I am about your age. My Grandfather chased a Mexican bandit in 1916 on the Mexican border with Gen. Pershing. Then he was off to France where he was awarded two Silver Stars. I have one and my cousin has the other. He carried a Colt .45 and was discharged when he realized he still had it so he went back and turned it in. Love your content.
Interested and appreciated post. My grandfather, like yours, was a boy soldier (he enlisted at 16), who served for four years at Fort Riley prior to World War I. He reentered the service in 1917, briefly served, and was discharged as a Corporal in 1919. During World War II, he was a civilian Navy guard - carrying a Smith .38 Special Victory Model - at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He passed when I was in elementary school, but I am quite sure he would have been proud that I spent two active duty decades as Naval officer.
@@roykiefer7713 My Dad was stationed at Riley during WWII as he had a heart murmor and could not serve on the front lines. Instead they had horses and maily mules which they tested various methods for transporting military gear. My Uncle enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 16 and his only battle was on Iwo Jima. He was a machine gunner and there was a guy on facebook that had some records from the MC and found a duty roster prior to the invasion of Iwo with his name and MOS. He was kind enough to email it to me and I forwarded it to my sister who blew it up and printed it. He was in a "fox hole" with 13 other Marines when it was struck by a mortor which he was the only survivor. It haunted him for the rest of his life. My Grandfather found The Lord as he suffered from shell shock as many did and drank a lot of whiskey. He went on to be rural route postman and a Sunday School Teacher in his later years. God is good. Thank you for your service.
My grandfather was hired at DuPont in 1959 by a WW2 vet when the man found out my granddad served in Her Majesty's armed forces REME, the man said he had great respect for the British soldiers.
Our grandfathers must have ridden together. Grandpa Grant Rankin rode with Black Jack Pershing while chasing Pancho in Mexico. He also served in the "war to end all wars". We used to have a picture of him with his horse from while in the cavalry.
I appreciated your learned video on the S&W Victory Model. I own one from 1942, US Navy marked. My uncle was a Marine Aircrewman from VMTB-232 shot down over Okinawa in April,45 and declared missing in action for the ages. He was issued a Victory Model for self defense, rest his soul. I purchased this pistol in homage to him, his crew and all Navy and Marine Flyers lost in n WW2. An awesome video, thanks.
Dad was a marine in the Pacific and the M1 carbine was all he and many were issued. That is after they got rid of the Reising sub machine gun which proved to be crap in jungle warfare.
My Grandfather had one of those. Got it when you could order one by mail. I believe it was in late 1950’s or early 1960’s. ( Before the 1968 Gun Control Act). I remember how smooth the action was. Thanks for the video!
I carried a S&W Model 10 quite often in the USAF in the early 1970s. The museum at my airbase had some of these Victory models on display. This is one of your best videos.
@@Ammo08 Woah! That sounds like it must've been a cool job, .38 Special is a sounds like a great cartridge for the task too, something that is light and way more manageable than a M1911. Do you remember the type of load you were issued?
I cannot convey to you how much I appreciate your unique knowledge and how generous you are with it. This is fascinating. Please keep posting anything you care to share. I love it all.
My brother was a helicopter crew member in Viet Nam. He said pilots preferred revolvers because they could be operated with one hand in case of injury.
My dad got the S&W 38 200 surplus right after WW2 ended. It's a beautiful revolver with the "V" in front of the serial number and British stamps on it. Shoots well and I love this gun's history! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
I own 2 of them, bought both over 25 years ago ago. Paid $75 for one and $125 for the other. One had been blued, and then (overly) re-blued sometime in its past. The other had been parked but only has about 10% of the finish still on it. One has "US Property GHD" on the top strap, "GHD" being the U.S. military inspection mark of Guy H. Drewry. The other revolver has nothing at all on the top strap. Both have the flaming bomb proof marks, and the V prefix. Both have serial numbers over 250,000. Both have 4" bbls and are chambered in .38 Special. I've completely disassembled, checked and cleaned each of them. Remarkably, neither one shows very much wear at all. I fire .38 semi-wad cutters through both. They are a pleasure to shoot and I think more than reasonably accurate. I have a steel man shaped 1/2 silhouette and can hit it all day long with either one. I would love to have the one that was parked re-finished, but the flaming bomb was very lightly struck and I am afraid that it would get buffed off completely during the prep. Neither are for sale, I enjoy the history and the good shooters they are too much to sell.
Thanks for the cool history lesson. I have the pre war version of this purchased by my great uncle in 1927 with the original receipt and original transfer paper. Almost perfect condition and although valued around $400 it’s priceless to me.
