| Serial Prefix & Range | Approx. Production Date | Key Features | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (881,000 – 1,000,000) | Late 1941 – April 1942 | Pre-Victory Model. Blued finish, commercial parts. Not a true "Victory" but often lumped in. | | V 1 – V 250,000 | April – Oct 1942 | First true Victory Models. Parkerized finish. .38 Special (US) or .38 S&W (Lend-Lease). | | V 250,001 – V 500,000 | Oct 1942 – Sept 1943 | Standard Lend-Lease production. Often marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY." | | V 500,001 – V 769,000 | Sept 1943 – Aug 1944 | Wartime high production. Sights changed slightly (larger notch). | | V 769,001 – V 999,999 | Aug 1944 – Late 1944 | End of V prefix. | | SV 1 – SV 999,999 (approx. 70,000 made) | Late 1944 – 1945 | The "S" series Victory. Features new hammer block safety. Most desirable for safety. | | S 1,000,000 – S 1,084,000 (approx.) | 1946 – 1948 | Post-war Transitional M&P. Not a Victory Model. Lacks the "V." |
The Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a cornerstone of World War II firearms history. To perform an accurate , you must look for a "V" or "SV" prefix on the bottom of the grip frame. This prefix was introduced in 1942 when the production of the Military & Police (M&P) revolver surpassed one million units. Locating the Serial Number s w 38 victory model serial number lookup
Do not confuse the serial number with assembly numbers , which are found inside the frame's yoke (crane area). These were internal factory marks used to keep fitted parts together during production and do not represent the gun's identification. Victory Model Serial Number Ranges & Dating | Serial Prefix & Range | Approx
If your revolver has a serial number starting with a "V" (e.g., V245678), you have a genuine Victory Model produced during WWII. Not a true "Victory" but often lumped in
Disclaimer: Firearm serial number lookups are for historical and collector purposes only. Always follow local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership and transfer.
If your gun says “.38 S&W Special CTG” on the barrel, you have a pre-war or post-war .38 Special M&P. The lookup rules are different.
You will likely have to remove the aftermarket (or original smooth walnut) stocks to see it clearly. On a Victory Model, the number is stamped horizontally into the steel flat of the butt.