S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality Fixed Jun 2026

When collectors look for "extra quality" in a Victory Model lookup, they aren't just looking for the date. They are looking for specific provenance and condition:

Revolvers marked "U.S. NAVY" on the top strap are among the most sought-after by collectors and command a premium price. The SV Prefix: The Rarest Find

Visible when the cylinder is swung open. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

If your serial number starts with "V," it was made during this 1942–1945 period. If it does not have a "V" prefix, it is likely a pre-war or post-war "Model 10" variant, not a military Victory Model.

When evaluating a Victory Model, especially from online auctions or gun shows, having a systematic checklist is essential. This is where you separate the wheat from the chaff. When collectors look for "extra quality" in a

Introduced after a safety redesign. Following a fatal accident involving a dropped revolver, S&W implemented a new hammer block safety; guns with this modification were marked with an "S" for "Safety," resulting in the "VS" prefix.

Use the table below to quickly identify your model based on the markings on the : The SV Prefix: The Rarest Find Visible when

Confirmed Victory Models have (mottled gray/blue) hammers and triggers. All-over blue or nickel indicates a re-finish. Re-finished = no longer extra quality.