Help me identify this Smith .38

[buckeroo]

I have a potential trade in the works and I'm curious what model number Smith 38 this is. Honestly I like it mainly because of the look but still want to make sure that it is a fair trade on my part and have more info just in case this jumps out to the Smith experts as
a potential bad model or undesirable Smith or who-knows-what.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[JWC]

I will try and help.
First off, you need to find the serial number. The numbers in the yoke are most likely assembly numbers and their meaning lost to time. The serial number will be on the butt of the gun. From the appearance of the Smith, the serial number will probably start with a V or an S, maybe a SV or even a C. The serial number will help identify the Smith.
The Smith appears to be refinished in either Hard Chrome or nickel. The trigger and the hammer should be case colored, not the same finish as the frame. The grips are faux stag grips that were very popular back in the day. The Smith is a "one liner" which means on the right side of the Smith there is the stamping "MADE IN USA". Later guns had the 4 line address. The barrel length is a concern. If you could, measure from the tip of the barrel to the face of the cylinder. Whatever that length, that is the way S&W measures barrel length. A concern also is that I do not see any stamping on the barrel on either side. But the stamping could be obscured by a glare, and I just don't see it. There are a couple of easy places to look for the serial number of the Smith, butt of the gun, the cylinder, and the barrel flat. However, the serial number on the butt of the grip frame is the serial number for that gun. The gun may have a hole in the butt of the frame for a lanyard ring, it also may not! lol There are 4 screws on the left side plate, 3 showing and one under the grips.
Once the serial number is given, I can possibly date the gun and give you some more information.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I believe this Smith to have been produced before 1957 when Smith began stamping the MOD number on the yoke.

 

[Gimli2]

JWC is the man of the hour... He knows way more than I do. But the bottom line is that this gun is too old to have a model number. In 1957 they started calling this gun a model 10, and this predates that.

 

[JWC]

JWC is the man of the hour... He knows way more than I do. But the bottom line is that this gun is too old to have a model number. In 1957 they started calling this gun a model 10, and this predates that.

Good call, I forgot to add that part.

 

[Drd]

Rank guess.Victory? I have seen a couple like this that were
Army Air Corps also the Aussies had some that were stag grips. Is it 38 Special or 38 SW?

 

[JWC]

Rank guess.Victory? I have seen a couple like this that were
Army Air Corps also the Aussies had some that were stag grips. Is it 38 Special or 38 SW?

Could be a Victory, but serial number will determine. I don't remember seeing the faux stag grips as original. I believe the gun should have had magna style grips with a diamond around the screw.

 

[Gimli2]

Rank guess.Victory? I have seen a couple like this that were
Army Air Corps also the Aussies had some that were stag grips. Is it 38 Special or 38 SW?

That would certainly be the first guess: Victory model bought as surplus, barrel chopped and refinished in the 60's. No telling how many guns got that treatment. However, there are certainly other options...if the OP gets back to JWC with a serial number we'll know a lot more.

 

[buckeroo]

OK, good info guys! Thanks so much. Not gonna lie, I dig it because of the aesthetics and think it will fit in nicely with my tiny little Smith "collection" that includes a newer 686 and a newer 617 22LR. It just speaks to me, ya know. My plan if I trade is to throw a set of wood grips on it and call it a day.

So here is the $425 question....
I have a Colt (made by Walther) 22LR M4 Carbine, "AR" that absolutely doesnt speak to me that I may trade for this. I realize that it is a good trade if I swap something that doesnt speak to me for something that does, but also, I am a numbers guy so is the value there for me if I am asking $425 for my Colt?

Also, any of the potential issues you guys mention a bad thing? I mean, is a pre-57 Smith still a good pistol?

 

[JWC]

Well buckeroo,...I just loved typing that....., but seriously if it speaks to you buy it or trade for it. It is totally your decision. However, since you asked, I do not believe a Victory, if it is a Victory, or a Pre-Model 10, if it is a Pre-Model 10, that has been refinished, has aftermarket grips, may have had the barrel cut down, or replaced, would be worth anywhere close to $425. I don't believe it is worth $250, but that is based on what I see, and is just my opinion. I am not an expert and heck man, I could be wrong.

As far as is it a good revolver and will it function properly? I have no way of knowing that. I can say that there are Smith revolvers from the early 1900s that function properly, and have no issues. But those guns were maintained. I question that one only because I am unsure if that is the correct barrel length. If the barrel has been replaced, was it done correctly? I have no way of knowing that, and you don't either.

Unless you know what you are buying, have checked to see if it will function properly, I would pass on that one. But the final decision is up to you, and I will admit, I have purchased revolvers in worse shape.

 

[Stringbender]

Not an expert but I have owned a few and actually owned a Victory similar to this one. Problem was it was .38 s&w and not .38 special.
Personally I would sell my Umarex .22 for 450 and pick up a nice model 10 or similar on here. There have been some very nice deals on here lately and you would at least know what you are getting. I doubt the value on that revolver will keep pace with the modern versions Having said that, if it "Speaks" to you, by all means give it a go. YMMV