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5" bbl US Revolver

505markf
I have a nickel plated, break-top revolver marked "US Revolver Co, Made in U.S.A", on top of barrel. Serial number on frame beneath grips is "C 17616". Numbers in this code also appear at bottom of trigger guard and underneath topstrap. The barrel length is 5". I have found very similar guns online, but none with the 5" barrel.

Can anyone tell me when this revolver was made, where it was manufactured, etc. Also, can someone please confirm that the caliber is .38 S&W (empty .38 special brass fits - width-wise - in the cylinder nicely, though it's too long of course. At least makes me pretty sure it isn't a .32). Any other info would be appreciated.

It is in stunning condition, with 3 or 4 pinhead-sized places where the plating is damaged, but the bore of this gun is as clean as any new firearm I have ever purchased. Gun given to me by my father-in-law and had been owned by his own father-in-law. Hey, maybe there's a theme here. Knowing the previous owners, I suspect it has never even been fired. I have a photo that I can email (could not figure out how to post one in the forum) on request.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Mark
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • victorj19
    Mark,

    You've probably already guessed that 38 Special cartridges should not be fired in this gun. Use only 38 S&W cartridges (also called 38 Colt New Police) which are shorter and a little larger in diameter. I just finished some research on this since I am picking up an H&R in 38 S&W and planning on reloading for it. While I'm no expert on 38 S&Ws, The earlier guns were designed to shoot only black powder loads. Therefore, do some more research on the gun itself to determine whether you need to restrict the cartridges to black poweder only.

    Jim
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  • rufe-snow
    US Revolver Co. is a Trade Name used by Iver Johnson on some of the revolvers they manufactured. One of our members is a expert on Iver Johnson firearms. He is the author of a book detailing the history of Iver Johnson. Most likely he will be able to respond to your questions, in great detail.
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  • b.goforth
    U.S. Revolver Co. Automatic hammer model (top break) serial nummber C 17616 was manufactured in 1913, there were 13,600 manufactured that year. the 5 inch barrel was a standard catalog offering (but not much seen today). the 5 inch barrel are usually seen with an over sized hard rubber grip but some do have the small pocket size grips.

    U.S. REVOLVER CO. AUTOMATIC HAMMER
    1910-1935
    LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME DOES NOT HAVE HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION; This is a Brand name revolver manufactured by Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works to be sold through the wholesale trade. It was never listed in any Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works catalog, although it was listed in some European catalogs as original Iver Johnson products. Does not have Hammer the Hammer action and relies on a safety notch on the hammer. Hard rubber grip panels with U S at the top, large oversize two piece hard rubber grips were optional. Two frame sizes and three calibers were offered. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ? inches; Calibers: large frame 38 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, small frame .32 centerfire with 5 rounds cylinder capacity, .22 rimfire with 7 rounds cylinder capacity Weight: small frame .22 rimfire 12 ounces, small frame .32 centerfire 12 ? ounces, large frame .38 centerfire 17 _ ounces; Height: small frame 3 _ 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 ? inches 7 3/8 inches. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see.
    VALUE: 100%=$225 60%=$105

    bill
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  • 11b6r
    In case you missed it, that was him. If Mr. Goforth tells it to you, you can bank on it.
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  • 505markf
    Bill and everyone else - thanks much for your help! I'm taking the revolver to a local gunsmith to be checked out and if it's good, I'll pick up some ammo and see how she shoots.

    Thanks again!
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