Iver Johnson 5 shot

[gunman724]

I have an Iver Johnson small frame 32 S&W 5 shot serial #G12969. I have two question. When I received this revolver it had a broken grip panel so, what chance of replacing the owl's head grips--I do have the screws and brass pieces. Secondly, Is the gun safe to shoot as it is in very good condition.
Also, any info on year of production etc would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for any and all repomses.
gunman724

[jondar]

Bill Goforth can verify it by the ser. number but a rule of thumb is look at the hammer spring by removing one of the grips. If it is a leaf type spring then the gun is safe only with black powder. If a coil spring, then factory smokeless loads or comparable reloaded rounds are safe. I have seen grips frequently on Ebay for these, but I think there is a slight difference between the 3rd Model (safe with smokeless) and older models. Also you may try e-gunparts.com, sometimes they will have replacement grips. Good Luck.

[b.goforth]

before answering this question about what this revolver is let me talk about iver johnson grips. there are two models, first and second (and two frame sizes), that use the same grip but there is a difference between hammer and hammerless versions. this is also true of the third model. also there is a difference in the solid frame model 1900 and there are three frame sizes for this model. to summarize this, there are a total of four grips for the first and second model, two frame sizes and two versions hammerless and hammer, and the same number for the third model. for the solid frame model 1900 there are three sizes. all of these use the simular but not the same owl's head grip. add to this is the fact that all grips are hand fitted to their original gun and may or may not fit exactly another gun, finding the right grip may not be easy.

now for the gun in question. the G letter code was used only on the small frame 32 hammer model between 1915 and 1926. small frame third model 32 S&W safety automatic hammer model serial number G 12969 was manufactured in 1915, there were 17,300 made that year.

THIRD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
(Smokeless Powder Cartridges)--------------------1909-1941
LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch with Hammer the Hammer action. This model redesigned to be strong enough for smokeless powder. All coil springs, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top, optional oversize grips of hard rubber or wood were offered. Two frame sizes, four calibers, Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ¼ inches. Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .32 Special centerfire with 6 rounds cylinder capacity, .38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame .22 rimfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ounces, .32 centerfire with 3 inch barrel 13 ½ ounces, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel .32 Special 19 ounces, .38 centerfire with 3 ¼ inch barrel 18 ¼ inches; Height: small frame 3 ¾ inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/16 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ¼ inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Third Model features a double top post barrel latch, coil hammer spring and four cross pins in the lower frame.
VALUE: 100%=$250 60%=$115

bill

[gunman724]

The difference is like going to a GP or a specialist! You are the greatest--you are complimented for both knowledge and communication skills. Thanks so much for all the information.

Would you have any idea what the dimensions of those grip panels might be?

Thanks

[b.goforth]

this is a project i will get around to sooner or later but for now i haven't taken the time to measure all the different grips.
bill

[Magnum12]

I have some grips that may or may not be the correct size. If you take some measurements (width at bottom, OAL and try to get a diameter around the owls) I could do the same. As I stated, these do not fit a second model though.
Again, thanks for all of the knowledge Bill.

http://thefirearmsforum.com/showthre...+johnson+grips

Magnum

[Jim K]

Check http://www.gungrip.com/searchresults...m=iver+johnson

I have found their repro grips to be excellent.

Jim

[gunman724]

Magnum what are the dimensions and can you show mw a pic of the reverse side