Iver Johnson Champion 12 ga.

[BobT64]

Originally Posted by b.goforth

sound like the the latch spring is either broken or very weak.

the series of gun with only letters in the serial number ( it is IFXX) were manufactured between 1940 and 1956.

when repaired it should be fine with all 2 3/4 inch shell.

bill

Thank you Bill,

I was just trying to order parts off the Numrich website, but something happened on their end and now it can't display schematic and parts list so I can't complete my order....

I'll try again later.

[BobT64]

Hey Bill,

After looking at a nice exploded diagram and my Champion I have figured out that it does not even have the locking bolt sping in place. I have the locking bolt spring screw, but no spring... By the way, my Champion is lightly rusted all over (not inside the bore). What is the best way for me to clean it up and have it re-blued? How much should I expect to pay to have it re-blued?

[b.goforth]

this happens a spring will break and it is removed prior to being replaced and sometime it is never replaced or just forgotten about.

the original finish on all champion single barrel shotguns is blue barrel, casehardened frame and oil finish on the wood. since my retirement i have not kept of with prices on repairs so i can't say what it would cost.

to clean the lightly rusted surfaces use a very fine steel wool (0000) and a good light weight oil. i still use 3 in 1 machine oil.

bill

[BobT64]

Thanks Bill,

I ordered my parts from Numrich today. I also found a replacement buttstock on Boyds' http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Produc...Code=300%2D121 today. The buttstock on mine was cracked/splintered up at the very front on the left side where the tang inserts. About 30 years ago my dad and I started refinishing/repairing this gun. However, we could not find anyone at the time that could replace the missing forearm so we stopped. I had sanded down the old buttstock, glued the splintered pieces back together, and varnished the whole thing. It looks nice. However, you can tell that some material has been removed. Now that I have found the forearm I think I may just replace the buttstock also.

If the old color casehardened receiver/frame has no trace of the casehardening left (looks like someone sanded it down to bear metal ) can it be blued along with the barrel? I don't know if I'll actually go to the trouble to re-blue any of it. I have other old shotguns that the bluing has worn completely off. I just have to keep them cleaned and well oiled.

[splinterbutts]

Hi Bill,

I have come into possession of what I believe is a champion side snap shotgun that seems a little different than the ones you guys have been talking about as it doesn't have a patent date it has a patent applied for stamp on the barrel.

The barrel is 34 inches long
Champion is on the top of the barrel in a plain type
and the latch on the barrel it says

pat. apld. for
1320

What do I actually have, and is this pre Iver Johnson?

[splinterbutts]

Forgot the pictures

http://picasaweb.google.com/10378725...57117924079522

http://picasaweb.google.com/10378725...56751988067138

http://picasaweb.google.com/10378725...56759413698034

[b.goforth]

this is a early production iver johnson made Hammerless Side Snap. it is also a model i have only seen pictures of and not one i have handled. extra length barrels were always an extra option, i believe the patent pending is for the hammerless action that as far as i can tell was never granted. this is the rarest of all the pre 1897 iver johnson single barrel shotguns.

CHAMPION SIDE SNAP HAMMERLESS------------------------1880-1900
Single barrel concealed hammer; 12 gauge only; 30 and 32 inch plain twist steel choked barrel (barrels imported from Belgium); side lever break open mechanism, cocks on opening; double locking bolt; automatic extractors; American Black Walnut butt stock and fore-end; nickel frame and browned barrel; weight 6½ pounds; overall length 45 ¾ inches. . ONLY MARKINGS WILL BE CHAMPION NAME ON TOP OF BARREL AND POSSIBLY PATENT DATE OF JULY 27, 1880
VALUE: RARE 100%=$325 60%=$155

bill

[splinterbutts]

Bill,

Just sent you an email.

Mike B

Originally Posted by b.goforth

this is a early production iver johnson made Hammerless Side Snap. it is also a model i have only seen pictures of and not one i have handled. extra length barrels were always an extra option, i believe the patent pending is for the hammerless action that as far as i can tell was never granted. this is the rarest of all the pre 1897 iver johnson single barrel shotguns.

CHAMPION SIDE SNAP HAMMERLESS------------------------1880-1900
Single barrel concealed hammer; 12 gauge only; 30 and 32 inch plain twist steel choked barrel (barrels imported from Belgium); side lever break open mechanism, cocks on opening; double locking bolt; automatic extractors; American Black Walnut butt stock and fore-end; nickel frame and browned barrel; weight 6½ pounds; overall length 45 ¾ inches. . ONLY MARKINGS WILL BE CHAMPION NAME ON TOP OF BARREL AND POSSIBLY PATENT DATE OF JULY 27, 1880
VALUE: RARE 100%=$325 60%=$155

bill

[BobT64]

Well, my Numrich parts arrived today. The locking spring works great! The forend is very light... and the forend cap is black plastic. Not very impressed. Does anyone know where I can find a steel forend cap?

