The Navy adopted a policy of equipping its personnel with as many M1911A1 pistols as possible and obtaining a secondary source of handguns for less critical requirements. It was determined that the most suitable gun for this purpose was the Smith & Wesson Military & Police .38 Spl. Going lighter is the alloy-framed Model 38 and 438, while the stainless/alloy Airweight Model 638 is the best of both worlds. Manufacturer model #: 103039. This is a mint crisp example that was shipped to the US Navy in 1944. Get the latest news and updates on products, news, and events, JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT OUR MARYVILLE, TN HEADQUARTERS WILL BE POSTED ON OUR CAREERS SITE, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 442 CRIMSON TRACE LG-105 LASERGRIPS, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 442 MOON CLIP, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 642, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 640, M&P BODYGUARD 38 INTEGRATED CRIMSON TRACE LASER, MODEL 642 CRIMSON TRACE LASERGRIPS NO INTERNAL LOCK, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 642 ENHANCED ACTION, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 637 ENHANCED ACTION, M&P BODYGUARD 38 INTEGRATED CRIMSON TRACE LASER COMPLIANT, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 19 CARRY COMP 2.5" BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 986 2.5" BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 986, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 686 COMPETITOR 6" WEIGHTED BARREL, MODEL 686 PLUS 3-5-7 MAGNUM SERIES 3" BARREL, MODEL 686 PLUS 3-5-7 MAGNUM SERIES 5" BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 686 2.5" BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 686 SSR, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 686 PLUS, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 629 .44 MAGNUM HUNTER, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 629 COMPETITOR 6" WEIGHTED BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 629 STEALTH HUNTER, PERFORMANCE CENTER PRO SERIES MODEL 627, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL S&W500 HI VIZ FIBER OPTIC, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 460XVR HI VIZ FIBER OPTIC FRONT SIGHT, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL S&W500 7.5" BARREL, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 460XVR - 14" BARREL WITH BI-POD, PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 460XVR 3.5" BARREL, IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR SMITH & WESSON, 12 SHOTGUNS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 15, 2021, 2023 Smith & Wesson | All rights reserved | Nasdaq:SWBI |. The lighter .38 revolver was actually preferred over the heavier .45 pistol by many Navy and Marine Corps aviators. SMALL. Victory Model revolvers were not stamped with Navy markings at the factory. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Smith & Wesson 638 38 Special Revolver with Crimson Trace Lasergrips $ 560.00. They certainly have the market covered in terms of variety and scope while earning a well-deservedreputation for reliability gained over the past 165 years. Every cowboy needs a revolver. By mid-1944, the Navy reversed its original policy and began to issue M1911A1 .45 pistols to some non-combatant personnel, such as guards aboard merchant vessels so that the .38 revolvers they would ordinarily be armed with could be available to flight crews. After Army Ordnance took over procurement, the marking was changed to U.S. Whether you're looking for a truck gun, something for the bug out bag, or a do-anything firearm we have you covered. (68) Smith & Wesson 642 38 Special 1.87in Stainless Revolver - 5 Rounds $519.99 $469.99 after Rebate Compare Rebate! The "V" prefix on the serial number indicates it is a victory model, Smith and Wesson made these for the British Commonwealth countries in .38 S&W/.38-200, value depends on too many factors to state a price, check out the bluebook of gun values. (r.) This original 50-count box of .38 Spl. Quite a few were purchased by U.S. importers and sold as a less costly option for the self-defense market. This Satin Nickel finished revolver has the appearance of being unfired or tes Smith & Wesson Model 60 Double Action Revolver serial #ADZ6508, 38 Special, 1 7/8 barrel with an excellent bore. S&W Victory Model Specs: Action: Double-Action Caliber: .38 S&W Capacity: 6 rounds Barrel: 5 inches Length: 9.75 inches Weight: 26 ounces Trigger: 5 pounds, 2 ounces SA; 12 pounds DA Finish: Parkerized. As the tried-and-true S&W K-frame was initially introduced in 1899, Smith moved to add some more beef to their medium-sized wheelguns to better handle extended abuse from full-house .357 Magnum loads. Then, theres the L-arrow-19 marking and another arrow next to it, which is more info. Its still in .38 S&Wwhich is a good thing, because its amazingly accurate. So, in 1954, it got pulled out of whatever depot it was in, inspected, rebuilt, parkerized and sent back into inventory. Most commonly seen with 4-inch barrels, these were the iconic "service revolvers" for generations. The standard-bearer for the type is the .38 Special-chambered steel-framed Model 49, and its stainless-steel brother, the Model 649 (which is offered now in .357 Magnum). Over 6 million K-frames have been produced. 