I have the one on the bottom as I believe you said the first model. Works fin but I have to help the trigger to return back into position to fire again. I have 4 other models and I'm going to need to find a gun smith to get them in working order again.
I’d suggest familiarizing yourself with Bill Goforth’s work on documenting the variations of the Iver Johnsons. As noted, none of yours are third models. Also, the “safety” in safety automatic doesn’t refer to the trigger safety (which was on first models too), the “safety” refers to the fact that these old revos had a transfer bar for the hammer, long before others did.
Your example is NOT 3rd generation, it's second gen safety hammerless. 3rd gen had 3 frame pins, a coil hammer spring, an actual separate cylinder lock bolt (as opposed to a nub on the trigger) and rectangular mortise cylinder lock notches (not just conical cuts). The trigger safety does NOT indicate "a new generation", it was introduced mid 2nd gen run.
The “safety” part of the name refers to the transfer bar that prevents the firing pin from hitting the cartridge during a drop., not the trigger. They advertised this heavily with the “hammer the hammer” ads.
I don't have a hammerless but I have 2 Iver Johnson 38's with hammers, both have transfer bars ! The oldest has Patten pending on the barrel and is dated 1887, 1893. So apparently Iver Johnson was way ahead of their time !
Very cool collection I’m considering getting one of those I also think in New York State where I live I don’t think they have to be put on a pistol permit I think they qualify for antique I’m in the market for something like that a function Collectible
I am not giving legal advice, but the US Supreme Court has ruled anything built before 1898 is an antique and exempt from Federal Restrictions. That includes SOME of these pistols. Certified antiques cost more because of this fact--I got lucky and mine was just a regular price because the antique status didn't come up until we were talking shipping.
Awesome video great information I have a question for you I have the first generation gun and I’m having trouble finding ammo for it I live in Canada any suggestions on how to find ammunition for my gun looking for black powder bullets I don’t want to wear out the gun with the newer ammo
Are you really going to shoot that many rounds through it? There is no doubt that COVID them Ukraine put a huge crimp in availability--all the ammo plants are churning out military ammo as fast as they can and no one is making .32 S&W. Magtech still is. You can get all the pieces you need to load your own with a lee reloader, some Pyrodex powder, and spent cases. you can buy all that. LEE PRECISION 90696
Hello M.R. Appreciate your video...Found one of these in dad's closet wrapped in newspaper.. Have narrowed it down to a Model 2 but kind of a second generation model 2. Has the added safety in the front of the trigger.Actually the safety latch is missing..just a slot there for it. Has the PAT'D. APR.6.86. FEB.15.87. MAY 10.87. AUG.25.96 PAT'S PENDING. Only year of manu was 1899 ?. Could be wrong . Have already been wrong twice this year!. Thanks for your video post. jP
Great video. I need some advice please. First Gun ever. It my EDC pistol. I have first generation owl handled model but different button for reloading. I have to pull up tab that is connected to rear sites. Can you please tell me if I can shoot Hornady 32 Auto 60 gr XTP?
Hi! The answer is NO! most of these pistols were designed for black powder and the pressure in a .32 auto cartridge is much higher. .32 Auto is 20,500 psi, and the gun is built for 12,000 psi and that was a long time ago. They still make and sell .32 S&W short. Buy that.
@@neuroshrink Thank you. I fired five shots from Revolver and had no problems. I will have to find 32 cal S&W shorts. What if it was the stronger frame model?
@@LowBudgetRUclipsr It was designed for a fully rimmed cartridge, which the .32 auto isn't and the lower power. You are shooting a .357 load in a .38 special. Maybe nothing happens, maybe the gun blows up from metal fatigue. Hard to say how many times you can do that, but you can never do that safely.
@@neuroshrink Please tell me what ammo I can shoot. I just but it and ammo is hard to find and I'm not sure what to buy online. Thanks for all your help.
www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/innovation,-oddities-and-competition/case-26-the-booming-arms-industry/iver-johnson-model-1900-revolver.aspx A more durable design, but awkward to reload.
@@joemuffin789 Yours might, I said Iver Johnson revolvers (subject of this video) dont. The safety on Iver Johnson is the bar that prevents the hammer from striking the primer unless the trigger is pulled. That is an Iver-Johnson patent. All are copies of Smith and Wesson Model 1. But your company went under a long time ago: www.brubakerarms.com/single-post/forehand-wadsworth-the-forgotten-revolver-maker
How can i tell for sure if my Anerican Revolver is a 38 SW.I did shoot 38 short blck powder out of it but the casings seemed distorted. So my question is it a 38 top break or a 32 top break?
