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I. J. Model 1900, .22 cal. s/n A38309

4K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  DougE914 
#1 ·
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I haven't seen mention of a 1900 like this in the threads, most have owl grips but this one has bulldog grips. It measures 6 and 3/4 inches from end of barrel to end of grip. Barrel is only 2". there looks like powder burns on the drum so I guess that means it's probably it takes black powder. What can you tell me about this gun?
 
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#2 ·
The Iver Johnson Model 1900 was made from 1900-1941, with two Types. Type I was made from 1900-1917 and Type II was made from 1918-1941. The stamping on your top strap indicates yours is a Type II so it was made after 1918. They were made in .22RF, .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W. What is the caliber? I will try to get you a year of manufacture later today.

The grips are definitely neat. In the 1890's Iver Johnson sold the American Bulldog revolver and the Model 1900 is basically an upgraded version of the Bulldog. I believe the grips would have been special order, but will have to check to confirm.

Powder burns don't necessary mean the revolver was for black powder. It probably was not cleaned properly by the previous owners which will lead to pitting.
 
#4 ·
Since it was made after 1918, it should safe for smokeless ammo. The Iver Johnson black powder problems are primarily with the top breaks since the top latch was not designed for the higher pressures created by smokeless ammo. Your revolver is almost 100 years old, so before you attempt to fire it, you should have it inspected by a gunsmith to make sure it is safe.

22LR should work, but like any older firearm keep them to standard velocity or subsonic to be safe. Will get year of manufacture later today.
 
#6 ·
The wheel looks short, can he maybe fire 22-shorts? (Check with a reparable gunsmith) Shorts are fun and quite and very low recoil, the revolver might do very well with them.
 
#9 · (Edited)
The parts for 1900's are usually interchangeable as long as they are the same frame size. Bill Goforth did not expand on the cartridge other than it is a .22RF, so I could be a long or short.

There are several reasons why the hammer wont stay back. It may have a worn sear or sear spring or the sear notch on the hammer is worn. Cant tell for sure without taking it apart.

You can try lift the bottom of the sear while cocking the hammer and see if it locks. If so, its the sear spring.
 
#10 ·
You have an interesting variation to the Model 1900 in that those Bull Dog Grips are not mentioned in any of the original catalogs or brochures that I have. I have only seen one other pair and those are on a Model 56 Starter Gun which uses a Model 55 large frame and is chambered for 22 Rim Fire Blanks. I know Iver Johnson used left over parts to make most of these Starter Guns so maybe these grips were left over from a previous purchase and never used ???
 
#11 · (Edited)
The only thing I found was a reference to the Iver Johnson Spur Revolvers and they mentioned .22 Long, not .22 Long Rifle. The .22 Long uses the same case as the .22LR but it has a smaller bullet which makes it .888" in length compared to the .22LR which is 1" long.

I would guess that this is a late model production because of the unusual grips and out of sequence serial number. I have read toward the end of the production for certain models the would throw parts together to make complete pistols, to include using the black powder style owl head grips (owl looking down barrel) on Model 1900's.
 
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