Iver Johnson .32

publius · April 30, 2011, 04:14 PM

Just got an Iver Johnson break top .32 short in the mail from auction. The cylinder spins freely when the pistol is closed in firing condition. When it is cocked in single action it locks up correctly w/the cylinder hole lined up with the barrel. also ends up correctly lined up after pulling the trigger double action. This can't be right can it?

Put this in C&R instead of smithy b/c i thought I would be more likely nto get a knowledgeable answer here.

gyvel · April 30, 2011, 08:24 PM

Post the serial number (just "x" out the last one or two digits if you prefer), which will allow someone to see which model it is. Some IJs did not have a cylinder stop when the hammer was at rest.

publius · April 30, 2011, 11:04 PM

don't have it handy right now, but you're saying that this is normal for some models?

RJay · April 30, 2011, 11:25 PM

The serial number is located under the left grip, the number under the trigger guard is not the definite number. And yes it was normal for the cylinder not to lock up until it was cocked. Iver Johnson's were not the only one with free spinning cylinders, many of the earlier inexpensive revolvers were build that way.

publius · May 1, 2011, 09:41 AM

Thank you RJ, I will get the serial this afternoon. Seems a little unsafe, not being able to leave the hammer on an empty hole.

Tidewater_Kid · May 1, 2011, 04:10 PM

Please remember that based on the serial number you provide it may not be safe to shoot with smokeless powder. Most of the older Ivers are collectors only.

TK

April 30, 2011, 04:14 PM	#1
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	Iver Johnson .32 Just got an Iver Johnson break top .32 short in the mail from auction. The cylinder spins freely when the pistol is closed in firing condition. When it is cocked in single action it locks up correctly w/the cylinder hole lined up with the barrel. also ends up correctly lined up after pulling the trigger double action. This can't be right can it? Put this in C&R instead of smithy b/c i thought I would be more likely nto get a knowledgeable answer here. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

April 30, 2011, 11:04 PM	#3
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	don't have it handy right now, but you're saying that this is normal for some models? __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

May 1, 2011, 09:41 AM	#5
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	Thank you RJ, I will get the serial this afternoon. Seems a little unsafe, not being able to leave the hammer on an empty hole. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

April 30, 2011, 08:24 PM	#2
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Post the serial number (just "x" out the last one or two digits if you prefer), which will allow someone to see which model it is. Some IJs did not have a cylinder stop when the hammer was at rest.

April 30, 2011, 11:25 PM	#4
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	The serial number is located under the left grip, the number under the trigger guard is not the definite number. And yes it was normal for the cylinder not to lock up until it was cocked. Iver Johnson's were not the only one with free spinning cylinders, many of the earlier inexpensive revolvers were build that way.

May 1, 2011, 04:10 PM	#6
Tidewater_Kid Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 925	Please remember that based on the serial number you provide it may not be safe to shoot with smokeless powder. Most of the older Ivers are collectors only. TK