Great information. My father has an early .38 200 5” that was before they fixed the drop fire issues and not sure why but it’s not marked for what service it went to. Sadly the lanyard loop was ground off. Looks factory, but I’m sure it’s not
YES truly a GREAT generation! My dad was in the Amy Air Corps serving in the Pacific and ended up playing in the Air Corps Band he was issued an M1 Carbine but alot of the guys had revolvers.Thanks for all the info!
I really appreciate your work here and all the effort you put into educating an otherwise ignorant public about our combined heritage. May you live in good health and vigor forever! Many Thanks!
IMO, probably that is the best handgun and handgun cartridge made. I had the 4-inch barrel S & W model 10. Accurate handgun. Sadly, it was stolen along with my wonderful Lee-Enfield Mark 4 #1 made at Long Branch in Canada, 1944. 😟😥 {And my saddle.}
70 year old son of a WWII veteran here. Every day we loose more of the Greatest Generation. It's because of them that we don't get up in the morning and say "Heil Hitler" or bow to the Emporer of Japan. I've know about some of the history of the S&W Victory Model but not much about the number produced or their early problems. I'm not a Smith and Wesson "collector" but I've had several over the years. I still covet a first model Hand Ejector "Triple Lock" 44 Special. If you haven't done one already and I missed it, how about a comparison of the Smith and Wesson 1917 vs the Colt 1917 and it's "New Service" version. Another great one was the 38-44 Heavy Duty. A lot of your younger viewers who grew up with polymer framed semi-autos probably have never heard of those. Thanks again for the great videos.
Another wonderful video, always learn something from your channel. I seen several of those revolvers during my tour in Vietnam in 1969 - 1970 but never carried one. My dad was in WWII in an artillery unit and he carried a 1911 as well as a M1.
Thank you and your father so much for your service, during your time in Vietnam did only aircrews and MPs have these revolvers over there, or were these common with regular infantrymen as well?
As always, informative, entertaining and great to sit with you and listen to someone who has a wealth of knowledge and the patience to share with us. Thank you. Gun Blue 490.
I have 2 a .38Spl 4" bbl. And a Lend Lease .38S&W from Australia, unissued 5" bbl. Came back into the USA in the early 1990's. Both sweet shooting revolvers. I had to work over the 5" bbl'd revolver and add a missing rebound spring.
I bought one of those when I was 17 (dad supervised trade with a friend]). For many years by mom kept it as a nightstand gun loaded with 158gr semi wadcutters. It is a safe queen now but still available if needed. I like it and a 1917 Smith. That looks like a M3 holster. Thanks
Have one used by Canada on lend lease is in .38/200 I got a lot of brass from Track the wolf and hand load it with the standard .38 either lead, jacked or Wad Cutters runs great! Love it!! The holster you showed up hear is worth more then the firearm! Got a canvas holster for it has a backstrap with a thumb break snap!! More high speed then the usual flap cover!
Hello "Gunblue490". Good historical / factual video. The U.S. did the same thing in WW1 with Colt and S & W revolvers but chambered them to fire the .45 A.C.P. cartridge with "Half-moon" clips. The Generals/Admirals realized that they did not have enough 1911A1 .45 A.C.P. pistols available as Wilson got the U.S. involved in WW1.
Very informative as always, I never knew about this revolver. I thought you were referring to the .22 target pistol. Also, your revolver buying guide was the most informative 50 minutes for me all week, I learned so much, specifically that the Model 29 was never intended for .44 magnum, and the names of the individual components.
That holster you have, is it marked as military issue, or plain and pre issue. These things just amaze me and is so interesting. Hope you well, and look forward to each new video.
Thank you for this video Mr. GunBlue. I have a nice Victory model myself. How about something on the 1917s. Smith and Colt. I have one each in 38 and 45 but I sure would like to know what you might have to say about them. Thank You Sir.
According to the Jim Supica Catalouge of S&W, the Victory models weren't exactly parkerized, instead, they were "Hot dip blued" after being given a matte polish. I believe it was called a "Black Magic" finish. The result is a finish that is quite unique in look both then and now as they aged. It's really something you have to see in person. Either way, fantastic video and love it when you're covering smiths!
$2000! Unbelievable! To think that in Canada the version with the 4 inch barrel version is prohibited and they probably were all destroyed. Not that there were many here. Most of what I've seen would have been in 38 S&W . Its a shame.
I bought one many years ago for only $175. No issue holster though. I also bough a surplus S&W .38 revolver issued to the Royal Hong Kong Police, but sold after communist China took over.
