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Iver Johnson 32 cal question

HarleyD
I have an Iver Johnson 32 cal owl head. 5 patent date s/n prefix N.
with hammer, 5 shot double action. Good Condition. Can you tell me anything about this gun? When was it made? what is it worth? Is it safe to shoot? Any info would be helpful
Thanks
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • 5mmgunguy
    Welcome to the forum. What we really need are some pictures. As for shootability, suggest you have a gunsmith check it out for you.
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  • jonk
    I'm sure b.goforth who literally wrote the book on Iver Johnsons will be along any time.

    The issue with shootability is that the early guns were made for blackpowder only. If that's all that was shot out of them or they weren't shot at all, these will be fine to shoot with blackpowder. Loose lockup, messed up cylinder timing, etc. are signs common to blackpowder guns fired with smokeless loads over the years.

    Later models were made for smokeless and should be fine straight up if mechanically ok.

    FYI, that's .32 smith and wesson. Sort of an oddball but still available in smokeless loadings, and an easy one to handload for in black powder.
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  • HarleyD
    I am not sure how to get the picture in here.
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  • b.goforth
    this is a second model safety automatic hammer revolver. the "N" letter code was used in 1905 on the small frame 32 S&W caliber. all second model are rated for black powder. while you may get away with firing this revolver with modern smokeless ammo you will in fact be harming it as the frame will stretch and it will soon be unsafe to fire due to improper timming.

    SECOND MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER REVOLVER
    (Black Powder Cartridges)
    1896-1908
    LARGE FRAME AND SMALL FRAME VERSIONS USES HAMMER THE HAMMER ACTION: Double top post barrel latch, nickel finish standard, blue optional, hard rubber grip panels with Owls head at top. Hammer the Hammer action, two frame sizes, and three calibers. Standard barrel length: small frame 3 inches, large frame 3 ? inches; Calibers: small frame .22 rimfire 7 rounds cylinder capacity, .32 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity, large frame .38 centerfire 5 rounds cylinder capacity; Weight: small frame with 3 inch barrel .22 rimfire 12 ounces, .32 centerfire 12 ? ounces, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel 17? ounces; Frame height: small frame 3 ? inches, large frame 3 7/8 inches; Frame length: small frame 4 3/26 inches, large frame 5 inches; Overall length: small frame with 3 inch barrel 6 3/8 inches, large frame with 3 ? inch barrel 7 3/8 inches. Only difference between the first and second model is the barrel latch. Main serial number location on left side of grip frame grips must be removed to see. The Second Model features a double top post barrel latch, flat leaf hammer spring and two cross pins in the lower frame.
    VALUE: 100%=$275 60%=$135
    For revolvers equipped with Bourne Knuckleduster add 100%
    bill
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