1943 U.S. Navy Smith & Wesson Victory .38 SPL

[Trepang]

Stumbled across a nice, numbers matching, 1943 US Navy S&W Victory and I just couldn't help myself.

After the US Property marked S&W Victory in .38 S&W I bought yesterday I should have stopped looking.....

But I didn't and came across this U.S. Navy one in .38 SPL that comes with a nice "correct" holster.

It will be at my FFL next week .... SMH

Here is a link to an interesting article on the from the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN magazine: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/v-is-for-victory-the-smith-wesson-victory-model-revolver/

 

[IronEye]

Also very nice. A great link to the past. I wonder what stories it could tell? Congrats.

A Federal FFL-03 C&R License would allow old guns like these to be shipped direct to your door - just saying.

 

[Trepang]

Also very nice. A great link to the past. I wonder what stories it could tell? Congrats.

A Federal FFL-03 C&R License would allow old guns like these to be shipped direct to your door - just saying.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

I have a C&R license and have a collectors license but it was my understanding that since we are in Maryland, you still had to fill out he MSP application, go through a FFL and wait your seven days for handguns.

I have used my C&R for long guns, but never handguns.

Like I said, that is just my understanding and I have been wrong before and I am always willing to learn.

 

[IronEye]

I attached a letter from 2004 that was written by Joseph Curran (then Maryland's AG) that states that Maryland law imposes no restrictions on direct import by a Federal C&R license holder for eligible guns coming from out of state.
A weapon bought in the state would require the standard paperwork, background check and 7 day wait.

 

[Trepang]

I attached a letter from 2004 that was written by Joseph Curran (then Maryland's AG) that states that Maryland law imposes no restrictions on direct import by a Federal C&R license holder for eligible guns coming from out of state.
A weapon bought in the state would require the standard paperwork, background check and 7 day wait.

Gotcha - Thanks

 

[jabber6]

That’s a beauty! Another U.S. Property marked hole I can look down

 

[Mightydog]

Very nice find. There’s something about a “mature” wheel gun.

 

[Czechnologist]

That's a revolver anyone would be proud to own. Congrats!

 

[Fushigi Ojisan]

Having an example of each is just about ideal for a collector, however, it may also lead you to go searching for a Colt Commando next.

 

[Trepang]

Thanks guy - I am more excited about this one than I have been about a gun in awhile.

 

[Trepang]

I managed to find a copy on eBay of the December 2020 issue of the American Rifleman that has a great article on these Victory revolvers. I don't keep the old copies and in this case I wish I had.

I make up a folder of whatever documents I have or can find on each MilSurp I have in my collection and I really wanted this issue for the folder - That article is what got me interested in the Victory models in the first place.

Next, I will cough up the $100 for a S&W research letter.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Having an example of each is just about ideal for a collector, however, it may also lead you to go searching for a Colt Commando next.

No , you need a Defense Contractor Victory first before any Colts.

( From the s/n range bought by the Government , sold thru the Defense Supply Corp to certain companies with war contracts to arm their Security forces against saboteurs . Victorys w/o Govt Property markings .)

 

[Trepang]

Finally got it home from the FFL after my 7-day wait.
It cleaned up nice.
Very happy with it.
The scratch I put on it is hardly noticeable after a Lucas Oil CLP wipe down; no Turnbull restoration after all.
This maybe my new favorite MilSurp.

 

[pilotwithgun]

Very nice gun to shoot. It is also very practical to carry or use for home defense. You might consider acquiring a couple speedloaders for this and practicing with them. Also, they make .38 tracer if tracer doesn’t violate your range policy. Word to the wise- when somebody gifts you a coffee can of red-tipped .38, you are not hallucinating when you see orange flashes while firing them. It is tracer ammo!