Great video. Would you consider doing the same style of video showcasing the WWII 1917 models by S&W and Colt? Really enjoy the historical view on these guns. Thanks
Another little known aspect concerning the Victory and Model 10 military Smith revolvers was that it could be loaded with only one hand. If a pilot survived a mishap there was a fair chance that he would come out of it with only one usable hand. Model 10 Smiths were also issued to flyers in Korea and SVN.
Had a coffee can...about half full of S&W "V" parts....my friend was WAY TOO HAPPY ( for a distinguished gentleman) when I gave him that collection....almost in tears. ..........why?
Mine shoots Smith and Wesson .38, not .38 Special. It is marked "lendlease" and was likely used by the British army for their dispatch motorcycle riders. The British also used Webley and Enfield pistols in the same caliber, and did not the .38 Special ammo to cause issues. Mine also does not have the "V" prefix, so I suspect was made before we entered the war. I also have the holster, as well as a 1944 BSA made .303 Enfield no 4 mark 1, and a 1944 BSA M20 motorcycle to match!
I really like the history of guns and our service men that carried them. It's a shame that this history is being lost to the younger generation. They might appreciate our nation more if they understood the sacrifice of the men and women of the great American generation. They loved our nation, and so many died for it. God bless. Maybe sometime you could go over the 30-caliber carbine. I know some history on it. I am sure you know much more.
The S&W Military & Police model pencil-barreled revolver, loaded with tracer ammo, was still issued in 1968-69 for flight ops off the USS Randolph. The holsters were exactly the same as the one you displayed except that the cartridge loops were not fabric. Bruce Canfield has a reasonably comprehensive discussion of the Victory model in his book on U.S weapons of WWII, and that also details some personal views of servicemen who carried this revolver, many of whom were ground troops. It seemed to be particularly popular as a night-time foxhole handgun. That confidence was not misplaced, as it went on to become the most widely used police sidearm from the end of WWII until the mid-1990's, a 50-year run!
I was looking for information on that, were these revolvers used only by U.S. military police on the ground in combat zones, or were these popular with normal U.S. infantry as well?
@@adamcuneo7189 Their primary use was for guard and security operations, but many troops carried them in the field for extra security, particularly in the Pacific where Japanese would attempt night infiltration into U.S. lines. This is discussed by Bruce Canfield in hi book on US weapons of WWII.
Sir - at about 9:50 into the this video you mention a “catch, stub, stubber”. I have my father’s old S&W M&P, Model of 1905, 4th Change. Manf. mid-1920’s. It too has what you describe as a catch or stub on double action trigger pull, although light. Is this something that came from the factory, or does it occur from years of use and normal wear of the sear? (No intent of regular use.) Thank you for your most informative videos, and I will appreciate any reply. Thanks and be well.
This was my first pistol! I inherited it from my grandfather. Oddly, mine has a snub nose. Were they made that way at the factory or was this a later modification? I have no idea.
A small number of 500 were made with 2" barrels. Check to see if the lettering on the barrel is complete, that it was not cut after manufacture. If the trademark lettering is complete, you have a very rare piece that is highly valued.
@@GunBlue490 Thanks for the information. I checked and can see no lettering of any kind anywhere on the barrel. However, on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector rod is a serial number and some very tiny, proof and/or acceptance marks. There are similar marks elsewhere. I think I have a unicorn of some sort. By the way, didn't the Air Force Security Police use the Victory Special through the 1960s? I seem to recall reading that somewhere.
Fantastic video! I found one chambered in 38 S&W recently. I love it! I have a quick question, my cylinder release latch is loose and wobbles but the screw that runs through it feels tight. Any ideas as to what the issue is?
Yes, I do know what the issue is. Victory models were made hurriedly for war production, and some of the finer fitting points were not taken. Also, production of the first year or so was done by novice workers who replaced experienced workers who went to fight, and those individuals, mostly women, as in all wartime factories, had a pretty steep learning curve. The thumb piece nut stops when it contacts the top of the threaded stud on the bolt. If the stud is long, the nut will sit high and play will result. Another cause can be the height of the thumb piece oval section that protrudes through the frame. If it's too deep, it will sit high on the bolt under the frame and wiggle. Honestly, I would leave it alone. The wiggle will do no harm. If improperly fitted without knowing exactly how to proceed, it will jam the bolt solid, and there are no replacement parts.
@@GunBlue490 good deal! Thanks for giving me that information I really appreciate your knowledge and experience with this! When you say there are no replacement parts, if a spring breaks at some point is there no where to find a replacement? I'm hoping to pass this gun down to my children one day.
I sure would appreciate it if you would show the hammer block on that one. I believe you said it was the first generation and it failed resulting in a sailors death. Victory 38. Would like to understand how it worked and how it fit. Thanks as always.
