S&W Victory Mannequin :: Weapons.com

HISTORY

The WWII-era Victory Mannequin revolver, a predecessor to S&W’s Mannequin 10, got here with clean walnut grips, a hoop and lanyard on the butt, and a Parkerized end … (Photograph: Ben Philippi/Weapons.com)

It is a stable, no-nonsense revolver meant for close-quarters self-defense by U.S. Naval and Marine aviators. There have been few weapons out there firstly of World Battle II, and S&W stepped up with its M&P six-shot .38-caliber revolver. First patented in 1899 because the Hand Ejector mannequin, the gun caught the eye of each Military and Navy and have become often known as the Navy & Police (M&P).

Smith & Wesson Victory Model .38 S&W revolver — … in addition to a “United States Property” stamp on the highest strap. (Photograph: Ben Philippi/Weapons.com)

The WWII model created from 1942-1944 was often known as the Victory Mannequin. It’s Parkerized, not blued, and features a lanyard and ring hooked up to the pistol butt. Marked “United States Property,” it was not solely distributed to U.S. armed forces but in addition despatched to Nice Britain below Lend-Lease and made in lots of calibers. After the warfare, S&W went again to calling it the M&P, and within the Fifties renamed it the Model 10.

MY IMPRESSIONS

This outdated gun is in nice form for its age, and the cylinder nonetheless features easily. (Photograph: Ben Philippi/Weapons.com)

Once I first noticed this outdated pistol, I believed, “It’s in nice form!” Additionally it is stable, compact, and heavy at 2 kilos. Regardless of its crude look, it suits my hand properly and factors naturally. The cylinder launch features easily, and the cylinder rotates simply.

Pull again the hammer and you will get a a lot lighter single-action set off pull. (Photograph: Ben Philippi/Weapons.com)

The set off has a noticeably stiff double-action pull however is way lighter in single motion. Sights are a crude notch within the rear receiver and spherical blade entrance sight. Oiled walnut grips shaped spherical on the high outline the Victory Mannequin.

This outdated design appears to talk to me. It provides me a way of confidence in its weight, simplicity, and reliability. I’d guess my life on it defending me!

THE CARTRIDGE

.38 Special and .38 S&W bullets — The .38 Particular cartridge on the left versus the .38 S&W at proper. (Photograph: Ben Philippi/Weapons.com)

What the Sam Hill is a .38 S&W brief? I used to be anticipating .38 Special! S&W developed the .38 S&W brief in 1877 for its widespread handguns of the period. The spherical predates the .38 Particular by a few years and isn’t interchangeable.

My cartridges are made with 145-grain lead bullets. Initially designed with black powder propellant, these are loaded with trendy smokeless powder. In case you discover considered one of these high quality outdated revolvers, test the cartridge caliber rigorously, and don’t be stunned whether it is chambered for this older spherical.

SPECIFICATIONS

Total size: 10 inches
Barrel: 5 inches
Weight: 2 kilos
Width: 1.5 inches
Set off: Double motion too heavy for gauge; single motion 5 kilos, 14 ounces
Sights: Mounted
Caliber: .38 S&W
Capability: 6 rounds
Motion: Guide facet eject

RANGE TIME

Space 51 right here in Arizona is the proper place to place this gun to the take a look at. To load, push the cylinder latch ahead as on trendy S&W revolvers, and the cylinder could also be swung out. Load six .38 Particular cartridges – Oh no … they don’t match! Checking the barrel, I see that the gun is chambered for .38 S&W shorts, and fortuitously, I’ve a field readily available.

As I purpose at my paper goal, I’m reminded how properly it factors and what nice situation the gun is in. I want it might discuss! It’s a easy gun with no security catch to sluggish me down. Hitting the paper goal is simple and the recoil/kick is barely noticeable to me. This may be a fantastic gun for a brand new shooter to be taught marksmanship.

Metal targets are additionally engaged with a remarkably good grouping. Reloading is easy however sluggish. I’m reminded of the various aviators that relied on this gun to defend themselves. Finest to make each shot rely – no quick reload right here!

Now my favourite, 2-liter soda bottles. At first, I didn’t think about that the anemic brief cartridge would do a lot injury. Incorrect once more, Ronbo! The bottles explode properly and roll round squirting soda. It will not be a .357 Magnum, however it’s formidable. The lead bullets broaden sufficient to burst the bottles successfully.

Though the 145-grain bullet is not going to swing my swinger plate to the alternative facet, it does transfer it with authority and a stable smack. Not a nasty self-defense gun in a last-resort scenario.