Favorite Firearms: Memorable M&P Victory Model

Memories abound over this .38 Spl. Smith & Wesson Victory Model Military & Police revolver. It was one of many manufactured between 1941 and 1945 for World War II. The serial number was preceded by a “V” for “Victory,” and it was probably destined for use by security personnel at a defense plant. Nevertheless, after the war, it was declared surplus and made available to police departments. It was acquired by the St. Clair Shores, Mich., police department and stamped “P.D. St. Clair Shores” on the backstrap.

It was assigned to my father, Chief Harvey E. Champine. Because it was ripping the lining of his suit coats, and my mother complained, he took the revolver to a German gunsmith who customized it by rounding the butt, shortening the barrel, removing the spur from the hammer, shaving the trigger guard and re-working the action. It is now as smooth as silk, and I have shot it many times. The City of St. Clair Shores presented it to Chief Champine upon his retirement in 1968 after 43 years of service. As his son, and a retired special agent in charge with the U.S. Customs Service, I inherited the revolver.

—Russell E. Champine