Iver Johnson Model 55 Target Revolver

[@whitlock3076]

Great video! My grandpa passed away recently and I received his old Iver Johnson Target Model 57a and it is essentially the same as the model 55. It has adjustable front and rear sights and a loading gate that swings down revealing the side of the cylinder. The double action makes a bit more sense on the 57a as the adjustable rear sights are high enough that the hammer does not impede the sight picture when in the resting position. It tends to have misfires quite frequently, 3 or 4 light strikes out of 8 almost every time, so I'll try adjusting the main spring like you suggested. Very informative and helpful video! Thanks for posting!

[@314299]

It's nice to have an inherited gun like that to remember a relative. Best of success in getting your 57A back in reliable service.

[@BrianW211]

Nice video. I've been looking for more info on this revolver. I just inherited one with the 6-inch barrel and smooth cylinder (no flutes). My father bought it new in 1958, but my research indicates it was made in 1957. It hadn't been fired since 1980 and I have no idea how long since it had been cleaned. The hammer wouldn't even stay cocked to allow single-action until after I cleaned it. Amazing what a difference a good cleaning makes.

[@314299]

Yes, a good cleaning and proper lubrication can make all the difference. That's, cool having a Model 55 that belonged to your father.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

I have the mod 57a manufactured in 1957. I bought mine in 1978 for 15 bucks unfired. I attached an ejection rod 30 years ago and it has functioned well all these years.

[@314299]

Did you fabricate an ejection rod or did you add one from a different gun?

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

Fabricated

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

From a set of wind chimes

[@314299]

@@spiritualawakenings6251 Sounds like an interesting modification.

[@Thorsaxe777]

Times were different back then, people had common-caliber .22 pistols like this for a camp gun or something to use for around their home. My Dad had a few price point .22 pistols that he bought second hand. the H&R 9, Hawes single action, high standard 9 shot. I learned to shoot a pistol with those out on the farm. -Dave

[@314299]

This class of old gun is certainly underappreciated today. I think this is because they are rather vanilla in appearance and have no military connection or fame from movies or TV shows. All that keeps them from being recognized by most people. On the plus side it does mean that the prices are generally quite reasonable on them, and the guns will still do all the things that they did when they were new. That makes for a great deal for those of us who can appreciate simple, solid old guns.

[@kevinl8500]

Have the exact same gun,got from my grandmother years ago,we call it the snake charmer!!!

[@314299]

Do you shoot it often?

[@jimwarner2387]

Just picked up one of these at a show, appreciate the video. Thanks!

[@314299]

Nice, get a chance to shoot it yet?

[@jimwarner2387]

Yes, I did, takes a little time between firing, but all in all a fun shoot. I didn't really notice it had righty grips on it and I'm a lefty. I make do, don't really want to change the grips.

[@Zach-cg7dw]

I just purchased one of those the other day, mine has the the loading gate on the side though. Thanks for the informative video.

[@314299]

Interesting. Does your loading port appear to be original to the gun or might it have been modified?

[@thomasglorius5730]

Just.purchased one these great condition at that love the look mine has 5. One half inch barrel

[@314299]

Nice, hope you enjoy yours.

[@slowhand1198]

Seems like something in the H&R class. I've got a couple of the 999 top breaks. They might be a bit more upscale, but not too much so.

[@314299]

The quality of the IJ and H&R seem comparable. The top breaks are considerably faster to load and unload and thus are more popular and valuable than any "pull pin" revolver.

[@tim8166]

Great video, thank you. Do you know where I could find a serial number/date of manufacture guide for an Iver Johnson 57A?

[@314299]

I don't know of any on line source of that information, however I have heard that W.E.Goforth's book "Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871 - 1993" contains it.

[@yevgenz]

I just happened to figure out that theoretically only one cartridge may fall out of the loading port if shooting upwards, since the cyllinder rotates clockwise, the rest would be empty cases.

[@314299]

Yes, that's right only one loaded round passes the loading/viewing port and after that you have empties going past the port.

[@waynedaley7048]

That revolver is in great shape for its age 👌🏼

[@314299]

It sure is. Looks like it spent most of the time in that box and not being used.

[@whitebuffalo4641]

Very nice work on the "Owl Head." Thank you.

[@314299]

No problem, thanks for the comment.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

You have to remember that 30$ US, was just under the 40$ US. That the average man made in a factory back in the 1950s, like when you compared the cost of it today. There are a few revolvers that are of great value at less than 150$ US. that will shoot both LR and magnum of which I find to be a good value for dollars spent I do like your review of this firearm.

[@314299]

Good point on the cost vs income comparison. These guns are still a good value today. Thanks for your comment.

[@RyeOnHam]

Great video. These are underrated guns. The cheap guns being made now are nowhere near the durability of their 1950's equivalent. I have an H&R 922 with a similar construction and concept. The tip of the firing pin is missing. Don't know if it was intentional or not with these old guns. I plan to have the tip TIG welded and then file till the protrusion is correct. It's a gun my father owned, so I do not want to change it nor would I trust a replacement part to be fit properly anyway.

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

Tig welding would work but give silver soldering a try as well if that is more accessible to you. It will work.

[@RyeOnHam]

@@ragnarragnarsson3128 I've already got a guy lined up. Just have to get our schedules synchronized.

[@314299]

The H&R 922 is certainly an equivalent to the IJ 55. I would guess someone dry fired your H&R in order to break the tip off the firing pin.