Now that I have asked that I see in your other video that it appeared that your Victory 38 doesn’t have the hammer block. Well, if you do and just didn’t install it please do a short follow up.
I realize that many of these revolvers were carried by fighter pilots in both the European and Pacific Theatres, but does anyone know if these were carried very often by U. S. or Commonwealth bomber crews? I realize that most bomber crews carried the 1911 A1, but I am curious if some bomber crewmen were issued the Victory Model revolvers.
Two grand? Yikes! I remember when I was in college in the 1970s and working part-time for Pinkerton's, the office had several dozen S&W Victory Models and Colt Commandos they kept stacked in a desk drawer for issue to the guys who were performing armed security. Back then they weren't worth squat. For comparison, I bought a near mint Colt Diamondback for $150.
"Gunblue 490 this is Terry on my winchester model 7o featherweight does the shorter barrel affect accuracy I think it is about 19 and one half inches I have always shot winchester 130 grain power points since it was new it always shot one half to three quarters of an inch at 100 yards I always liked this gun if I replace this gun what would you recommed I like the 270 calibers.
Good morning from Barren County, KY GunBlue490, I have a question for you: I am a reloader. What do you consider to be "The Best Defensive" load for 38special, without getting into the .38+P spectrum? Thank you in advance. JT
The U.S. military used the M41, 130 grain FMJ .38 Special cartridge, it wasn't a +P cartridge, but if I were to use a self-defense cartridge, it would be that, even though I'm not sure if the pressure of the cartridge would be the same as the military load, and any .38 Special load should work for self-defense. I'm just saying if that's the load the military used it, it should definitely be good for self-defense.
With some exceptions, the Victory was primarily a US Navy issue and for the British war effort. Infantry and Military Police were normally issued the 1911 in all combat theatres, peacetime stations, and stateside duty. The Victory was an emergency production to fill a need when World War II suddenly escalated.
It accepts a very large .014" gauge, which is ten thousandths over standard. I doubt that it was intentional. Guns made under US Navy control at the beginning were not inspected, and specifications were all over the place. It was only after US Army Ordinance assumed control that things markedly improved.
Yes, he used a Victory Model to murder Officer J. D. Tippet. However, I believe that it was one of the 500 that were assigned by Ordinance during production to be made as snub nosed revolvers from the U.S. group of original .38 Specials for special issue.
Oswald’s revolver was indeed a .38/200 S&W British Service Revolver that had been rechambered to .38 special. The barrel was cut down to 2 1/4”. Serial number V510210. Butt swivel hole was plugged. And here’s a real bit of trivia .. the right grip was numbered to a different Victory (V74149).
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I am about your age. My Grandfather chased a Mexican bandit in 1916 on the Mexican border with Gen. Pershing. Then he was off to France where he was awarded two Silver Stars. I have one and my cousin has the other. He carried a Colt .45 and was discharged when he realized he still had it so he went back and turned it in. Love your content.
Interested and appreciated post. My grandfather, like yours, was a boy soldier (he enlisted at 16), who served for four years at Fort Riley prior to World War I. He reentered the service in 1917, briefly served, and was discharged as a Corporal in 1919. During World War II, he was a civilian Navy guard - carrying a Smith .38 Special Victory Model - at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He passed when I was in elementary school, but I am quite sure he would have been proud that I spent two active duty decades as Naval officer.
@@roykiefer7713 My Dad was stationed at Riley during WWII as he had a heart murmor and could not serve on the front lines. Instead they had horses and maily mules which they tested various methods for transporting military gear. My Uncle enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 16 and his only battle was on Iwo Jima. He was a machine gunner and there was a guy on facebook that had some records from the MC and found a duty roster prior to the invasion of Iwo with his name and MOS. He was kind enough to email it to me and I forwarded it to my sister who blew it up and printed it. He was in a "fox hole" with 13 other Marines when it was struck by a mortor which he was the only survivor. It haunted him for the rest of his life. My Grandfather found The Lord as he suffered from shell shock as many did and drank a lot of whiskey. He went on to be rural route postman and a Sunday School Teacher in his later years. God is good. Thank you for your service.
My grandfather was hired at DuPont in 1959 by a WW2 vet when the man found out my granddad served in Her Majesty's armed forces REME, the man said he had great respect for the British soldiers.
Our grandfathers must have ridden together. Grandpa Grant Rankin rode with Black Jack Pershing while chasing Pancho in Mexico. He also served in the "war to end all wars". We used to have a picture of him with his horse from while in the cavalry.
@@edallen5711 My Grandfather was in the Pa National Guard. He was a rifleman and then into the artillery. It's such a small world.