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All Rights Reserved, Smith & Wesson Model 642 Pink Grip .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 442 .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 Special Revolver, Smith & Wesson 642 Ladysmith 38 S&W Spl +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 637 .38 Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Governor .410/.45 ACP/.45 LC Revolver, Smith & Wesson Performance Center 629 Stealth Hunter 44 Rem Mag 7.50 in Revolver, Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 S&W Revolver with Integrated Crimson Trace Laser, Smith & Wesson 637 Performance Center .38 Special Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson S&W500 S&W .500 Magnum Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 69 Combat Magnum .44 Magnum Revolver, Smith & Wesson J Frame Model 642 Airweight NL 38 S&W Special Revolver, Smith & Wesson 442 .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight Crimson Trace Lasergrip .38 Special Revolver, Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pro Model 642 .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pro Model 442 Moon Clip .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special Revolver, Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 S&W Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 642 Performance Center .38 Special +P Revolver, Smith & Wesson Model 642 CT .38 S&W Special +P Revolver. There was a well-made leather shoulder holster fabricated specifically for these 2" Victory Model revolvers that had US embossed on the front. IMMEDIATELY its how business should be done. .38 S&W 3 Items Fiocchi Classic .38 S&W Short Ammunition 50 Rounds Full Metal Jacket 145 Grains . Even though none were manufactured under government contract after 1945, the Victory Model revolvers legacy extended well beyond World War II. Comes with wood grips The cylinder and barrel are made of carbon steel, while the frame is carbon alloy. Since Smith & Wesson was very adept at producing its M&P modeltechnically referred to as the .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 Fourth Changeit was simple to bore the cylinders to accept the .38 S&W cartridge. What should the discerning collector look for in a potential buy? Let's explore whether these problems have an easy fix or what your course of action should be when you encounter them. Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Flintlock Misc, Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Matchlock/Wheellock Misc, Century Arms International (CAI) - Rifles, Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Rifles (perc), Winchester Rifles - Modern Bolt/Auto/Single, Winchester Rifles - Pre-1899 Bolt/Single Shot, Century Arms International (CAI) - Pistols, Colt Automatic Pistols (.25, .32, & .380 cal), Colt Single Action Revolvers - Modern (22 Cal. Victory Model RevolversWith 2" BarrelsWhile the vast majority of the S&W .38 Spl. This is a Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 chambered in .38 Special. Please try a new zip code and search again. The Japanese tore loose and rushed on. Smith & Wesson M442 13222 38 1 7/8 DON'T Tread ON ME Revolver. Nonetheless, it didnt take long for the impracticality of this policy to become apparent. another state. In the world of Smith & Wesson semi-auto pistols, the Model 41 sells for well under $1,000, while their M&P series is very affordable, selling for around $300 to $500, depending on the particular model and features. U.S.-purchased guns have US Government Property roll-marked on the topstrap. F.M. Free 2 Hour In Store Pick Up & Curbside. This is a beautiful pistol. ammunition, featuring 158-gr. Smith & Wessons M&P EZ Shield is going 9mm with the company announcing a new model in the series centered around the popular handgun cartridge. Rosenquists Our Kind Of War, Illustrated Saga Of The U.S. Marine Raiders: The M1911A1 .45 automatic pistol was the standard issue sidearm, but also plenty of .