The Smith and Wesson Victory Model

It is January 1943 Springfield Massachusetts. The temperature is a chilling 16 degrees as the gentleman clocks in at the Smith and Wesson plant. As he goes to work on his milling machine he wonders how long it will be before America will be full blown at war. He gets to work making Smith & Wesson Victory model revolvers.

Most Americans today have forgotten what it took to win the Second World War. It is amazing to me that we even had one after the First World War. How were all the lessons of that war forgotten or ignored. Just for example why did everyone ignore Germany breaking the treaty and building weapons of war again. I believe that America's industrial machine and the greatest generation of people that will ever live is what won WW2. The Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver is one example of both.

As we were realizing that there would not be enough 1911 pistols to go to war with the U.S. Navy started to look for other options. They placed contracts directly with Smith & Wesson for the .38 special caliber Military and Police model. The British government also ordered the revolver in 38 Smith and Wesson caliber. Most all of the War time Victory Revolvers had the V prefix serial number. They were mostly 5 inch barrels with smooth wood stocks and a phosphate (parkerized finish). The majority of pistols produced were in 38 Smith and Wesson caliber and were sent overseas in the lend/ lease program.

Classic guns like these can be found at Gun Trader Gun Shows. Our next show will be held in Ocala at the Livestock Pavilion July 24, 25 2021. The address is 2232 NE Jacksonville Road Ocala, Fl 34470. Our Schedule can be found a guntradershows.com or I can be reached at (352) 359-0134. I hope to see everyone there. Until then be safe everybody.

Terry Jewell