What a Fine Fine Classic 🇺🇸
I appreciated your learned video on the S&W Victory Model.
I own one from 1942, US Navy marked.
My uncle was a Marine Aircrewman from VMTB-232 shot down over Okinawa in April,45 and declared missing in action for the ages. He was issued a Victory Model for self defense, rest his soul.
I purchased this pistol in homage to him, his crew and all Navy and Marine Flyers lost in n WW2.
An awesome video, thanks.
Good video, I found one at Turners ...a Broad Arrow marked Commonwealth in 38/200, excellent condition...$99. That long ago.
The Victory model revolver did the job, and the allies won the war. My dad was issued an M1 Carbine but no sidearm.
Dad was a marine in the Pacific and the M1 carbine was all he and many were issued. That is after they got rid of the Reising sub machine gun which proved to be crap in jungle warfare.
@@model7374 Forgotten Weapons has a great review on the Reising.
My Grandfather had one of those. Got it when you could order one by mail. I believe it was in late 1950’s or early 1960’s. ( Before the 1968 Gun Control Act). I remember how smooth the action was. Thanks for the video!
I carried a S&W Model 10 quite often in the USAF in the early 1970s. The museum at my airbase had some of these Victory models on display. This is one of your best videos.
Thank you for your service and that's so cool how you carried one of these, were you a pilot when you carried one of these?
@@adamcuneo7189 No, I was a nuclear weapons specialist and anytime we had weapons out in the open for transportation we had to be armed.
@@Ammo08 Woah! That sounds like it must've been a cool job, .38 Special is a sounds like a great cartridge for the task too, something that is light and way more manageable than a M1911. Do you remember the type of load you were issued?
@@adamcuneo7189 it's been 50+ yeas ago, but it was probably a 130 grain FMJ bullet going at 850 fps.
There's a reason why this is one of my favorite channels, and you, sir, are the reason. Really appreciate your videos and insights. God bless you.
I cannot convey to you how much I appreciate your unique knowledge and how generous you are with it. This is fascinating. Please keep posting anything you care to share. I love it all.
Totally digging the history of guns. 👍👍👍
My brother was a helicopter crew member in Viet Nam. He said pilots preferred revolvers because they could be operated with one hand in case of injury.
My dad got the S&W 38 200 surplus right after WW2 ended. It's a beautiful revolver with the "V" in front of the serial number and British stamps on it. Shoots well and I love this gun's history! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Great show as allways, God Bless.
Such a nice show, we had one of these when I was a young boy, ours had a 6" bbl on it and was a remarkable shooter as well
I own 2 of them, bought both over 25 years ago ago. Paid $75 for one and $125 for the other. One had been blued, and then (overly) re-blued sometime in its past. The other had been parked but only has about 10% of the finish still on it. One has "US Property GHD" on the top strap, "GHD" being the U.S. military inspection mark of Guy H. Drewry. The other revolver has nothing at all on the top strap. Both have the flaming bomb proof marks, and the V prefix. Both have serial numbers over 250,000. Both have 4" bbls and are chambered in .38 Special. I've completely disassembled, checked and cleaned each of them. Remarkably, neither one shows very much wear at all. I fire .38 semi-wad cutters through both. They are a pleasure to shoot and I think more than reasonably accurate. I have a steel man shaped 1/2 silhouette and can hit it all day long with either one. I would love to have the one that was parked re-finished, but the flaming bomb was very lightly struck and I am afraid that it would get buffed off completely during the prep. Neither are for sale, I enjoy the history and the good shooters they are too much to sell.
Thanks for the cool history lesson. I have the pre war version of this purchased by my great uncle in 1927 with the original receipt and original transfer paper. Almost perfect condition and although valued around $400 it’s priceless to me.
.38-200 is a very nice cartridge. I only wish it was .357 diameter rather than .361
Gotta love old wheel guns.
Great information. My father has an early .38 200 5” that was before they fixed the drop fire issues and not sure why but it’s not marked for what service it went to. Sadly the lanyard loop was ground off. Looks factory, but I’m sure it’s not
Sir you are a gentleman and a scholar.. Thank you.
YES truly a GREAT generation! My dad was in the Amy Air Corps serving in the Pacific and ended up playing in the Air Corps Band he was issued an M1 Carbine but alot of the guys had revolvers.Thanks for all the info!
Do more gun talks / stories like this with us please.
I really appreciate your work here and all the effort you put into educating an otherwise ignorant public about our combined heritage. May you live in good health and vigor forever! Many Thanks!
Another great video! Thank you. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚓
I have a S&W model 10 in .38spl. Good little shooter.
