Saved another old Smith

[highpower]

Walked into a gun store I haven't been to in a while and spotted this Victory Model. All numbers match including the grips. Finish condition is best described as "somewhat worn", but it still locks up tight and when I pulled it apart to see if the grips were matching, I found what looks very much like the original grease around the base of the hammer and top of the main spring. I like the fact that it isn't a lend-lease gun and it replaces one I sold many years ago.

I figured for a measly $350 I couldn't go wrong.

[KahrMan]

Nice find!

[Sauermonkey]

Nice victory

[THBailey]

Awesome OP. I wonder what the CHD or GHD after "U.S. PROPERTY" on the top strap means? Thanks for sharing.

[aghauler]

Walked into a gun store I haven't been to in a while and spotted this Victory Model. All numbers match including the grips. Finish condition is best described as "somewhat worn", but it still locks up tight and when I pulled it apart to see if the grips were matching, I found what looks very much like the original grease around the base of the hammer and top of the main spring. I like the fact that it isn't a lend-lease gun and it replaces one I sold many years ago.

I figured for a measly $350 I couldn't go wrong.

Very nice and a good price, 38 S&W right?

[ElvenSoul]

Was just looking at her sister the other day. She was hot and sexy in her little elk grips and elk teeth lanyard.

[highpower]

Awesome OP. I wonder what the CHD or GHD after "U.S. PROPERTY" on the top strap means? Thanks for sharing.

GHD=Guy H. Drewry, ordnance inspector at Smith and Wesson and Colt during WWII. Stamped after finish on S&W revolvers and Colt .22, .38, & .45ACP pistols and revolvers

Very nice and a good price, 38 S&W right?

This one stayed in US service, caliber .38 Special. Generally speaking, if the barrel is 4" long it will be .38 Special, if it is 5" long it will be a lend-lease gun in .38 S&W.

[Enfield47]

Nice, well worth the $350. I would've jumped on it too.

[smle-man]

That is the bargain of the week!

[Milsurp Collector]

That is the bargain of the week!

Yup. The 4" barrel .38 Special versions with U.S. PROPERTY markings often go for twice that price, more if marked U.S. NAVY.

[plumbum]

Now that has some stories! Great buy!

[SoCal Bob]

Very nice find/save. I have one of those but the forcing cone is cracked. I found a correct replacement barrel but haven't looked for a gunsmith yet.

[Flyin Brian]

Heck of a deal!! Congrats.

[sealocan]

These "saved an old gun" threads, whether it be from a gun store or from neglect, are some of the best threads on Calguns.


Which people did more of them.

Hi power I think you got a bargain at that price and I really like the aged patina that's on the gun just as it is.

[highpower]

These "saved an old gun" threads, whether it be from a gun store or from neglect, are some of the best threads on Calguns.


Which people did more of them.

Hi power I think you got a bargain at that price and I really like the aged patina that's on the gun just as it is.

I seem to have a thing for orphans. I have "rescued" everything from 100+ year old Smiths to broomhandle Mausers. I love the history that these old guns represent and I look at myself as a caretaker until the next generation takes over.