[migmachata]

The serial number on these guns are sometimes letters, they should all come from the word FITCHBURG, which is a town the company was based. I have heard that the letters correspond with numbers;
F:1
I:2
T:3
C:4
H:5
B:6
U:7
R:8
G:9
X:0
For example, my gun's number is RRBT, which translates to 8863

[mathewj]

Very new member! Thanks for all the great information on this topic. The reason I found this sight is I just found a western field and I was trying to find the history on it. I found it at a fishing lure show. I knew western fields were made for m. wards but , this gun had solid rib checkering and nice walnut stock. I figured for $50.00 I couldn't go wrong. It is in very good shape. Then I find out it was made by Iver Johnson ! Like everyone else, I am trying to find out what year this is from. The research I found this was made between 1930-1942. Does this sound about right? The serial number is behind the triger gaurd 5 numbers then xe after it. I don't like posting serial numbers on open forums. Any more input would be great! Thanks Matt
.

[b.goforth]

the serial number with a two letter code suffix was used between 1930 and 1939. how ever there is most likely some overlapping so your guess is good enough. the thing that is important about the Matted Rib model sold to montgomery wards is they were not utility grade firearms. they cost more than other single barrel shotguns in the catalog at that time and were used by m. wards as a upgraded deluxe firearm.

early in the history of iver johnson's arms & cycle works (after about 1902) they took sears & roebuck to court. the cause was selling iver johnson marked firearms at a cost less than the agreed franchise price. they won that case and sears no longer sold iver johnson marked firearms. it was a different business climate at that time.

CHAMPION MATTED RIB MODEL-----------------1912-1941
Single barrel centered mounted rebounding hammer; top lever break open mechanism; solid raised full length rib finely matted; American Black Walnut full checkered pistol gripped butt stock, and fore-end; gagues 12,16 and 20; barrel length: 28, 30 and 32 inches full chocked; weight with 30 inch barrel 12 gague 7 ¼ lbs., 16 and 20 gague 7 pounds; automatic extractors or automatic ejectors; case hardened frame and blue barrel; overall length with 30 inch barrel 45 inches; .410 bore added in 1928 with a 28 inch full chocked barrel.
This model will also be found marked with the WESTERN FIELD brand name
VALUE: 100%=$315 60%=$150
Add 10% for the 410 Bore Model
bill

[mathewj]

Thanks Bill, Matt

[scmerrill71]

I am refinishing a gun for a friend of mine, its an Iver Johnson 12 guage champion, Single shot, serial # 9532. Other markings i have found include an "E" stamped on the barrell end near the hinge pin of the break open, and also the #32848 on the underside of the foreend peice. Any info on the year and if it is black powder or if it will fire the 2 3/4 rounds of today will be much appreciated. I was also informed it was not a working gun and shouldnt be fired, but i figure after i get a few parts for it that are missing, then it will be a working gun.

[b.goforth]

generally speaking iver johnson shotgun's with out lettercode suffix were manufactured between 1909 and 1919.

values are posted above.

the forearm most likely is a replacement as it should have the same number as the reciever
bill

[irvinl]

I have my father's 12 gauge choke bore, barrel and lug forged in one Champion Iver Johnsons with the numbers 27243 engraved near the trigger. Could anyone tell me how old the gun is or what is its approximate worth? Thank you.

[b.goforth]

the age and value of this shotgun have already been given. for age see post two above this and value in the answer to mathewj.
bill

[AzBat]

Good day Mr Goforth. I'm kind of confused about the age of this Iver Johnson shotgun. My father-in-law is 87(born in 1923) and he said he got the gun from his dad. His dad told him that he got off a guy in the 1890's for $1. However, if you'll see from the pics it looks like it was probably manufactured after 1909. The letter "E" is stamped on the barrel in front the shell ejector. Plus, there are the numbers "49016" stamped behind the trigger guard. BTW, the barrel is 32" long. It also looks like somebody made a custom wood carved recoil pad to the stock. Other than that I think it's in great condition. I'm interested in taking it out for some skeet shooting, but wanted to verify the manufactured date era before loading it with 2 3/4" standard velocity field load shells you had suggested previously.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Tommy

[b.goforth]

you are correct this is a post 1908 production champion single barrel. those without any letter suffix to the serial number were manufactured betwee 1909 and 1919. with a gun this old the length of the chamber should be checked to make sure it will handle the 2 3/4 inch shell.

the letter E on the barrel most likely refers to the ejector model and not just an extractor model, which just raises the shell.
bill

[dano1957]

Hello all
I have an Iver johnson from my granfather I belive he was given it by his father.
it has no dates or S/N on it just stamped letters TFHH behind trigger guard,under forearm guardand lug of barrel
also CHAMPION (at Top)
IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG MASS. U.S.A
all in a stright line with CHAMPION in fancy type

I do have pictures and can email them

[dano1957]

also CHAMPION (at Top)
IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG MASS. U.S.A
all in a stright line with CHAMPION in fancy type

I do have pictures and can email them

[b.goforth]

dano,
iver johnson used all letter in the serial number between 1940 and 1956.