I carried the heavy barrel Model 10 for a number of years, and used it in many competitive events. They are terrific sidearms.
IMO, probably that is the best handgun and handgun cartridge made. I had the 4-inch barrel S & W model 10. Accurate handgun. Sadly, it was stolen along with my wonderful Lee-Enfield Mark 4 #1 made at Long Branch in Canada, 1944. 😟😥 {And my saddle.}
What a great history lesson. Really enjoyed it.
70 year old son of a WWII veteran here. Every day we loose more of the Greatest Generation. It's because of them that we don't get up in the morning and say "Heil Hitler" or bow to the Emporer of Japan.
I've know about some of the history of the S&W Victory Model but not much about the number produced or their early problems. I'm not a Smith and Wesson "collector" but I've had several over the years. I still covet a first model Hand Ejector "Triple Lock" 44 Special. If you haven't done one already and I missed it, how about a comparison of the Smith and Wesson 1917 vs the Colt 1917 and it's "New Service" version. Another great one was the 38-44 Heavy Duty. A lot of your younger viewers who grew up with polymer framed semi-autos probably have never heard of those. Thanks again for the great videos.
I inherited my dad’s- ha was a naval aviator. 👍🇺🇸
Very interesting!
Another wonderful video, always learn something from your channel. I seen several of those revolvers during my tour in Vietnam in 1969 - 1970 but never carried one. My dad was in WWII in an artillery unit and he carried a 1911 as well as a M1.
Thank you and your father so much for your service, during your time in Vietnam did only aircrews and MPs have these revolvers over there, or were these common with regular infantrymen as well?
@@adamcuneo7189
Mostly airmen and MP’s
Thanks for the interesting info on the Smith and Wesson Victory. It is always both instructive and interesting to watch and listen to you.
I just love you wisdom and you are a classy guy, so hard to find these days
Thank you for this presentation sir.
As always, informative, entertaining and great to sit with you and listen to someone who has a wealth of knowledge and the patience to share with us. Thank you. Gun Blue 490.
I have 2 a .38Spl 4" bbl. And a Lend Lease .38S&W from Australia, unissued 5" bbl. Came back into the USA in the early 1990's. Both sweet shooting revolvers. I had to work over the 5" bbl'd revolver and add a missing rebound spring.
I bought one of those when I was 17 (dad supervised trade with a friend]). For many years by mom kept it as a nightstand gun loaded with 158gr semi wadcutters. It is a safe queen now but still available if needed. I like it and a 1917 Smith. That looks like a M3 holster. Thanks
Always enjoy your episodes.
Have one used by Canada on lend lease is in .38/200 I got a lot of brass from Track the wolf and hand load it with the standard .38 either lead, jacked or Wad Cutters runs great! Love it!! The holster you showed up hear is worth more then the firearm! Got a canvas holster for it has a backstrap with a thumb break snap!! More high speed then the usual flap cover!
It shoots the undersized projectiles fine? That’s awesome
Hello "Gunblue490". Good historical / factual video. The U.S. did the same thing in WW1 with Colt and S & W revolvers but chambered them to fire the .45 A.C.P. cartridge with "Half-moon" clips. The Generals/Admirals realized that they did not have enough 1911A1 .45 A.C.P. pistols available as Wilson got the U.S. involved in WW1.
Very informative as always, I never knew about this revolver. I thought you were referring to the .22 target pistol. Also, your revolver buying guide was the most informative 50 minutes for me all week, I learned so much, specifically that the Model 29 was never intended for .44 magnum, and the names of the individual components.
Thank you!
That holster you have, is it marked as military issue, or plain and pre issue. These things just amaze me and is so interesting. Hope you well, and look forward to each new video.
Very informative! Excellent video
Thank you for this video Mr. GunBlue. I have a nice Victory model myself. How about something on the 1917s. Smith and Colt. I have one each in 38 and 45 but I sure would like to know what you might have to say about them. Thank You Sir.
According to the Jim Supica Catalouge of S&W, the Victory models weren't exactly parkerized, instead, they were "Hot dip blued" after being given a matte polish. I believe it was called a "Black Magic" finish. The result is a finish that is quite unique in look both then and now as they aged. It's really something you have to see in person.
Either way, fantastic video and love it when you're covering smiths!
Very informative and well said
$2000! Unbelievable! To think that in Canada the version with the 4 inch barrel version is prohibited and they probably were all destroyed. Not that there were many here. Most of what I've seen would have been in 38 S&W . Its a shame.
I bought one many years ago for only $175. No issue holster though. I also bough a surplus S&W .38 revolver issued to the Royal Hong Kong Police, but sold after communist China took over.
