trouble locating some US milsurps (can any collectors help?)...

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water witch

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This isn't a WTB post, however I am in search of a couple of milsurps and I was wondering if other enthusists might be able to point me in the right direction. If this post violates any rules I apologize.

I am looking for (or have you seen any of these for sale recently):

1. 30/06 Remington or Smith Corona M1903A3 bolt action rifle; and

2. WW2 Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver in .38 Special (not .38 S&W)

It might just be a slow time for these but I've looked around and have come up flat. Are there any collectors out there of this stuff who can point me in the right direction?
 
Unless you are 12(6) you aren't going to find US Victory model in 38spl.....only made with 2" and 4" barrels.
 
Hitzy said:
Unless you are 12(6) you aren't going to find US Victory model in 38spl.....only made with 2" and 4" barrels.
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I'm not sure that your comment is accurate as I've read that they were also issued to some US troops (flyboys and navy) with 6" barrels in 38 Special (4" was however the most common variant).

If you're correct I'll have to rethink my approach to a WW2 US revolver in a easy to reload calibre - either way I'll have to consult my books... :runaway:
 
A quick google turned up this interesting site, which has some good info.
http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm

Small excerpt:

The Victory model was so named for the "V" prefix which was placed before the serial number and represented "Victory" against the Axis powers in World War II.
Serial numbers for the .38 special Victory model began at about V1 in early 1942 and ran until VS811119 with a date of late August of 1945 (end of production). V1 to approximately V39,999 were predominately .38 S&W Caliber (I have observed revolvers in the 1-40000 range in .38 special caliber). Serial numbers are located on Inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of barrel. Crane and crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number as is correct for Victory model revolvers.
The Victory Revolver was produced during World War II, it is a variation of the Military & Police Model of 1905, fourth change and had the following characteristics between 1942 and 1945:
Barrel: 2, 4, 5, or 6 inch. (4 inch common in .38 special, 5 inch common in 38/200 or .38 S&W)
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Early sandblast blue, sandblast mid-night black (appears grayish black). And finally a parkerized finish. Hammer and Trigger are case hardened.
Grips: Checkered walnut with medallion until early 1942, post February of 1942 they are smooth American Walnut with out medallions.
 
DSCF0067.jpg
 
Check with these guys http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/ they are pretty knowledgeable.
All the references I've seen always lump in the 38S&W Victory's into production and say the "Victory" were made in 2" 4" 5" & 6".....but I have never seen a 5or 6 inch .38 special. By the time the US got into the war the 5" and 6" British contract was pretty much filled.
Remington and Winchester both make 38S&W ammo and it's just as easy to load for as 38spl.
 
Get a 1917 S and W in .45 ACP. best damn military S and W ever made as faras I am converned. Never had one that wasn't nicely finished and smooth. Used clear through WW2 as substitute standard. I have two but got them quite some time ago and they are both wonderful shooters.My prejudiced opinion. Nothing wrong with the later Victory models I just like .45 ACP. Good luck, Joe
 
Hitzy said:
Remington and Winchester both make 38S&W ammo and it's just as easy to load for as 38spl.
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I disagree on this as I am not aware of any companies making .361" bullets - however I suppose if you want to use .357" bullets to make it go bang, than I agree, just as easy to load as .38 Special :D
 
water witch said:
I disagree on this as I am not aware of any companies making .361" bullets - however I suppose if you want to use .357" bullets to make it go bang, than I agree, just as easy to load as .38 Special :D
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.358 HBWC's will work just fine. I haven't heard of anyone complaining about accuracy problems loading any of the .358 lead bullets in the 38S&W.
I just picked up a canadian marked pre-victory M&P in 38S&W and will compare my .358 loads to some factory Winchester. There are a few companies in the US that make .360 bullets.
 
Joe Turner said:
Get a 1917 S and W in .45 ACP. best damn military S and W ever made as faras I am converned. Never had one that wasn't nicely finished and smooth. Used clear through WW2 as substitute standard. I have two but got them quite some time ago and they are both wonderful shooters.My prejudiced opinion. Nothing wrong with the later Victory models I just like .45 ACP. Good luck, Joe
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Hear, hear Joe! Now I just need to find one!
 
You'll have trouble finding any '03A3 in decent condition at a reasonable price these days. Especially an SC. The few 'A3's I've seen here and there were junk and over priced.
The .38 S&W is no more difficult to reload than any other cartridge. It needs .360" bullets, but .357/8" will do.
 
Yes. .358 will work just fine in most Victory revos. If you NEED to use bigger bullets, just cast some.

The .38SPL Victory didn't come as a 6". Only the "pre-victories" were produced in .38SPL with a 6" barrel and those won't be US property marked.

The Canadian and Brit contract victories in .38S&W came typically in 5" and 6".
 
Hitzy said:
.358 HBWC's will work just fine. I haven't heard of anyone complaining about accuracy problems loading any of the .358 lead bullets in the 38S&W.
I just picked up a canadian marked pre-victory M&P in 38S&W and will compare my .358 loads to some factory Winchester. There are a few companies in the US that make .360 bullets.
Click to expand...

My new Lee mold # 90574 drops a 127gr bullet at 0.361". Perfect for two 9mm pistols I have that slug at 0.359" and 0.360". I have found Lee molds to be generally on the "fat" size and in this case I'm glad it is.
 
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