Got an old S&W revolver for free, what do I have?

[elementfreak431]

Ok so its not mine, its my step dads, but he asked if I could find any additional info on it. A friend of my stepdads had his fathers old police pistol. This man is not a gun guy and kept it in the top drawer of his dresser for so long he forgot he had it. He found it a little while ago and his wife tried to throw it in the trash. He picked it out and was going to properly dispose of it himself until my stepdad offered to take it from him. The man was kind enough to let my step dad have it for free. So $25 later in FFL fees and its in our house. My main question is when was it made? the serial No. is V66484 and is stamped 38 S&W on the barrel. Bluing is in great shape even though the S&W emblem is quite worm (im assuming from holster wear). Will post pics in a little bit. Any idea as to what I have here?

[elementfreak431]

Just realized I accidentally posted this in the "Rifles" section. Mods please move to "Pistols". Sorry!!

[imashooter2]

I believe you have a .38 M&P "Victory" model. The logo looks like it was damaged by a careless polishing job prior to re-bluing. Not much collector value in that condition, but the grips would be worth more than $25. It will probably make a nice shooter after being checked over by a competent gunsmith.

[elementfreak431]

Yea I figured holster wear wouldn't wear down the logo like that. Did police guns ever go through "re arsenal" programs where they were re finished if excessively worn? The original owners son definitely did not have it reblued so I am assuming that his father must have had it reblued

[imashooter2]

Tough to say. Does the gun have any other markings? Usually on the top strap...

Is there an "S" on the butt under the swivel or above the upper rear side plate screw that I can't see in the pictures? If not, the gun does not have a hammer block and could fire under a somewhat unusual scenario where it is dropped on a hard surface with sufficient force to shear the hammer pivot.

[elementfreak431]

The only other markings I could find were located under the crane (correct term?) when I swing the cylinder out. It says S2 and under that, 14132. The marking on the butt is V66484

[imashooter2]

Those marks are factory assembly information. The examination by a 'smith that should be done before firing it will confirm whether or not it was retrofitted with the hammer block.

From the serial number, it was made in the 1944 / 1945 time frame. I'm surprised that there aren't any military or police department markings, though they could have been removed prior to the re-blue.

I'm sure that you already know, but I will say anyway, that .38 S&W is a different cartridge than .38 Special.

[elementfreak431]

He is a pic of the "guts" if it helps

[imashooter2]

Your gun does not have the hammer block. If dropped on the hammer with enough force to shear the pivot, it may fire.

[elementfreak431]

Thanks for all your help, it is greatly appreciated. This gun will most likely be a safe queen and probably will see the range a few times a year at max.