Iver Johnson .38 S&W Revolver (126 Years Old) - TheFirearmGuy

Published on August 23, 2021
Duration: 7:03

This video provides a detailed review of a 126-year-old Iver Johnson Break Top .38 S&W Revolver. The presenter highlights its unique break-open action with an integrated extractor, its production era (likely 1895-1908), and its transfer bar safety mechanism. Despite minimal sights and a small trigger guard, the revolver is noted to shoot reasonably well, with a heavy double-action pull and a lighter single-action pull.

Quick Summary

The Iver Johnson Break Top .38 S&W Revolver, produced between 1895-1908, features a unique break-open action with an integrated extractor. It also includes a transfer bar safety. While chambered in .38 S&W, a distinct cartridge from .38 Special, it offers a softer shooting experience with minimal sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sponsor Segment
  2. 00:35Iver Johnson Break Top .38 S&W Revolver Overview
  3. 01:02Break Open Action & Extractor Mechanism
  4. 01:21Acquisition Story & Ammo Mix-up
  5. 01:34Grip Condition & Repair
  6. 01:42Barrel Length & Sights
  7. 01:56Shooting Impressions (7 Yards)
  8. 02:15Production Era & Safety Features
  9. 02:31Trigger Guard Size & Shooting Experience
  10. 02:41Cleaning & Value Discussion
  11. 02:55Reloading & Two-Handed Shooting
  12. 03:04Lock-up & Internal Mechanics
  13. 03:12Iver Johnson Company Background
  14. 03:23Shooting Demonstration (Single Action)
  15. 03:34Sights & Hold Strategy
  16. 03:46Shooting Demonstration (Double Action)
  17. 03:51Extractor & Loading Process
  18. 04:07Shooting at 10 Yards
  19. 04:11Hold Strategy & Double Action Pull
  20. 04:32Viewer Feedback & Learning
  21. 04:45Information Scarcity
  22. 04:59.38 S&W vs. .38 Special Comparison
  23. 05:08Tape Grip & Trigger Pull Details
  24. 05:19Final Thoughts & Ownership History
  25. 05:23Call to Action & Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the Iver Johnson Break Top revolver's action?

The Iver Johnson Break Top revolver features a distinctive break-open action. A lever on the side, when pushed upwards, opens the barrel assembly. Crucially, this action also deploys an integrated extractor that lifts the spent cartridges, facilitating their easy removal.

What caliber is the Iver Johnson revolver reviewed, and how does it differ from .38 Special?

The reviewed Iver Johnson revolver is chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson. This is a distinct cartridge from the .38 Special, primarily differing in case length and volume. The .38 S&W case is shorter and generally holds less powder, resulting in a softer shooting experience compared to .38 Special.

What safety features were present on the Iver Johnson Break Top revolver?

For its era, the Iver Johnson Break Top revolver incorporated a transfer bar safety. This mechanism was considered modern technology at the time and was designed to prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger was intentionally pulled.

What are the typical production years for the Iver Johnson Break Top revolver?

Based on historical information, the Iver Johnson Break Top revolver model was most likely produced between 1895 and 1908. This places it firmly in the category of antique firearms.

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