seen some "custom" front sights grafted on V models over the years or cut up from an original so I wouldn't declare it a custom gun just by that but clearly that's one thing that sticks out to me.
If I recall there should be an S stamping on the frame, perhaps under the left grip panel, that is to say the left side if you are pointing the gun away from you. I believe it could also be on the frame under the cylinder crane but don't hold to me that one. I'm going from what I remember reading. That won't indicate a barrel modification just that it was sent back for modification at some point. Some of these guns during that time frame were sent back for barrel swaps, re chambering , etc. As to dating it I would need more of the serial number and should be able to get you closer. You can PM me with it as opposed to disclosing it here.

[Kohost]

Better pictures of the barrel

[FUJIMO]

17 minutes ago, Kohost said:

Better pictures of the barrel

Yep total chop job. Those pics confirmed it for me. But that being said enjoy your 3 inch shooter

[Kohost]

Thanks!

[gregintenn]

The dead giveaway, other than they never made a 3” Victory, is that the stamping on the barrel should be centered.

Looks like they did a decent job. That would be an excellent carry gun or truck gun. I wish you were closer. I wouldn’t be opposed to taking it off your hands.

I do respect your honesty in your for sale ad.

Edited June 21, 2023 by gregintenn

[Kohost]

Thanks I want to be honest about what Im selling.  I didnt know much about the Victory model so I asked for help in the forums.  

[pop pop]

My new 686 7 shot has a 3" brl on it. I like the 3" barrels.  I pocket carry and the one I have is just a little too large to pocket carry in my carpenter jeans. I purchased this revolver for a nightstand tool and the 3" works fine for that.  Keep it stocked with Cor Bon DPX in 357. 

[Grayfox54]

The U.S. Victory models were 4" barrels. Some 2" guns have been reported but considered rare.

The British Service Revolver was much like the Victory but had a 5" barrel and was chambered for the .38-200 British round which is a .38 S&W with a 200 grain bullet. 

[Moped]

Hey. if you are selling it, I might be interested! 

[Kohost]

Have a buyer but if he doesn't follow through i will let you know.

[Moped]

Just now, Kohost said:

Have a buyer but if he doesn't follow through i will let you know.

Just say your ad. Thanks! Sounds like I am in line. 

[Garufa]

11 hours ago, Grayfox54 said:

The U.S. Victory models were 4" barrels. Some 2" guns have been reported but considered rare.

The British Service Revolver was much like the Victory but had a 5" barrel and was chambered for the .38-200 British round which is a .38 S&W with a 200 grain bullet. 

And many British versions were chopped and converted to .38 Special.  This is an example of one…guessing on the caliber conversion, but it did start life as .38 S&W.

[Grayfox54]

I agree. This gun started out as a BSR , not a Victory. It was originally chambered in .38 S&W. 

If it has been re-chambered to .38 Special be aware that the chambers are a bit on the big side and brass may be sticky or even split when firing. 

.38 Special bullet diameter = .357.

.38 S&W bullet diameter = .361

OTOH: thousands of BSRs were re-chambered to .38 Special after the war and sold in the U.S.  I've never heard of anybody being injured or the gun damaged by firing .38 Specials.