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Victory Model revolvers saw action.There are a number of contemporary accounts of .38-cal. They expect the same mild recoil of an old S&W Model 10 out of the alloy-framed 442. Especially from folks who've shot bigger .38 special revolvers or level-action rifles in the past. Taking a peek into the Guns.com Vault, a spiffy revolver caught my eye none other than the Smith & Wesson 627 Model of 1989. Single-action revolvers were the standard, but trigger-cockersa.k.a. Tryon .Click for more info Seller: Alligood's Area Code: 478 $1,195.00 Under Navy contracts, no inspector was stationed at the plant, and quality of revolvers suffered as a result. steel-jacketed bullets, and the cases were head-stamped REM UMC 38 SPL. Standard commercial .38 Spl. Smith and Wesson Revolvers They are classified by size and designated with a letter. The only martial marking typically applied was a small flaming bomb insignia on the top of the frame. Versions of the cartridge were the standard revolver cartridges of the British military from 1922 to 1963. (FTR: Thorough Factory Repair.). The standard ammunition procured for issue with the .38 Spl. Around the 1950s, the old S-frame became the N-frame with the Registered Magnum (later christened the Model 27), the first revolver to use the .357 Magnum. Ive seen both. All Rights Reserved. Introduced in 1986 to finally phase out the I-framed Model 34 Kit Gun with something more contemporary, the S&W Model 17 was introduced as the K-22 Masterpiece. The first loads featured a 148-grain lead round-nose bullet in front of enough blackpowder to produce some 685 f.p.s. All were the basic .38 S&W cartridge. . Most websites are poorly Mostly, .38 Special gets used in small guns meant for concealed carry: its low recoil makes it a perfect round for such applications. 101 Reviews. For more information: www.p65warnings.ca.gov. Oh, and its all rare collectible ammo, as well. There are a few documented cases of U.S. Army issue in the continental United States, primarily for guard purposes, and more substantial numbers were used in combat theaters. The British revolver has a 5" barrel, while the U.S. Navy used the 4-inch.. It shows light use as seen and comes in non-factory plastic case as seen. $429.99 View Site. Fundamentally, this short subset of the K-frame is near identical to the M&P line but, in lieu of rugged fixed sights, these six-shot .38 Specials use adjustable target-style sights. With an excellent bore This air weight revolver shows absolutely no evidence of ever having been fired save for a very faint drag line around the cyl S&W 14-3 TARGET MASTERPIECE REVOLVER .38 Spl.. K98426. J Frame alloy 3 screw shrouded action w/ pinned b Smith & Wesson mod 38 AirWieght Snub nose revolver .38 Spl ctg. This .38 measures 11.3" and the barrel is 6". Smith & Wesson Model 52-2, 38 Special MidRange, 5" Blue, New in the Box, Some Papers, Extra Magazine, No Tools. The longest-lived of the I-framed revolvers, the S&W Model 34 Kit Gun was a six-shot rimfire plinker. The overall size and construction add some weight to it, and the gun comes in at 46.3 oz. This is the smallest frame. I still havent found the answer to why, when they switched from 200-grain lead bullets to FMJ bullets, the British and their allies dropped the weight down to 178 grains. The serial numbers on the frame, barrel and cylinder all match, as they should, on any prewar or wartime revolver, also known as the five-screw modelso-called because there are four screws holding the sideplate on and another on the front of the frame to tension the cylinder lock bolt spring. ), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (flint), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (perc), United States Patent Firearms Revolvers/Pistols, Century Arms International (CAI) - Shotguns, Smith & Wesson mod 38 Airwieght Snub nose revolver .38 Spl, Smith & Wesson M&P .38 Special US Army Issue, Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 .38 Special Revolver. 4"-barreled revolvers as made under U.S. Navy and U.S. This gun features current evolution i Smith & Wesson 38 Bodyguard .38 Spl. The cartridges had 158-gr. The Luger gets the glory. Get Guns.com offers and news!! Add to cart. The .38 S&W is some .0075" larger in diameter at its base than the .38 Special, meaning there is a fairly significant chance of a ruptured case and injury to the shooter or bystanders. Victory Model RevolverWhile all of the .38 revolvers made by Smith & Wesson during World War II were dubbed Victory Model, the term as generally used today refers to the .38 Spl. At Guns.com, if an FFL is This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. .38 Single-Action 2nd Model .38 Single-Action 3rd Model (Model of 1891) .38 Single-Action Mexican Model .38 Double-Action 4th Model .38 Safety Hammerless 1st Model .38 Safety Hammerless Army Test Revolver .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model .44 Frame Model Number Three First Model American Second Model Russian (Old Model) Learn how your comment data is processed. Browse the Guns.com inventory for the best deals on Smith & Wesson pistols and revolvers. The S&W allows for both single and double-action. Today there are at least four different centerfire subvariants of the K-frame, the M&P, the Target Masterpiece, the Combat Masterpiece, and the Combat Magnum. When it comes to the company's modern revolvers, designed in the age of smokeless powder, most can be categorized into the small frame (I and J), medium frame (K and L), large frame (S and N), extra-large frame (X) and .410/.45 caliber (Z frame) models. Notice: Our inventory is constantly changing. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. 