Iver Johnson question - The Firearms Forum

LPE · 06-12-2012, 05:12 PM

I have a 5 shot .38 cal. revolver, Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works, Fitchburg, Mass. Looks like a serial number on the trigger guard, 54665. Cannot find any other marks on gun. Has black handles with owl looking down toward bottom of handle.

Can anyone tell me something about this weapon?

BETH · 06-12-2012, 07:16 PM

welcome to the forum can u post pictures

LPE · 06-12-2012, 07:52 PM

will try and get some pix up tomorrow

Pistol has a 6" barrel and a hammer. I have limited ammo.....38 S&W....btw, what does S&W stand for?

RJay · 06-12-2012, 08:39 PM

Pull the left grip, if there is a letter prefix, that's where it will be. Trigger guards can be changed, the true serial number will be present under the left grip. Unless we know what the prefix is ( or if there isn't one ) no valid information can be given.

hrf · 06-12-2012, 08:49 PM

If the owl is looking down and grips are original, it will be a third model made for smokeless powder, and should have a coil mainspring when you remove the grips.

Lanrezac · 06-12-2012, 10:41 PM

LPE, S&W stands for Smith & Wesson. The cartridges they designed for their own guns wound up becoming the standard for many other guns in 32 and 38 caliber. 38 S&W is different from 38 Special (also known as 38 S&W Special) and is not interchangeable with it - it's a long story.

38 S&W is still made, but is not as easy to find as 38 Special. Bigger gun stores have it, and you can find it at gun shows and on the Internet, but discount stores or big chain sporting good stores won't have it. HTH!

LPE · 06-13-2012, 08:18 PM

This is my Iver Johnson....kinda rough shape.

06-12-2012, 05:12 PM	#1
LPE Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 3	Iver Johnson question I have a 5 shot .38 cal. revolver, Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works, Fitchburg, Mass. Looks like a serial number on the trigger guard, 54665. Cannot find any other marks on gun. Has black handles with owl looking down toward bottom of handle. Can anyone tell me something about this weapon? -->

06-12-2012, 07:16 PM	#2
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: Iver Johnson question welcome to the forum can u post pictures

06-12-2012, 07:52 PM	#3
LPE Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Iver Johnson question will try and get some pix up tomorrow Pistol has a 6" barrel and a hammer. I have limited ammo.....38 S&W....btw, what does S&W stand for?

06-12-2012, 08:39 PM	#4
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: Iver Johnson question Pull the left grip, if there is a letter prefix, that's where it will be. Trigger guards can be changed, the true serial number will be present under the left grip. Unless we know what the prefix is ( or if there isn't one ) no valid information can be given. __________________ RonJames

06-12-2012, 08:49 PM	#5
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,278	Re: Iver Johnson question If the owl is looking down and grips are original, it will be a third model made for smokeless powder, and should have a coil mainspring when you remove the grips.

06-12-2012, 10:41 PM	#6
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 687	Re: Iver Johnson question LPE, S&W stands for Smith & Wesson. The cartridges they designed for their own guns wound up becoming the standard for many other guns in 32 and 38 caliber. 38 S&W is different from 38 Special (also known as 38 S&W Special) and is not interchangeable with it - it's a long story. 38 S&W is still made, but is not as easy to find as 38 Special. Bigger gun stores have it, and you can find it at gun shows and on the Internet, but discount stores or big chain sporting good stores won't have it. HTH!