I agree completely with that, it's a shame. When I heard that price, I was shocked! 🇨🇦🇧🇲
Thank you for the video and hope you and your family have a good year ahead cheers all the best stay safe my friend ✌️☘️🦘🫶❤️
I would prefer that for duty over a GI 1911 anyday.
Great video. Would you consider doing the same style of video showcasing the WWII 1917 models by S&W and Colt? Really enjoy the historical view on these guns. Thanks
Best New England accent ever
Another little known aspect concerning the Victory and Model 10 military Smith revolvers was that it could be loaded with only one hand. If a pilot survived a mishap there was a fair chance that he would come out of it with only one usable hand. Model 10 Smiths were also issued to flyers in Korea and SVN.
Had a coffee can...about half full of S&W "V" parts....my friend was WAY TOO HAPPY ( for a distinguished gentleman) when I gave him that collection....almost in tears.
..........why?
The greatest generation went though 4 years of WW2 and also the Great Depression we can’t forget that.
Cringe 🤦♂️
Mine shoots Smith and Wesson .38, not .38 Special. It is marked "lendlease" and was likely used by the British army for their dispatch motorcycle riders. The British also used Webley and Enfield pistols in the same caliber, and did not the .38 Special ammo to cause issues. Mine also does not have the "V" prefix, so I suspect was made before we entered the war. I also have the holster, as well as a 1944 BSA made .303 Enfield no 4 mark 1, and a 1944 BSA M20 motorcycle to match!
Very interesting. I never knew some pilots carried a revolver.
I just bought victory model mp 38 never fired in box it came with
I really like the history of guns and our service men that carried them. It's a shame that this history is being lost to the younger generation. They might appreciate our nation more if they understood the sacrifice of the men and women of the great American generation. They loved our nation, and so many died for it. God bless. Maybe sometime you could go over the 30-caliber carbine. I know some history on it. I am sure you know much more.
The S&W Military & Police model pencil-barreled revolver, loaded with tracer ammo, was still issued in 1968-69 for flight ops off the USS Randolph. The holsters were exactly the same as the one you displayed except that the cartridge loops were not fabric.
Bruce Canfield has a reasonably comprehensive discussion of the Victory model in his book on U.S weapons of WWII, and that also details some personal views of servicemen who carried this revolver, many of whom were ground troops. It seemed to be particularly popular as a night-time foxhole handgun. That confidence was not misplaced, as it went on to become the most widely used police sidearm from the end of WWII until the mid-1990's, a 50-year run!
I was looking for information on that, were these revolvers used only by U.S. military police on the ground in combat zones, or were these popular with normal U.S. infantry as well?
@@adamcuneo7189 Their primary use was for guard and security operations, but many troops carried them in the field for extra security, particularly in the Pacific where Japanese would attempt night infiltration into U.S. lines. This is discussed by Bruce Canfield in hi book on US weapons of WWII.
Sir - at about 9:50 into the this video you mention a “catch, stub, stubber”.
I have my father’s old S&W M&P, Model of 1905, 4th Change. Manf. mid-1920’s. It too has what you describe as a catch or stub on double action trigger pull, although light. Is this something that came from the factory, or does it occur from years of use and normal wear of the sear? (No intent of regular use.) Thank you for your most informative videos, and I will appreciate any reply. Thanks and be well.
This was my first pistol! I inherited it from my grandfather. Oddly, mine has a snub nose. Were they made that way at the factory or was this a later modification? I have no idea.
A small number of 500 were made with 2" barrels. Check to see if the lettering on the barrel is complete, that it was not cut after manufacture. If the trademark lettering is complete, you have a very rare piece that is highly valued.
@@GunBlue490 Thanks for the information. I checked and can see no lettering of any kind anywhere on the barrel. However, on the underside of the barrel beneath the ejector rod is a serial number and some very tiny, proof and/or acceptance marks. There are similar marks elsewhere. I think I have a unicorn of some sort. By the way, didn't the Air Force Security Police use the Victory Special through the 1960s? I seem to recall reading that somewhere.
@@bhoward9378 Yes, the USAF used them, and many were used in various capacities through the years.
I worked on one that belongs to a friend, it was a 38 s&w lend lease model. I couldn't figure out if it was for British or was in Australia tho.
Fantastic video! I found one chambered in 38 S&W recently.
I love it! I have a quick question, my cylinder release latch is loose and wobbles but the screw that runs through it feels tight. Any ideas as to what the issue is?
Yes, I do know what the issue is. Victory models were made hurriedly for war production, and some of the finer fitting points were not taken. Also, production of the first year or so was done by novice workers who replaced experienced workers who went to fight, and those individuals, mostly women, as in all wartime factories, had a pretty steep learning curve.
