Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works .38 S&W

[RED]

I just bought an Iver Johnson's top break "Safety Automatic" at auction. I know I probably paid too much but I really liked the little revolver's looks. For one thing, it is not nickle plated and has a very pleasant, and even, brown patina In addition, it has some features that seem to be unusual. The serial number is 38371 with no prefix and is on the trigger guard and underneath the top strap , and no "Pat. Pending's," all of which are supposed to be there even on the early ones. Opinions are appreciated!

[joem]

Nice but the pic is a bit dark. Will you shoot it?

[RED]

Nice but the pic is a bit dark. Will you shoot it?

Yes, I have some virgin brass located.

[joem]

Missouri Bullet makes cast lead bullets for it. I shoot mine once in a while.

[RED]

I managed to steal 2 boxes of virgin brass from da gimp. I cobbled together a few rounds using .357 dia. FMJ's 125 gr. The book said 3.7 grs. of Unique and I started at 2.5 and that load was pretty anemic so I went to 2.9. I didn't have the correct seating die so I used the one for my Makarov and it took a little adjusting but in the end it worked just fine. I suspect that a 9mm Luger die would also work. The 9MM head spaces on the case mouth while the little revolver is rimmed.

At 2.9 Gr.s of Unique the little gun is a hoot to shoot and my wife really liked it. We only fired 8 rounds for function and will start trying for accuracy next. I'm going to look for some lead round nose bullets but I am uncertain of the right size. Different sites have different numbers... .357 up to .364.

Bottom line I really like this little gun and and glad I bought it.

[Art]

I managed to steal 2 boxes of virgin brass from da gimp. I cobbled together a few rounds using .357 dia. FMJ's 125 gr. The book said 3.7 grs. of Unique and I started at 2.5 and that load was pretty anemic so I went to 2.9. I didn't have the correct seating die so I used the one for my Makarov and it took a little adjusting but in the end it worked just fine. I suspect that a 9mm Luger die would also work. The 9MM head spaces on the case mouth while the little revolver is rimmed.

At 2.9 Gr.s of Unique the little gun is a hoot to shoot and my wife really liked it. We only fired 8 rounds for function and will start trying for accuracy next. I'm going to look for some lead round nose bullets but I am uncertain of the right size. Different sites have different numbers... .357 up to .364.

Bottom line I really like this little gun and and glad I bought it.

Red, as I recall the correct bullet size is .364. I once seized a .38 Special Model 10 that had .38 S&W cartridges crammed, and I do mean crammed into the charge holes. It took some effort to get them out.

[Ron James]

Pull the left grip and see if there is a letter prefix. Iver Johnson started { on all ther older models } with serial number 00001 and when the got to 99999 they then started over with a letter prefix such as A00001. Also does it have a flat mainspring or is it a coil .

[RED]

Thanks guys

Pull the left grip and see if there is a letter prefix. Iver Johnson started { on all ther older models } with serial number 00001 and when the got to 99999 they then started over with a letter prefix such as A00001. Also does it have a flat mainspring or is it a coil .

Yes, it is a flat spring and there is a prefix G (or possibly a Q) and then the 38XXX serial number. I also found what appears to be a pat. pending # on the heel of the handle. My old eyes just can't decipher the letters even with a magnifying glass.


Oh, the rounds I loaded using .357 FMJ's worked fine for a few rounds but the last round was firmly stuck in the muzzle and I had to force it out with a punch. Next time I will up the charge by .3 grains and try it.

I have read somewhere that colt used a "heeled" bullet the same diameter as the mouth of the case.

Thanks again.

[joem]

Get a set of .38 S&W dies. I cut down .38 spl brass to the correct length and load them. I load with Trail Boss powder. Accuracy was much better with a .361 dia bullet and 158 grain cast lead.

[Ron James]

Made in 1921, Small Frame , 32 S&W. It does have a smokeless frame

[RED]

Made in 1921, Small Frame , 32 S&W. It does have a smokeless frame

I assume that .32 is a typo and I hope the other info is correct. I have wanted an old top break revolver since I watched Sgt Preston of the Yukon in 1956 with his Webley.

[Ron James]

My error, I failed to see the 38 S&W. G prefix for 1898 was used for serial numbers G 00001 to G50000. Large frame , Hammer. This also fits in with the flat mainspring.

[RED]

Thanks Ron!

OK... I'm having trouble locating .360-.361 diameter bullets. Any body want to guess if .364 110 grain cast lead bullets could be used?

Thoughts please!

[joem]

Red; call Missouri Bullet company or look them up on the web. 816-597-3204. Item is ".38 S&W" .361 Diameter
.38 S&W
145 Grain RN
Brinell 12
For .38 S&W
Price per box of 500