Is that a typo? One, it should be stamped on the top of the barrel someplace. But two, if you shot a 38 out of it, it's not a 32. It would have blown up in your face!
I have a top break ... no name on it does have S# .. across the borrow is very thin, has the dbl lock .. any chance I could send you a picture maybe you could point me in the right direction on the brand name and model? I do not know how to post pic on here
What you might want to do it take a small screwdriver and take the handgrip off. You will probably find something stamped on the frame under the grips. you can e-mail me a picture if you would like I am neuroshrink at gmail.
@@neuroshrink There is also a number under the barrel lug at the rear. You have to remove the cylinder to see it. Find William Goforth's book in a library or online on the history of Iver Johnson's revolvers. I'm thinking of putting mine on eBay. About $60. If you get a photo, post SN, photo, and caliber and I will look it up.
@@SWAMPHUNTER644 You know, I never noticed that before! So of course that could differ from the frame, as that is just held on with a screw. In fact, I just took one apart and they are completely different 7580 top and F54266 bottom. Interesting.
@@neuroshrink Great thing about comments and forums, you get to learn from other's experiences. C & R Collector has put together a great video on disassembly of Iver Johnsons. He's also given me a lot of good information. ruclips.net/video/Td86yO0VBZo/видео.html
Very interesting thanks for the video. The old top break and solid frame pocket pistols are a passion of mine. Have yet to find a first gen iver Johnson Thats not completely trashed :,(
3rd generation was re-engineered for smokeless powder, which was standard ammunition by the 1920's. truth be told all the .32 short ammo on the market today is a pretty mild load, and no one is going to shoot an iver-johnson pistol heavily.
Just picked up a second gen 38. Readings I’ve come across said the second gen is generally smokeless. Is there a good cut-off to know if mine is safe to use smokeless in?
I think there is a huge difference between "designed for smokeless powder" and "safe for smokeless powder". What I understand is that the low velocity commercial rounds made for .32 S&W may cause "premature wear" on an older model, but I will confess I have fired smokeless in all of these pistols to no ill effect--as that is the only type of ammunition one can find.
@@neuroshrink maybe smokeless burns "hotter" but i can't see how the light loaded rounds could hurt when they have same velocity of bp?? pressure would have to be the same.. I don't run zillions of rounds through mine but do like to shoot it on occasion & bought dies to reload for it (but have not used bp,, guess i will sometime)
"The Oxford English Dictionary (a descriptive dictionary) describes "pistol" as "a small firearm designed to be held in one hand", which is similar to the Webster definition for "handgun";and "revolver" as "a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading", giving its original form as "revolving pistol". i.e. the official designation of the Webley Mk VI revolver was "Pistol, Revolver, Webley, No. 1 Mk VI".
All handguns are pistols..... Saying anything else is incorrect... Were single shot dueling pistols revolvers? NO.... and they predate the revolver by 200 years and the automatic by another hundred.
I have the one on the bottom as I believe you said the first model. Works fin but I have to help the trigger to return back into position to fire again. I have 4 other models and I'm going to need to find a gun smith to get them in working order again.
I’d suggest familiarizing yourself with Bill Goforth’s work on documenting the variations of the Iver Johnsons. As noted, none of yours are third models. Also, the “safety” in safety automatic doesn’t refer to the trigger safety (which was on first models too), the “safety” refers to the fact that these old revos had a transfer bar for the hammer, long before others did.
Your example is NOT 3rd generation, it's second gen safety hammerless. 3rd gen had 3 frame pins, a coil hammer spring, an actual separate cylinder lock bolt (as opposed to a nub on the trigger) and rectangular mortise cylinder lock notches (not just conical cuts). The trigger safety does NOT indicate "a new generation", it was introduced mid 2nd gen run.
The “safety” part of the name refers to the transfer bar that prevents the firing pin from hitting the cartridge during a drop., not the trigger. They advertised this heavily with the “hammer the hammer” ads.
I don't have a hammerless but I have 2 Iver Johnson 38's with hammers, both have transfer bars ! The oldest has Patten pending on the barrel and is dated 1887, 1893. So apparently Iver Johnson was way ahead of their time !
