"Victory" revolver re-conversion questions.
For the Smith and Wesson experts/gunsmiths.
How hard is it to retrofit a true .38 special cylinder into an already converted .38SW (.38/200) "Victory" revolver?
Can you just use any model 10/ K38 cylinder?
Is there any reasonable likelihood that a model 10 cylinder could just drop in without having the new cylinder timed or adjusting the gap?
The reason I'm asking, is because I think it would be fun to shoot one of these old guns in .38 special without worrying about ruining the .38 special cases.
Also, I'm pretty sure the answer is "no", but could you retrofit a Smith model 19 cylinder? Obviously, I'm not wanting to fire .357 magnum ammo here, but that would increase the pool of potential "donor" cylinders.
Last question. I've heard that the .38SW lend-lease revolvers actually used ordinary .38 special barrels. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
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EDIT: For Perry, I don't think I've made myself clear. Let me try again.
My gun is a Victory Smith revolver originally chambered in .38-200 (ie .38SW).
Like many of these, its been converted to .38 special (I assume by drilling out the cylinder). This particular conversion was fairly nice as these things go; the barrel was relabelled as .38 special, the front sight was filed down, and the entire gun was beautifully nickel-plated. Of course the action is smooth as glass:
As a result, it should fire .38 special loads, though doing that will likely ruin the brass.
My question was, can I simply drop in a .38 special cylinder from an ordinary model 10 or one from a model 19 for a "true" .38 special conversion. (Answer. . .apparently not, thanks ABCguns).
I guess my next question is, even though the cylinders have been drilled out for .38 special, is there any reason why I couldn't fire .38-200 rounds from the gun as it is? I've never actually reloaded those, but it ought to be pretty easy.
How hard is it to retrofit a true .38 special cylinder into an already converted .38SW (.38/200) "Victory" revolver?
Can you just use any model 10/ K38 cylinder?
Is there any reasonable likelihood that a model 10 cylinder could just drop in without having the new cylinder timed or adjusting the gap?
The reason I'm asking, is because I think it would be fun to shoot one of these old guns in .38 special without worrying about ruining the .38 special cases.
Also, I'm pretty sure the answer is "no", but could you retrofit a Smith model 19 cylinder? Obviously, I'm not wanting to fire .357 magnum ammo here, but that would increase the pool of potential "donor" cylinders.
Last question. I've heard that the .38SW lend-lease revolvers actually used ordinary .38 special barrels. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
******
EDIT: For Perry, I don't think I've made myself clear. Let me try again.
My gun is a Victory Smith revolver originally chambered in .38-200 (ie .38SW).
Like many of these, its been converted to .38 special (I assume by drilling out the cylinder). This particular conversion was fairly nice as these things go; the barrel was relabelled as .38 special, the front sight was filed down, and the entire gun was beautifully nickel-plated. Of course the action is smooth as glass:
As a result, it should fire .38 special loads, though doing that will likely ruin the brass.
My question was, can I simply drop in a .38 special cylinder from an ordinary model 10 or one from a model 19 for a "true" .38 special conversion. (Answer. . .apparently not, thanks ABCguns).
I guess my next question is, even though the cylinders have been drilled out for .38 special, is there any reason why I couldn't fire .38-200 rounds from the gun as it is? I've never actually reloaded those, but it ought to be pretty easy.
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OK, ruining cases is not the issue here , its safety among other issues . Now with that said , generally speaking , No , a 'model 10' cylinder will not 'just drop in' ! You will need the correct series cylinder ! and chances are it will need some 'fitting' ??? and No .357 cylinders will NOT FIT ! maybe better off using this as 'trading matteral !!!
Thanks & Good Luck !
d.a.stearns.............a.k.a............SKEEZIX
Gunsmith / LEO
Athens , Tn
www.allamericangunshop.com0 -
The Victory model that I have has already been converted to 38 special....barrel reads "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG" on the right side. It was issued to the US NAVY, as stamped on the top strap. BT 0 -
quote:Originally posted by BUCKAWHO
The Victory model that I have has already been converted to 38 special....barrel reads "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG" on the right side. It was issued to the US NAVY, as stamped on the top strap. BT
Two Victories (Victory's?) have been produced:
Lend-Lease .38 S&W's (sent to allies prior to our involvement) were .38S&W. They were also 5in. barrels.
Yours is a .38 S&W Special designed for use 'in house' by American troops. Best, Joe0 -
GIVETTE HAS THIS RIGHT, YOUR REVOLVER WAS MADE TO SHOOT .38 SPECIALS, NOT CONVERTED. JUST GO SHOOT THE THING[:D]
edit; if the original .38 s&w cylinder was just bored 'deeper' to let a .38 special chamber then yes you can shoot regular .38 s&w's in it, the .38 s&w has a slightly larger case dia. than the special so shooting specials in it may result in bulged cases.0 -
Hello BeanTown. If your pistol will allow you to chamber a 38 S&W then it should not be used with 38 special. Let me explain the 38 S&W is a short fart round cartridge larger case diameter then the 38 special .So if your pistol has a 38special cylinder then the 38 S&W will be too large to chamber and you would be good to go to load and shoot 38 special. Hope it works out to your liking. 0
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