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Help dating US Revolver Co top break

12K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  gdmoody 
#1 ·
Greetings,

I have recently acquired a US Revolver Co top break 38, the serial number under the grip is C28121 with matching numbers under the barrel and on the trigger guard. I was hoping someone could help me with production information. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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#2 · (Edited)
Looks like a DOM of 1922.
1922 serials ran: C17101 - C30700
Large Frame Hammer Models (yours) had a production run of 1910 - 1936, with a total of 137,650 being made. (1936 production number of 50 is an estimate.)
 
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#3 · (Edited)
http://www.*********.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=Iver+Johnson+38
Greetings,

I have recently acquired a US Revolver Co top break 38, the serial number under the grip is C28121 with matching numbers under the barrel and on the trigger guard. I was hoping someone could help me with production information. Any help would be appreciated.
Looks like a old Iver Johnson top brake revolver. Here is a link for a auction for a similar revolver.
They made many of these and they always pop up for sale. They range between $200 and $50 based on condition, add more if you have the original box, paperwork, or extra grips. These guns were made both with or without a hammer option.
 
#6 ·
Shrek73,

I'm confused, are you saying that Iver Johnson (under a different name) knowingly sold revolvers designed for out dated/ sub-standard (at the time) ammunition 13 years (in my case) after they switched all their main revolver lines over to smokeless powder ammunition? In addition, if you are correct, they had 13 plus years of spare parts on hand to build theses revolvers?
The numbers don't add up to me. That would mean they had two diff production lines going at the same time for basically the same revolvers, doesn't sound very cost effective to
me, they already had all the dies and molds, wouldn't it make more sense for them to use the same materials for construction, isn't that the issue, whether the old frames can handle the smokeless powder pressure curve, wouldn't an old frame made out of the newer alloys be okay? Plus I've read that purchase prices on Iver Johnson and US Revolver Co pistols were very similar.
I'm def no expert when it comes to this info, I'm only going on what I've read here and other forums.

Gcoop
 
#7 ·
The 3rd Model had a strengthened top latch, independent cylinder stop, coil mainspring and other features. It was proofed for smokeless ammunition.

The 2nd Model had a free spooling cylinder, notch on the top of the trigger for a cylinder stop and a leaf mainspring. It was never proofed for modern ammunition. Look at your US Revolver and you will see it is an Iver Johnson 2nd Model with as US Revolver stamp.

I have no idea how many 2nd Model frames that they had in surplus, but feel free to pick
 
#8 ·
Shrek73,

Thank you so much for the information, I do appreciate and respect your opinion, It's just that the only place that I can find that sells black powder rounds is a little pricey for my taste, May have to just invest in equipment to reload my own.

Thanks again,
Gcoop
 
#10 ·
Greetings, I have recently acquired a US Revolver Co top break 38, the serial number under the grip is C28121 with matching numbers under the barrel and on the trigger guard. I was hoping someone could help me with production information. Any help would be appreciated.
I am sure most had fired smokeless rounds thru them over the years, but I cannot tell you that its okay to do so. I reload very light smokeless rounds but understand the risk of doing so.
Hi, I have the little brother to that chambered in 32S&W short. My research found USA Revolver was made by Iver Johnson Co. Real serial number, is under trigger guard, if removed and maybe under grip, if removed. After reading about Black Powder designs, I found that modern rounds (originally designed for B.P.) Are tamed down to match chamber pressure similar to B.P. Range. Careful S&W after caliber, in my case I buy 32S&W Short. Don’t shoot any +P or +P+ rounds, they are intended for modern guns. Also read that after WW2 modern powders were used and B.P. Was phased out. Regards, Mark
 
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