S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality: !new!
Serial number dating can only provide approximate ship dates—not exact manufacture dates. For precise information, you must obtain a factory letter from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. The letter will provide the exact date the revolver left the factory and its original destination.
Since there is no official online S&W serial number database, you have two primary options:
Highly prized by collectors. Early variants had "U.S. NAVY" roll-stamped on the left top strap. Later variants used standard factory frames marked "U.S. PROPERTY" but were shipped directly to Naval shipyards. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
Caliber Note: These were originally chambered in , not .38 Special. While many were reamed to .38 Special after being imported back to the U.S., a gun that remains in its original .38 S&W caliber can be more desirable to specific collectors. D. The "SV" Prefix (Safety Block)
.38 Special versions (U.S. issue) are generally more desirable to American collectors than .38 S&W (British/Commonwealth) examples, partly due to ammunition availability. Serial number dating can only provide approximate ship
: This is the official serial number of record . It is located on the flat bottom of the grip frame, often flanking the integrated lanyard ring.
If you want to pin down the exact day your revolver shipped and its original destination, consider ordering an official . Dr. Roy Jinks, the official S&W historian, reviews the original factory ledgers to provide a certified document detailing your specific serial number's history. Since there is no official online S&W serial
The Ultimate S&W M&P .38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Guide