I.J. pony

raskil

February 15, 2003 20:53

What is the quality and value of an Iver Johnson "Pony" .380 vs a Colt "Pony". My understanding is the Colt was marketed by Colt but made by Star and an importer in Flordia. Then I.J. bought out the importer and rights to the mfg and moved to Arkansas. I was told that the later I.J. pistols are actualy better than those marketed by Colt. I have seen a few I.J.'s for around $200 but the Colts go for +$450. I would buy a different 380 than the Colt for $450, but would an I.J.Pony (+97%)be worth $200-250?

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  Sunray

  February 15, 2003 21:39

  I don't know about quality, but you're running into the brand name. It's like when you buy car parts. If it says Cadillac, it costs more for the same thing. Mind you, I've never heard of a Colt product, made by Star. Not that it couldn't happen.

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  rufe-snow

  February 15, 2003 21:40

  Real interesting link here regarding the history of the Iver Johnson "PONY". The companies making them down in Arkansas had multiple bankruptcies, changes in ownership, production was suspended then resumed etc. etc.
  Personally this isn't a confidence builder, when I'm faced with this sort of situation!
  I would look it over real good, take it apart and test fire it if possible, try to get some sort of money back guarantee from the seller (FAT CHANCE !).
  Better yet if you want a good inexpensive .380, KELTEC is coming out with one in MAY, be better to wait for it.
  You would be ahead of the game.
  
  
  http://www2.arkansas.net/~sws1/ijfaq003.htm#AMAC

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  buddyb

  February 16, 2003 09:58

  Star made some of them.They are of equal quality of Colts,but do not have the resale value.(snob appeal?)

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  b.goforth

  February 16, 2003 11:32

  with out going into detail about the history of the colt pony, the iver johnson pony and the f.i. model d (which by the way is covered in by new iver johnson book soon to be published by blacksmith corp)
  the iver johnson pony's did have some quality control problems towards the end but nothing serious enough that it couldn't be fixed. at the price of the iver johnson pony versus the colt government .380 (they are not the same pistol just look alike) your can afford to do a little tweeking of the the i.j.
  
  most of the problems i have encountered with them is the cheap italian manufactured magazines that they came with near the end of production.
  
  if you like plastic pistols go for the keltec otherwise the ij's under $200 are good buys.
  b.goforth

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  j2k22

  February 17, 2003 08:10

  had the IJ Pony; good, solid, reliable and satisfying little pistol.

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  gravedigger

  February 17, 2003 16:46

  Gun Tests is palnning a Colt Mustang vs. Colt Mustang Pocketlite vs. IJ Pony for a future issue. Thought you might like a heads up.
  
  -Marcus
  
  ***When the Second Amendment falls, the First will be sure to follow.***

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  raskil

  February 17, 2003 20:46

  All, had to decide by noon so based on the info I had, I went for it. I had alreary taken it apart at the store (it was a trade-in) and it was in very good shape (97%). Only wear was on the outside edge of safety and ~1/4 " of bluing on left barrel end (holster wear). Has nice wood grips which I removed and oiled, then polished feed ramp. In anticipation, picked up a spare factory mag (metal)at gun show yesterday. The original mag was clean but so stiff, could only get 5 rds in. Took it to range this evening and shot target ammo very good at 15' and 21'. Actualy shot better than my Bersa and is actualy smaller. Still plan on calling GT to get a pre-issue report. Very satisfied for now. If I have any problems, the smith is very good at correcting anything he sells. Actualy got it for $175.[:)]

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