CHAMPION MODEL 36------------------------------------1909-1922
Single barrel; rebounding center mounted hammer; top lever operated break open design; gauges: 12, 16, and 20; barrel length: 28, 30, and 32 inches (features barrel and lug forged in one piece) bored full chock only; American black Walnut butt stock and fore-end; automatic extractors; weight 6¾ pounds; overall length with 30 inch barrel 45 inches; case hardened receiver (nickel available as option), browned barrel; automatic ejectors extra cost option; .410 bore, 24 and 28 gauges offered in 1913; 24 gauge dropped 1928; all gauges except 12 dropped after 1941; name changed to Champion single Barrel in 1917.
CHAMPION SINGLE BARREL-----------------------------1923-1978
This is the same gun as the earlier Model 36 champion except that the smaller gauges are now built on the same frame as the large gagues. See above picture for specifications. The exact year production stopped has not yet been determined. Some of these single barrel shotguns have been seen with Canadian marking, these were most likely shipped to Canada and then marked as there is no evidence that Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works ever had a manufacturing factory in Canada
VALUE: 100%=$250 60%=$95
Add 15% for 24, 28 gauges

bill

[MOOMOO226]

Originally Posted by b.goforth

dano,
iver johnson used all letter in the serial number between 1940 and 1956.

CHAMPION MODEL 36------------------------------------1909-1922
Single barrel; rebounding center mounted hammer; top lever operated break open design; gauges: 12, 16, and 20; barrel length: 28, 30, and 32 inches (features barrel and lug forged in one piece) bored full chock only; American black Walnut butt stock and fore-end; automatic extractors; weight 6¾ pounds; overall length with 30 inch barrel 45 inches; case hardened receiver (nickel available as option), browned barrel; automatic ejectors extra cost option; .410 bore, 24 and 28 gauges offered in 1913; 24 gauge dropped 1928; all gauges except 12 dropped after 1941; name changed to Champion single Barrel in 1917.
CHAMPION SINGLE BARREL-----------------------------1923-1978
This is the same gun as the earlier Model 36 champion except that the smaller gauges are now built on the same frame as the large gagues. See above picture for specifications. The exact year production stopped has not yet been determined. Some of these single barrel shotguns have been seen with Canadian marking, these were most likely shipped to Canada and then marked as there is no evidence that Iver Johnson’s Arms & Cycle Works ever had a manufacturing factory in Canada
VALUE: 100%=$250 60%=$95
Add 15% for 24, 28 gauges

bill

Mr Goforth,

After reading most of the post on this site, I think you maybe able to answer my question. My Mena (grandmother) gave me Papa's (grandfather) old Iver Johnson shotgun before she died. The gun has been in my gun cabinet and pretty much left alone for the past 10 years. I have read the forum and I have not seen a gun that looks like any I have seen here. Not sure how to post a pic, but I will try to descibe the best I can. The barrel brake is actually a ring inside the trigger guard. The only marking I can make out is "FT" on the side plate under "Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle ....The only markings on the barrel I can make out says"IVER JOHNSON...... and under that Pat............................Pending. The(.........) represents wording and markings that are no longer readable. The brake works effortlessly and the extractor works. This gun has become a project for me and my son. We have begun by lightly sanding the stock and forearm (by the way the forearm plate has the number 43720 not sure if part number or serial number) in effort to clean up some of the dings and nicks. Before everybody freaks out, the wood was in terrible shape and value for this gun is only in the hearts of me and my son.
My questions to you:
1. approximate age?
2. knowing there is no finite answer to this question, but would this gun be safe to fire modern low recoil or hand loaded light loads?

My son would really like to shoot some clay pigeons and maybe some rabbits.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my long post and I thank you ahead of time for the answers.

MOOMOO

[b.goforth]

it is really hard to identify this one with out a picture, but if the company name is in an arch with the city below that (fitchburg, mass.) it may be one of the pre 1909 models either a "champion top snap" or "iver johnson to snap". but i would need ot see pictures to tell for sure. or it could be one of the early model 36 made before 1919. just can't tell for sure.
bill

[maddy181]

Hello, I recently traded for a 12 gauge Iver Johnson Champion, but cant figure out anything about it in my gun book. The barrel reads...
"Champion"
PAT.APR.2'.01.APR.15'.02.PATS.PENDING.
The reciever reads ...
IVER JOHNSON
ARMS & CYCLE WORKS
FITCHBURG.MASS.U.S.A.
Im confused cause all other champions are marked "CHAMPION" right undernieth all of that but mine isnt. Also the champions listed in my Blue Book of Gun Values is dated 1905-1908. Mine is 1901-1902. Any help would be greatly appeciated. Thanks!!!