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Iver Johnson 12g

710 views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Fatstrat 
#1 ·
i recently brought a I.J that needs some TLC to say at the least missing the stock and really rusted. It has writing on top of barrel can only make out choke------barrel and ----- in one. that's about all i can for certain i think .there is some writing on the left side something to with Iver on frist line then on second line AR and third line F that's all that is there .
behind the trigger where the stock should be the #6079E ,might be not a zero but kind resembles a top of the number zero any help would great wanting to restore it but not sure if money or time is worth still going to recondition it just want to make sure i don't make this a money pit as the wife says. will try to post some pics
 
#2 ·
Unless you are going to do any restoration woprk yourself as a winter project, the cost will be more than the gun is worth. The markings should read BARREL AND LUG FORGED IN ONE. and the "F" is most likely the first letter in Fitchberg, M where IVER JOHNSON was located. What ever the serial number reads, it ain't going to be much help in dating the gun as the Iver Johnson serial number-year made tables are very iffy.
 
#4 · (Edited)
AC and Hawg are right. I walked away from one at a flea market this summer that was priced at $50, and it was complete--probably could have gotten it for $40. Saw several others pick it up and put it down and it was there when I left.

The top of the barrel on my old 20 gauge with serial number IFGT reads:
-20 GAUGE CHOKE BORE BARREL AND LUG FORGED IN ONE-

Yours likely read:
-12 GAUGE CHOKE BORE BARREL AND LUG FORGED IN ONE-

The driver's side of the receiver reads:
Champion
IVER JOHNSON ARMS AND CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG, MASS USA
 
#5 ·
I agree that just replacing the stocks will likely cost you close to or more the gun is worth monetarily. But I've undertaken many such projects and consider the experience gained and pride of accomplishment as part of the value TO ME. Even if the finished result won't bring as much as it cost me to refurb it. Fortunately my wife compares such project that I do at home much preferable the away from home nightlife activities some of her friends husbands enjoy.
If you take your time and watch online auction websites, you can usually eventually find a decent deal on used stocks eventually. Ebay is probably your best bet. Just make sure that what you have is in good enough condition to produce a shootable result. Is the bore clean? Does it lock up good and tight? Does the trigger and barrel opening mech work properly?
 
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#6 ·
I just read on another post that H&R has discontinued their line of Single Shot rifles & shotguns. Something that corresponds to what I noticed in my local retail stores. 0 new single shot shotguns on the shelves for sale. As far as I know, H&R was the only U.S. manufacturer still making them. Now that is apparently over. And we will have to rely on foreign manufacturers for new examples. I could be wrong, but I foresee this possibly being a game changer in vintage single shot shotgun values. These guns have always had at least a small market of popularity. 1st time youth shotguns/cheap home defense/critter control etc. I'd expect availability to dwindle eventually w/corresponding rise in value/prices. Your money losing project may be well timed to become a good investment.
 
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