[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Many of the Victory models were chambered for the .38 S&W and were sent to Britain for use by the Commonwealth troops.***

I have one of these Victory models made for Great Britain but it is “different”.

The barrel had been replaced with a .22 barrel covered with British proofmarks.
The cylinders have been sleeved for a .22 Long Rifle rim fire and proof marks on each chamber, ejector modified, and it has adjustable sights, definitly not S&W type.

It looks like it might have been converted to .22 for training purposes.

Unfortunately, some fool in the US tried to reblue it and it looks like hell, but it shoots great!

Also, according to an article years ago in SHOOTING TIMES, some Victory .38 spl were made with an Aluminum cylinder for US air crews.
Some officer decided they were too dangerous and instead of ordering steel cylinders to replace the aluminum he had the pistols destroyed.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I think you’re speaking of the M13 Aircrewman which had an alloy cylinder. These were shipped to the Air Force in the 50’s, and usually had the C serial number prefix. Many were destroyed, frequently with a cutting torch. They were engraved on the top strap.

Surviving models are some of the most sought after Smiths and counterfeits are common enough that even Smith’s historian Roy Jinks will only comment in factory letters that revolver serial number XXXXXX with alloy cylinder what shipped to the Air Force, and not oficially declare it an Aircrewman.

[barb-tex]

Interesting Piece. One of these passed through my hands years ago but i can't remember what happened to it.

[marktwain]

Since it is in such rough shape, I will generously take it off your hands for a small sum. ;-)