BryanJ Posted November 7, 2020 Share #1 Posted November 7, 2020 I have an opportunity to purchase a Colt Command or a Victory (both 4”) but not both. If you had an opportunity to buy one or the other, which would you buy and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsparks Posted November 7, 2020 Share #2 Posted November 7, 2020 Is the Colt Commander a milsurp?I like milsurps and I like Victories.The Commander would be a much less common Milsurp, but if it’s a commercial then go with Victory. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwill Posted November 7, 2020 Share #3 Posted November 7, 2020 It you mean a Colt Commando, not Command or Commander, then it could be US issued or a DSC gun just like the Victory Model. My choice would depend on condition and shipping destination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted November 7, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted November 7, 2020 It’s a 1942 Colt Commando, SN 7954, probably 85% finish, with ordnance flaming bomb stamp. Very nice condition. Victory is in similar condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spagg Posted November 7, 2020 Share #5 Posted November 7, 2020 If it's an original S & W Victory with 4" barrel that would be my choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDNAVYNUKESPOOK Posted November 8, 2020 Share #6 Posted November 8, 2020 Check out the Victory stocks to see if they have the s/n stamped on the inside surfaces. I'd tend to go with the early Commando if the "Coltwood" stocks are in excellent condition. Fewer issued. You can always buy another Victory in comparable condition later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted November 8, 2020 Author Share #7 Posted November 8, 2020 Bottom of grip is stamped “R & H8.” Any guesses what that might be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverplate Posted November 8, 2020 Share #8 Posted November 8, 2020 There were approx. 45,000 Commando revolvers delivered to the military during WWII, compared to over 350,000 Victory revolvers. I would go with the military-proofed Commando. You can always find a Victory revolver at a later date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsparks Posted November 8, 2020 Share #9 Posted November 8, 2020 And the 4” Victory is the most produced barrel length of the Victories. So the Colt and Victory are NOT an Apples to Apples comparison. Victories are out there. Get the Colt. IF it was a 2” Victory.......Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottz63 Posted November 8, 2020 Share #10 Posted November 8, 2020 Well, I'm a S&W guy, so I would go with the Victory. Just personal preference I suppose. Collectability wise, the Colt will probably be worth more in the end because of the much lower number of them produced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted November 8, 2020 Author Share #11 Posted November 8, 2020 Scott. Any link to a serial number look up for Victory’s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsparks Posted November 9, 2020 Share #12 Posted November 9, 2020 Scott. Any link to a serial number look up for Victory’s?http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm Not exactly what you’re after. It’s out there, but it takes some pretty good Google Foo to find. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottodog8 Posted November 9, 2020 Share #13 Posted November 9, 2020 I could be mistaken, but my impression is most of the Colts were used Stateside by factory security guards and the like. Victory models were similarly used, but a lot of them were also used in combat by the Navy. The Colt is more rare and certainly a desirable collector’s piece, but the Victory has more history behind it. Given similar condition and originality I would prefer the Victory Model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwill Posted November 9, 2020 Share #14 Posted November 9, 2020 1 hour ago, ottodog8 said: I could be mistaken, but my impression is most of the Colts were used Stateside by factory security guards and the like. Victory models were similarly used, but a lot of them were also used in combat by the Navy. The Colt is more rare and certainly a desirable collector’s piece, but the Victory has more history behind it. Given similar condition and originality I would prefer the Victory Model. No offense but your are mistaken. Both revolvers were used in combat and both were purchased by LEOs and defense contractors through the DSC. Here's one example of a Commando shipped to the OSS: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/882204129 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gap Posted November 10, 2020 Share #15 Posted November 10, 2020 All things being equal, I say Commando, harder to find. Unless the Victory is marked “US Navy” on the top strap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverplate Posted November 10, 2020 Share #16 Posted November 10, 2020 There were 65,000 of the Navy-marked Victory revolvers made, still more than the military contract Commando. But of all the Victory wartime revolvers, they are by far the most desirable. I looked for quite a while before I found mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottz63 Posted November 10, 2020 Share #17 Posted November 10, 2020 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverplate Posted November 10, 2020 Share #18 Posted November 10, 2020 Thanks. Of course, what was equally hard to find was the Navy-marked shoulder holster and Navy-marked ammo pouch to go with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted November 10, 2020 Author Share #19 Posted November 10, 2020 Well, here’s where I’m leaning - I originally thought I’d get the Colt because they were less common, and therefore more collectible in the long run. However, as I’ve heard from comments on this thread, sounds like the Victory may actually have a better (potential) military history than the Colt. Leaning toward Victory... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted November 10, 2020 Share #20 Posted November 10, 2020 Why not get them both? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsparks Posted November 10, 2020 Share #21 Posted November 10, 2020 If both are for sale, & your finances preclude it, I might be interested in the Colt. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottz63 Posted November 10, 2020 Share #22 Posted November 10, 2020 6 hours ago, silverplate said: Thanks. Of course, what was equally hard to find was the Navy-marked shoulder holster and Navy-marked ammo pouch to go with it. Wow! You have the trifecta! That's outstanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted November 11, 2020 Author Share #23 Posted November 11, 2020 Both might be the way to go. Colt for my birthday present, the S&W for my wife’s birthday present.🤠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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