[tcml50]

Received a 38 special S&W, serial # 763XXX with a V to the far left of serial number. Blued steel, 4" barrel, MADE IN U.S.A. on right side of frame below cylinder. Cylinder is also serial numbered.
This is not a pristine pistol but curious to get an idea of date of manufacturing and reason for the V before serial number. No lanyard hole, don't think it's a victory model.
Also want to confirm that it's safe to shoot an occasional +P in it. Gun is tight and mechanical sound.
Thanks.

 

[Forester]

Look up Victory model revolver

 

[tcml50]

This is not like other victory models I've seen, the V is some distance to the left of serial number. About 1/2" in front of the number. No lanyard loop or hole.

 

[K22]

How about showing a picture of the butt of the gun?

with a "V"

and without a "V"

My guess is the hole on your revolver has been filled. The "V"'s were separate from the s/n to make room for the hole. Look at the back side of the cylinder and see if there is a "V" there. Also look at the flat part of the underbarrel.

see the "V" at the one o'clock position.

and the "V" in front of the numbers on the flat part of the barrel

 

[K22]

This is what it can look like when the lanyard hole has been filled in.

 

[K22]

It is pretty easy to install a new swivel if the hole has not been filled.

 

[K22]

The barrel on your revolver looks like it may have some proofs on it. Similar to this??

 

[jonesy814]

Looks like it was maybe cut down and had the front sight soldered back on. Is the gun chambered in 38 S&W or 38 S&W Special?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I agree with Jonesy. It is a British Service Revolver. I believe I can read .38 S&W CTG (not .38 S&W Special CTG) on the barrel. AND the barrel has been cut to 4" and the front sight very poorly soldered back on. The question is "was the cylinder changed to .38 Special?" If the serial numbers on the cylinder include a V and match the butt and under the barrel, it is a complete, but modified BSR. With the V it is a very late manufacture in 1945. They made them up to V769xxx or so. If there is no V, it is a pre-Victory BSR made before the US entered the War.

 

[Waidmann]

Guy has nailed it. There were Victory butts that were plugged prior to shipment, a very few during the war. Unfortunately this is a post war refurb ^ as he states.

 

[tcml50]

You guys nailed it, lanyard hole has been filled, has V on cylinder and under barrel lug. Faint marking on barrel does say 38 s&w ctg. Fellow I got it from had been carrying 38 specials in it. I haven't shot it yet.
I'm guessing it's still chambered for 38 s&w, 38 sp. Ammo will chamber. Is there any way to check if cylinder has been converted?
You folks are great!

 

[tcml50]

Another question does the pistol have period correct grips? Numbers don't match

 

[WendyZXZ]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[K22]

You guys nailed it, lanyard hole has been filled, has V on cylinder and under barrel lug. Faint marking on barrel does say 38 s&w ctg. Fellow I got it from had been carrying 38 specials in it. I haven't shot it yet.
I'm guessing it's still chambered for 38 s&w, 38 sp. Ammo will chamber. Is there any way to check if cylinder has been converted?
You folks are great!

Look at the cylinder chambers. If the barrel says .38SW and is the original barrel and it chambers .38 specials the cylinder has been converted or replaced. If you see two circles in the chambers then the cylinder has been converted.

they may also have put an insert into the chambers like this

 

[tcml50]

It has been reamed, will probably stick with wadcutters when shooting it. The pistol was a gift and has considerable sentimental value to me. Older fellow kept it on top of his refrigerator for home defense.
Thank you all for your help.

 

[K22]

Wadcutters are a great choice IMHO. This BSR was converted by Parker Hale in England. It shipped in June 1941. My first six rounds using wadcutters. They make a beautiful hole in paper.

 

[Waidmann]

The original condition of a British Service Revolver. I would not go the expense of a decent pair of Victory grips.

 

[tcml50]

Fellow also passed on to me a model 10-6 that has had barrel and cylinder changed to .357 mag. ,so in theory I have a model 10/13. Part change was done by a reputable gunsmith. No collector value but a fine shooter. Also received a nickel plated 4" barrel 32 s&w long, hand ejector. Finish is flaking but she's tight. Serial # 355XXX, all original.
Needless to say fellow had some interesting firearms.

 

[K22]

Fellow also passed on to me a model 10-6 that has had barrel and cylinder changed to .357 mag. ,so in theory I have a model 10/13. Part change was done by a reputable gunsmith. No collector value but a fine shooter. Also received a nickel plated 4" barrel 32 s&w long, hand ejector. Finish is flaking but she's tight. Serial # 355XXX, all original.
Needless to say fellow had some interesting firearms.

I'd say so. Nice collection. I did the 10/13 the hard way.

Model 10-6

Model 13-2

or if you like a larger set of stocks

 

[tcml50]

My 32 hand ejector shooter,