S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality Now
They added a positive block safety device. Revolvers made with this fix received an prefix or suffix.
For the most accurate and detailed information, you can request a "Letter of Authenticity" directly from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. This service (which carries a fee) provides a factory letter detailing your revolver's original configuration, shipping date, and destination (e.g., a specific military branch or government agency) when the original records are available.
A: No, Smith & Wesson does not have a public online registry for serial number lookups. The best way to get accurate data is to use the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" or request a "Letter of Authenticity" from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. Forum databases maintained by SWCA members can also provide approximate ship dates. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
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| Serial Number Range | Approx. Production Date | Key Period Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | – V210,000 | April – December, 1942 | The "V" series begins in April. Peak initial wartime production. | | ~V210,000 – V490,000 | January – December, 1943 | Navy top-strap property marking discontinued around V267,000. High rate of production for Allied forces. | | ~V490,000 – V769,000 | January – December, 1944 | Standard wartime finish and configuration. | | SV769,001 – SV811,119 | Early 1945 | Introduction of the new, improved hammer-block safety, marked by the "S" prefix. Many from this series were never delivered to the military. | They added a positive block safety device
Here is a detailed look at the Victory Model, how to decode its serial numbers, and what makes an example "extra quality."
Revolvers with matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and original grips are significantly more valuable than mismatched examples. This service (which carries a fee) provides a
Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is more than just a WWII sidearm; its serial numbers tell a story of wartime necessity and a tragic safety failure that changed firearm design forever. American Rifleman The Millionth Gun Reset
