How old is my Iver Johnson? - The Firearms Forum

Bartender33 · 12-04-2012, 07:44 AM

Looking for help in determining the age and caliber of an Iver Johnson revolver I inherited. It is a 6-shot and has the serial number H86248. I was actually hoping to be able to fire it, if possible, so any advise on what caliber and grain would be appreciated. Barrel length is 4".

Thank you.

hrf · 12-04-2012, 08:35 AM

Welcome to TFF.

Your pics don't show, but when I copy and paste the url they do: http://leopold33.tumblr.com

It's a large frame hammer third model made in 1931, with the optional "Perfect" hard rubber target grips.

Are you sure it's a 6-shot? It might be the angle of the pic, but looks like a 5-shot cylinder.

A 6-shot would be .32 S&W Long caliber, a 5-shot .38 S&W caliber.

Bartender33 · 12-05-2012, 07:41 AM

Thank you "HRF" for the info......Yes it is definitely "6 shot" (see pic) Do you think it is worth shooting? I know my father carried it back in the early 60's when the neighborhood was having alot of break-ins. But I never actually saw it shot at a target. If so, what would you recomend? I doubt it would be very accurate. Thank you again !!!

hrf · 12-05-2012, 08:40 AM

Assuming it's mechanically OK, you can fire it with current .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long ammo.

(Do not use .32 ACP/.32 Auto, which will also chamber)

12-04-2012, 07:44 AM	#1
Bartender33 Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2	How old is my Iver Johnson? Looking for help in determining the age and caliber of an Iver Johnson revolver I inherited. It is a 6-shot and has the serial number H86248. I was actually hoping to be able to fire it, if possible, so any advise on what caliber and grain would be appreciated. Barrel length is 4". Thank you. --> Last edited by Bartender33; 12-04-2012 at 07:51 AM.. Reason: add pictures

12-04-2012, 08:35 AM	#2
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,282	Re: How old is my Iver Johnson? Welcome to TFF. Your pics don't show, but when I copy and paste the url they do: http://leopold33.tumblr.com It's a large frame hammer third model made in 1931, with the optional "Perfect" hard rubber target grips. Are you sure it's a 6-shot? It might be the angle of the pic, but looks like a 5-shot cylinder. A 6-shot would be .32 S&W Long caliber, a 5-shot .38 S&W caliber.

12-05-2012, 07:41 AM	#3
Bartender33 Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2	Re: How old is my Iver Johnson? Thank you "HRF" for the info......Yes it is definitely "6 shot" (see pic) Do you think it is worth shooting? I know my father carried it back in the early 60's when the neighborhood was having alot of break-ins. But I never actually saw it shot at a target. If so, what would you recomend? I doubt it would be very accurate. Thank you again !!! Attached Images

12-05-2012, 08:40 AM	#4
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,282	Re: How old is my Iver Johnson? Assuming it's mechanically OK, you can fire it with current .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long ammo. (Do not use .32 ACP/.32 Auto, which will also chamber)