Of course that is patent dates, not manufacture dates, but yes they were!
@@neuroshrinkwhat round is longer. 32 s&r or 22lr
Thank you for the informative video and also the comments.
Very cool collection I’m considering getting one of those I also think in New York State where I live I don’t think they have to be put on a pistol permit I think they qualify for antique I’m in the market for something like that a function Collectible
I am not giving legal advice, but the US Supreme Court has ruled anything built before 1898 is an antique and exempt from Federal Restrictions. That includes SOME of these pistols. Certified antiques cost more because of this fact--I got lucky and mine was just a regular price because the antique status didn't come up until we were talking shipping.
Awesome video great information I have a question for you I have the first generation gun and I’m having trouble finding ammo for it I live in Canada any suggestions on how to find ammunition for my gun looking for black powder bullets I don’t want to wear out the gun with the newer ammo
Are you really going to shoot that many rounds through it? There is no doubt that COVID them Ukraine put a huge crimp in availability--all the ammo plants are churning out military ammo as fast as they can and no one is making .32 S&W. Magtech still is. You can get all the pieces you need to load your own with a lee reloader, some Pyrodex powder, and spent cases. you can buy all that. LEE PRECISION 90696
Gunbroker.
1st gen 38 over Johnson’s seem to have a case hardened trigger mechanism but still have that weak top latch
Hello M.R. Appreciate your video...Found one of these in dad's closet wrapped in newspaper.. Have narrowed it down to a Model 2 but kind of a second generation model 2. Has the added safety in the front of the trigger.Actually the safety latch is missing..just a slot there for it. Has the PAT'D. APR.6.86. FEB.15.87. MAY 10.87. AUG.25.96 PAT'S PENDING. Only year of manu was 1899 ?. Could be wrong . Have already been wrong twice this year!. Thanks for your video post. jP
J'ai le 5eme alors ya pas de souci pour la poudre sans fumée ?
Iver Johnson switched to smokeless powder in 1900. Only the oldest shown is unsafe, but I do it anyway.
@@neuroshrink OK merci
Could you put a 22cal barrel and cylinder on a 38 frame
Great video. I need some advice please. First Gun ever. It my EDC pistol. I have first generation owl handled model but different button for reloading. I have to pull up tab that is connected to rear sites. Can you please tell me if I can shoot Hornady 32 Auto 60 gr XTP?
Hi! The answer is NO! most of these pistols were designed for black powder and the pressure in a .32 auto cartridge is much higher. .32 Auto is 20,500 psi, and the gun is built for 12,000 psi and that was a long time ago. They still make and sell .32 S&W short. Buy that.
@@neuroshrink Thank you. I fired five shots from Revolver and had no problems. I will have to find 32 cal S&W shorts. What if it was the stronger frame model?
@@LowBudgetRUclipsr It was designed for a fully rimmed cartridge, which the .32 auto isn't and the lower power. You are shooting a .357 load in a .38 special. Maybe nothing happens, maybe the gun blows up from metal fatigue. Hard to say how many times you can do that, but you can never do that safely.
@@neuroshrink Thank you very much. I'm not shooting it anymore until I buy proper ammo.
@@neuroshrink Please tell me what ammo I can shoot. I just but it and ammo is hard to find and I'm not sure what to buy online. Thanks for all your help.
Mets il y a aussi le 4eme et le 5eme ?
I have an old revolver, 5 shot, .032. It’s stamped on the top “IJ Model 1900. Where does this fit into IJ history?
www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/innovation,-oddities-and-competition/case-26-the-booming-arms-industry/iver-johnson-model-1900-revolver.aspx A more durable design, but awkward to reload.
Mine is 22l and 2nd génération with the trigger safety..
You know if it was made for smokeless powder ?
No only 3rd model
Mine is hamerless and the lock for the barrel is way different looking my safety is behind that right above the grip im confused
These revolvers don't have safeties. That's not a thing.