The thumb piece nut stops when it contacts the top of the threaded stud on the bolt. If the stud is long, the nut will sit high and play will result. Another cause can be the height of the thumb piece oval section that protrudes through the frame. If it's too deep, it will sit high on the bolt under the frame and wiggle.
Honestly, I would leave it alone. The wiggle will do no harm. If improperly fitted without knowing exactly how to proceed, it will jam the bolt solid, and there are no replacement parts.
@@GunBlue490 good deal! Thanks for giving me that information I really appreciate your knowledge and experience with this!
When you say there are no replacement parts, if a spring breaks at some point is there no where to find a replacement?
I'm hoping to pass this gun down to my children one day.
Really regret selling mine.
I sure would appreciate it if you would show the hammer block on that one. I believe you said it was the first generation and it failed resulting in a sailors death. Victory 38. Would like to understand how it worked and how it fit. Thanks as always.
Now that I have asked that I see in your other video that it appeared that your Victory 38 doesn’t have the hammer block. Well, if you do and just didn’t install it please do a short follow up.
I realize that many of these revolvers were carried by fighter pilots in both the European and Pacific Theatres, but does anyone know if these were carried very often by U. S. or Commonwealth bomber crews? I realize that most bomber crews carried the 1911 A1, but I am curious if some bomber crewmen were issued the Victory Model revolvers.
Two grand? Yikes! I remember when I was in college in the 1970s and working part-time for Pinkerton's, the office had several dozen S&W Victory Models and Colt Commandos they kept stacked in a desk drawer for issue to the guys who were performing armed security. Back then they weren't worth squat. For comparison, I bought a near mint Colt Diamondback for $150.
"Gunblue 490 this is Terry on my winchester model 7o featherweight does the shorter barrel affect accuracy I think it is about 19 and one half inches I have always shot winchester 130 grain power points since it was new it always shot one half to three quarters of an inch at 100 yards I always liked this gun if I replace this gun what would you recommed I like the 270 calibers.
Good morning from Barren County, KY GunBlue490,
I have a question for you:
I am a reloader. What do you consider to be "The Best Defensive" load for 38special, without getting into the .38+P spectrum?
Thank you in advance.
JT
The U.S. military used the M41, 130 grain FMJ .38 Special cartridge, it wasn't a +P cartridge, but if I were to use a self-defense cartridge, it would be that, even though I'm not sure if the pressure of the cartridge would be the same as the military load, and any .38 Special load should work for self-defense. I'm just saying if that's the load the military used it, it should definitely be good for self-defense.
Were these revolvers common with U.S. infantrymen too, or were these only issued to aircrews and military police?
With some exceptions, the Victory was primarily a US Navy issue and for the British war effort. Infantry and Military Police were normally issued the 1911 in all combat theatres, peacetime stations, and stateside duty. The Victory was an emergency production to fill a need when World War II suddenly escalated.
What is the barrel/cylinder gap on that particular firearm. Someone mentioned in the previous video that the gaps tended to be large.
It accepts a very large .014" gauge, which is ten thousandths over standard. I doubt that it was intentional. Guns made under US Navy control at the beginning were not inspected, and specifications were all over the place. It was only after US Army Ordinance assumed control that things markedly improved.
I read somewhere that Lee Harvey Oswald's pistol was an import 38/200 that was converted to 38 special , do you have any info on that ?
Yes, he used a Victory Model to murder Officer J. D. Tippet. However, I believe that it was one of the 500 that were assigned by Ordinance during production to be made as snub nosed revolvers from the U.S. group of original .38 Specials for special issue.
Oswald’s revolver was indeed a .38/200 S&W British Service Revolver that had been rechambered to .38 special. The barrel was cut down to 2 1/4”. Serial number V510210. Butt swivel hole was plugged. And here’s a real bit of trivia .. the right grip was numbered to a different Victory (V74149).
How can I contact you about a S&W revolver with a barrel issue?
I just bought mp38. Never fired in the box. What do you think
Make it go bang and enjoy it. Guns don't make good wallpaper.
Please show cleaning your favorite firearms.🙏
553rd MP ,FT.CAMPBELL,K-9 HANDLERS ISSUED .38 MOD 10. 1977.
Peak Sidearm Choice for the Second World War
My uncle fought inww 2
i have father new . no box, colt cobra det specialwith custom molded colt holster anyone wanna make an offer???
Gunblue is it 4 sale babygoat
Perhaps, but not by me. Contact the owner, Mike Hashem (603) 539-8677 banjomikehashem@aol.com
Thursdays through Sundays
I remember when they were not worth any thing .
Hello.
Old School!