A lot of these (and other revolvers like the M13 Aircrewman) were issued in the Air Force. You could carry them with a round ready to go and not need both hands to work the slide as in a 1911.
According to the Third Standard Catalog of S&W (the definitive source) Victory models were issued to AF tanker and cargo crews as late as Desert Storm.
***Victory models were issued to AF tanker and cargo crews as late as Desert Storm.***
When flying combat missions off the coast of North Viet Nam (1968)I was issued a .38 COLT with six loose rounds sealed in a plastic bag.