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British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:04 pm
by TomcatPC
Hello
Here is a photo of my Smith & Wesson Military & Police Revolver , aka as the "Victory Model". This is in .380-in Calibre (aka .38 S&W), and I think by the number was made in 1942. These were supplied to British and British Empire Forces via the Lend Lease Programme.
Thanks
Mark

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Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:05 pm
by TomcatPC
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Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:08 pm
by TomcatPC
And here is a box (empty) for British (actually Canadian-made) .380-in Revolver Cartridges.

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Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:09 pm
by Niner
That's interesting that it was Lend Lease. Does it say anywhere on it US Property like the Savage No. 4's?

Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:22 pm
by TomcatPC
Hello
Yes, it does have US Property marked on it. On the left side of the top strap. I don't have it on me at this moment, but I'll look next time to see if it is marked "US Property" or "United States Property", I think if is the latter though.
Mark

Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 11:32 pm
by Aughnanure
This is from a photo of what was my old carry gun back in the late 1950s when I was a Licensed Pistol Dealer and there were such things as 'Possess, Use and Carry' licences and a dealer was expected to stop any of his wares from "falling into the hands of criminals'.

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It had 'United States Property' on the lhs of the top strap.
The barrel was cut back to 3 inches, spurless hammer and the rh front side of the trigger guard cut away and the grip rounded.

Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 12:13 am
by TomcatPC
Just checked and mine does have "United States Property" on the Left side of the Top Strap as well. Odds are I will get to fire this revolver this Saturday, which is a big deal seeing as I don't have a regular safe and legal place to shoot. Looking forward to it.
Mark

Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:12 pm
by A square 10
congrats that is a fine looking example , it looks to be in very nice condition , complete and it doesnt look refinished as so many have been , whats it say on lower right frame ahead of the trigger guard ? let us know how she shoots for you ,

mine shoots off point of aim - think its the lighter bullet in modern s&w ammo , webleys and enfeilds do the same for me ,


technically this is a "pre-victory" revolver as the lend lease came before the US GOV order for their pilots of the 38spcl "Victory revolvers" that had the "V" prefix to the serial number ,

Re: British S&W M&P "Victory Model" .380-in cal. Revolver.

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:28 am
by Reese Williams
To get really nit picking about it S&W listed the Model 10 M&P chambered in 380/200 as the Model 11.

Most of the stuff that went to Britian had 5" barrels as opposed to 4" barrels on the 38 spl. U.S. issue guns. You can ocassionally find a 4" or 6" version with commercial finish and checkered and medallioned grips. They were just that, commercial stock that S&W had on hand and used to fill the order. The Brits were desparate for replacements, especially after Dunkirk and weren't at all picky about finish or barrel length.

The British 380/200 round is the same case as the 38 S&W round. The British round was originally loaded with a 200 grain bullet but it was later changed to a 174 grain. There are some molds available that will cast the right weight 360 diameter bullet. With the right bullet your Model 11 and any 380 Webleys or Enfields you have will prove to be pretty decent shooters. Modern 38S&W is loaded with 148 grain bullets and a light load to accomodate all the Saturday night specials made in the late 1800's / early 1900's so POA/POI is off. If you relaod be aware that 38spl bullets are undersize for the 38S&W (.358 vs. .360) and don't work very well.