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Smith & Wesson Model 586: Reviewing A .357 Revolver With Class. Yorktown in October 1943 (l.), had a Victory Model revolver in the shoulder holster on his left side. The S&W .38-200 bullets weighed 200 grains, essentially a little heavier, but compatible with the chambering of the S&W Victory model .38. It is seen here being fired by Navy cadets. If you are searching for a reliable, easy to use handgun that will serve you for a lifetime, look no further than the Smith and Wesson 38 Special. The article originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Smith & Wesson's answer to the Taurus Judge and the even earlier MIL Thunder 5, the Governor series launched the American revolver maker's Z-frame wheelguns. The revolvers were the subject of a May 10, 1944, letter from Stuart K. Barnes, vice president of Defense Supplies Corp., to Capt. This weapon was almost identical to the U.S. Navys Caliber .38 Special Revolver except for caliber and barrel length. Victory Model revolvers had 4" barrels, there was also a little-known variant that was otherwise identical except for having a 2" barrel. But the need for wartime production rates and a more durable finish soon had the revolvers sporting parkerized finishes and plain wooden grips. Due to shortages, both were used during WWII. Out of stock View Details . This course of action, however, soon resulted in problems, and Ordnance eventually got involved. But for some reason, buying a gun online can The Model 642 is a small J-frame revolver chambered in 38 Special with a 5-round capacity and rated for use with +P ammunition. That's because the .38 revolver is a ridiculously reliable gun. Results of the test showed the Hammer Block to be unsatisfactory. Work was commenced immediately by Ordnance and Smith & Wesson to develop an improved Hammer Block capable of preventing discharge even if the revolver fell several feet, striking on the Hammer. A Cold War era classic with smooth lines, a legendary back story, and an exotic-sounding name, Beretta's Model 71 was definitely a mouse that roared. The British adopted the same cartridge case, but loaded it with a 200-grain bullet at 650 fps. This is a medium frame full stainless steel construction DA/SA revolver featuring a 4 stainless barrel with solid vis WW2 U.S. PROPERTY SMITH & WESSON .38 HAND EJECTOR M&P MILITARY & POLICE PRE-VICTORY MODEL .38SPL 1905 4TH CHANGE 5" REVOLVER, CIRCA 1942. cartridge (technically, the .38 S&W Spl. Then as now people clamored for small, lightweight and easy to conceal handguns with enough power to stop an assailant. . This is a Smith & Wesson 3rd model 38 break top double action revolver made in the late 1800s.It is a 5 shot and chambered for 38 S&W.End of video shout out . Here, we'll offer a few suggestions. Available in 9mm and 40 S&W, the Smith & Wesson SD series is designed for personal protection. revolver with a 4" barrel. The Springfield, Massachusetts-based company of Smith and Wesson has a very well known and highly respected reputation of being a gun manufacturer that drives the industry. It is the ur-.38 Special revolver. That one calls for a 200-grain lead round-nosed bullet at something like 650 fps, which still isnt a magnum, but was deemed good enough for the British. One group in particular I have to keep as a bragging group: Five shots, 25 yards, over sandbags, all into a one-hole group. Surplus Good. (l.) Victory Model revolvers are distinguished by a lanyard ring and their V-prefix serial numbers stamped into the butts bottom. Sales of both revolvers and cartridges were brisk. This is a pre-owned Smith & Wesson with the model "511126" on the frame. Serial number- GPZ2554. Customer experience was, and still is, the primary focus, a key to the firms longevity and success. Ordnance records indicate that a total of 590,305 of the .38-200 revolvers were manufactured by Smith & Wesson between October 1941 and March 1945, which was significantly more than the number of S&W .38 Spl. The Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a K-frame revolver of worldwide popularity. Compare. Classics: Smith & Wessons Victory Revolver in .38 S&W, First Look: Sig Sauer SLX And SLH Suppressor Series, Smith & Wesson EQUALIZER Review: Crafted For Carry, Smith & Wesson Announces M&P FPC 9mm Carbine, 20 Best Concealed Carry Guns In 2023 (Updated! The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a six inch barrel with Patridge front sight, blue finish, and walnut square butt grips when shipped to E.K. This 640 is in good condition with some minor frame scratches. Trusted for more than a century, Smith & Wesson pistols and revolvers have made their marks in the industrys history, while the company remains one of todays top gun manufacturers. I mean, really? The British revolvers of the time, the Enfield, were chambered for the cartridge the British had adopted in the 1920s, the .38-200, known here as the .38 S&W (no Special). Smith & Wesson 11760 686 Plus Performance Center Single/Double 357 Magnum 5" 7 rd Black Synthetic Grip Stainless Steel Revolver. An example of this is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 revolver. The N-frame continues today with the additions to the line such as the Model 629 and Model 329PD. This load remained popular with British officers through World War II and beyond. Chambered for .38 Special+P with a five-shot capacity. Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster - Made in USA - Fits Most J Frame Revolvers - Ruger LCR - Smith and Wesson Body Guard - Taurus - Charter & Most .38 Special Type Guns 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,140) Smith & Wesson Model 642 38 Special Revolver with Crimson Trace Lasergrip $764.00 $729.99; After rebate: $679.99; Notify Me When Available; Brand: Smith & Wesson; This course of action was related in the Ordnance Dept. -The model of your revolver -The serial number of your revolver (if known) Smith and Wesson customer service can be reached by phone at 800-331-0852, Monday-Friday, from nine AM to five PM Eastern Standard Time. Now, a brief aside here: If you do find any actual, real, .38-200 ammunition, or the later FMJ version of it, do notunder any circumstancesfire it in a clanky old Iver Johnson or other top-break revolver even a S&W top-break. All Rights Reserved, pre-WWII Smith & Wesson Military & Police .38 Special. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's It has been reported that some were utilized by couriers, intelligence personnel and other individuals needing a handgun that was a bit more concealable than the standard 4"-barrel revolver. This indicates that it received a through factory inspection or overhaul, in 1954, at the Lithgow Arsenal. Originally known as the .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Model 10 is a 6-shot, medium-sized revolver that has been in production for more than 100 years. Made to withstand heavy use, the frame, cylinder, and barrel of this revolver are crafted from stainless steel. K & L Frames are interchangeable when it comes to grips. It is a full-size, semi-automatic pistol built with a polymer frame and stainless steel chassis and features a stainless steel barrel and slide, as well as interchangeable grip panels. These revolvers are pretty much a favorite among . Colt named the cartridge as the .38 Colt New Police; some bastardized the name as the .38 S&W (or Colt) Short; the Brits called it the .380 Revolver and the Belgians called it the 9 mm Revolver. CA Compliant (97) DA/SA (1) Double Action (6) Small (7) Snub Nose (4) 10 (1) 17 (1) 25 (1) 27 (2) Bulldogs are solid frame. The U.S. Navy had a corpsman die from a dropped revolver discharging, and S&W underwent a crash program to redesign the hammer block. The M&P was Smith & Wessons K-frame Military & Police revolver which had proven to be popular in the civilian marketplace prior to the war. Powerful with manageable recoil, this line of revolvers has been used for decades by law enforcement and civilians for personal protection and home defense. contracts. Dating back almost as far as the K-frame series, the Smith & Wesson S-frame models came about with the New Century in 1908, which was the first revolver chambered in .44 Special. lead bullet. However, its a tack-driver, and once I get some Commonwealth-equivalent ammo loaded up, Ill be stylin. Shop a selection of .38 special and other centerfire revolvers at Academy Sports + Outdoors. This is a pre-owned Smith & Wesson with the model "511126" on the frame. They have a V prefix in the serial number. Since the original .38 Colt was smaller in diameter than .38 Smith and Wesson (.357" vs. .362"), the .38 Long Colt and the .38 S&W Special are also smaller in diameter. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association. Most components still in production were diverted to use in the .38 Special Victory Model, and surplus components in a finished state that were not interchangeable with the .38 Special, such as cylinders and barrels, were shipped to field service depots. Powerful with manageable recoil, this line of revolvers has been used for decades by law enforcement and civilians for personal protection and home defense. Some were mutilated by running a .38 Special reamer through the cylinder to allow the American cartridge to be usedbad idea. Theyre the hot, sexy redheads of the handgun worldand good for those who have them. This is a Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 Revolver with a 6-shot cylinder along with a 4" barrel. (Im sure the next time we have a big war, well have the exact same problem.) Guns.com's selection won't leave you feeling unprepared. 12pm-6pm CST Mon There was also a limited quantity of .38 Spl. We offer genuine Smith & Wesson ammo in addition to other top brands like Federal, Hornady, Remington, Winchester, and more. This course of action, however, soon resulted in problems, and Ordnance eventually got involved. It continued to be issued to some Navy and Marine Corps aircrews during the Korean and Vietnam wars and beyond. While the U.S. Navy was the primary user of the S&W .38 Spl. This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art!