@@neuroshrink it does. Mines a different brand forehand and Wadsworth I just realized. But it looks identical almost. I do have a safety tho
@@joemuffin789 Yours might, I said Iver Johnson revolvers (subject of this video) dont. The safety on Iver Johnson is the bar that prevents the hammer from striking the primer unless the trigger is pulled. That is an Iver-Johnson patent. All are copies of Smith and Wesson Model 1. But your company went under a long time ago: www.brubakerarms.com/single-post/forehand-wadsworth-the-forgotten-revolver-maker
How can i tell for sure if my Anerican Revolver is a 38 SW.I did shoot 38 short blck powder out of it but the casings seemed distorted.
So my question is it a 38 top break or a 32 top break?
Is that a typo? One, it should be stamped on the top of the barrel someplace. But two, if you shot a 38 out of it, it's not a 32. It would have blown up in your face!
What people call a 38 today? Like 38 special is a . 357. ,38 S&W is . 361
They produced other similar models under the company name : American Revolver Co.
US Revolver Co, no American
I have a top break ... no name on it does have S# .. across the borrow is very thin, has the dbl lock .. any chance I could send you a picture maybe you could point me in the right direction on the brand name and model? I do not know how to post pic on here
What you might want to do it take a small screwdriver and take the handgrip off. You will probably find something stamped on the frame under the grips. you can e-mail me a picture if you would like I am neuroshrink at gmail.
@@neuroshrink There is also a number under the barrel lug at the rear. You have to remove the cylinder to see it. Find William Goforth's book in a library or online on the history of Iver Johnson's revolvers. I'm thinking of putting mine on eBay. About $60. If you get a photo, post SN, photo, and caliber and I will look it up.
@@SWAMPHUNTER644 You know, I never noticed that before! So of course that could differ from the frame, as that is just held on with a screw. In fact, I just took one apart and they are completely different 7580 top and F54266 bottom. Interesting.
@@neuroshrink Great thing about comments and forums, you get to learn from other's experiences. C & R Collector has put together a great video on disassembly of Iver Johnsons. He's also given me a lot of good information. ruclips.net/video/Td86yO0VBZo/видео.html
@@neuroshrink 356239
I got a 3rd gen hammerless
Excuse me to know the price of a revolver 38 Smith huesson of the year 1887
Very interesting thanks for the video. The old top break and solid frame pocket pistols are a passion of mine. Have yet to find a first gen iver Johnson Thats not completely trashed :,(
Any Iver-Johnson with that side latch is an "antique" and not even legally a firearm--as I recall that was mailed to me first class.
@@neuroshrink Yes you're right
I have the 3rd generation. Does it use regular ammo? I was thinking it still used powder ammo
3rd generation was re-engineered for smokeless powder, which was standard ammunition by the 1920's. truth be told all the .32 short ammo on the market today is a pretty mild load, and no one is going to shoot an iver-johnson pistol heavily.
do cylinders spin when hammer at rest, (is this normal?) my 32 locks up tight & when cock starts it locks up & aligns, but spins with hammer at rest
They are designed that way, yes.
Just picked up a second gen 38. Readings I’ve come across said the second gen is generally smokeless. Is there a good cut-off to know if mine is safe to use smokeless in?
I think there is a huge difference between "designed for smokeless powder" and "safe for smokeless powder". What I understand is that the low velocity commercial rounds made for .32 S&W may cause "premature wear" on an older model, but I will confess I have fired smokeless in all of these pistols to no ill effect--as that is the only type of ammunition one can find.
@@neuroshrink maybe smokeless burns "hotter" but i can't see how the light loaded rounds could hurt when they have same velocity of bp?? pressure would have to be the same.. I don't run zillions of rounds through mine but do like to shoot it on occasion & bought dies to reload for it (but have not used bp,, guess i will sometime)
Mercredi c'était cool
I have a half dozen or more of these things... All shooters... They are fun...
If you can find any ammunition!
I just picked one of these up as my first gun. I believe it's a second generation. The serial number is 66662.
22l ? Mine is 44909
THey are revolvers Sir, not Pistol
"The Oxford English Dictionary (a descriptive dictionary) describes "pistol" as "a small firearm designed to be held in one hand", which is similar to the Webster definition for "handgun";and "revolver" as "a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading", giving its original form as "revolving pistol". i.e. the official designation of the Webley Mk VI revolver was "Pistol, Revolver, Webley, No. 1 Mk VI".
All handguns are pistols..... Saying anything else is incorrect... Were single shot dueling pistols revolvers? NO.... and they predate the revolver by 200 years and the automatic by another hundred.
SHOW THE HAMMER