[@dangunn6961]

Really good video. I have a Iver Johnson Target model 55 almost exactly like yours. Mine has a white grip and an unfluted cylinder and the serial number is on the bottom of the trigger guard. It is in very good condition. Mine is missing the front sight blade and has some rust on the cylinder. I haven't been able to find parts for it. I'd like to get the sight blade and a new cylinder. Also the cartridges are tight fitting in the cylinder. Maybe I can file the inside of it to make them fit better. I haven't fired it yet. I may just sell it and get a 22 revolver I can use for target practice.

[@cjv3417]

Please Do not file the in sides of the cylinder get some polishing compound with q tips or 1000-1200 grit sandpaper and lightly go trough the cylinder holes

[@dangunn6961]

@@cjv3417 I tried several different brands of 22LR ammo and CCI standard velocity ammo fits without much drag. All the other brands I tried I really had to push hard to get the cartridge into the cylinder. I haven't shopped for ammo for several years so I don't know if CCI standard velocity is available now. I tried filing the inside of the cylinder but the metal is case hardened and the file didn't do much. The whole gun looks case hardened with the colors in it.

[@314299]

That's quite odd the rounds being "tight fitting", perhaps it is just dirt/fouling or a light layer of rust? I would get a good tight fitting brass brush and go at the chambers with that and some light oil to see if that cures it, no filing should be needed and I would advise against it. If there is some rust you might want to wrap a bit of fine steel wool around a bore brush and again go at the chambers with some oil.

[@alanm5212]

THANK YOU for a CLEAR, CONSISE , & INFORMATIVE VIDEO. I've just picked up a "55 A" (literally a few minutes ago). It is absolutely pristine ( with the exception of slight rust about 3/8" of an inch on the frame. I've recently gotten into collecting IVER JOHNSON firearms. I have researched the history of the company and the various models "IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS" have produced over the years. Intriguing company history & the engineering they produced about a century ago. The only difference I've found in the model "55" & " 55A" is a loading gate. IS THIS TRUE? Are there other differences? The barrel on mine is mine is 5 1/4". Can you or anyone reading these comments help me with that? THANKS

[@314299]

Thanks for your comment, I'm sorry I'm so late responding to it but I just saw it. I'm far from being an expert on these revolvers, but as far as I know the only significant difference between a 55 and 55A is the loading gate.

[@markbowman3]

I have a Model 55 that is in excellent condition. It was literally granny's gun. It is stamped as 22 caliber. When it is loaded with 22LR it looks like it could also be loaded with 22MAGNUM. Do you know if it will safely fire a magnum shell? It is also a 5 1/4" barrel.

[@314299]

The 22 magnum round has a larger case diameter than the .22 LR and will not chamber in a .22 LR (unless someone has modified the chambers). Modifying a 22 LR to 22 MAG is not advisable as the 22 MAG operates at much higher pressure than the 22 LR and guns may not be up to taking the pressure. I would only shoot 22 MAG is a gun made for it at the factory.

[@deerslayer8248]

i recieved my grandpas Iver Johnson Target Mod55 after he passed away and it doesnt have a cylinder or pin.where can i get the cylinder and pin. Thank You for your help.

[@314299]

www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/hr/revolvers-hr/622-2

[@Jerry-Parker]

Excellent video !👍 Thanks for sharing !

[@314299]

Thanks. Not a super popular topic but hopefully of interest to a few people.

[@yevgenz]

Great condition, my friend. I happened to think, if you shoot at an elevation, will those rounds fall out from the window under the recoil?

[@314299]

Yes, it's in nice shape. I don't think rounds would fall out the loading/viewing port if one was shooting at an elevated angle as the rounds would only very briefly line up with the port and the 22 rounds are a bit of a "press fit" into the chamber anyway.

[@markbowman3]

@@314299 yes I agree that the shell is not likely to just fall out. When mine is cocked the cartridge is not perfectly lined up with the loading window. It is almost halfway covering the rear of the shell in half-cocked position.

[@tomyearman8915]

Are these double action only? Mine drops the hammer part way and I have to finish double action pull to fire.

[@314299]

No, they are single/double action revolvers.

[@thomasglorius5730]

There both action single and double

[@MrTruckerf]

Did you ever get yours fixed? I hope so; they are a fun little gun to plink around with.

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

Nice video about a not well known vintage revolver. While you could carry it with a full cylinder on half cock, I think I would load 7 and carry with the hammer on an empty chamber like a SAA. Cheers

[@314299]

Yes, one is relying on the "safety notch" or half cock notch when the cylinder is full. Seven shots is still a decent capacity when down loaded.

[@onmilo]

Good old "Hammer The Hammer" Iver Johnsons! Oh and I think logcabinlooms has become an epic hoarder.

[@314299]

It's good to hear from you. I'm guessing you were watching his canvas tarp video?

[@onmilo]

@@314299 Assident in 2016 left my right arm nearly completely crippled so I don't shoot much anymore, and lost nearly everything I had before I got approved for disability but still enjoy watching the old school you-tubers. Bless LCL but he's going to end up in an episode of A&E's hoarders at some point. ">D

[@314299]

@@onmilo Sorry to hear you have had such a hard time, that is most unfortunate. Us "Old School" KZbinrs are few and far between, many of the older gun content creators gave up with all the hassle that KZbin gave us. As for LCL ending up on TV I doubt they would get past the gate and his dogs!

[@onmilo]

@@314299 "The Struggle is REAL! ">D

[@randyeclarino2838]

Can I see the the video on how to disassemble the gun of 38 model 55 smith and wesson?

[@314299]

Sorry but I dont have one of those.

[@silverbackgt866]

Is it ok if mine only works in double action?

[@314299]

It sounds as if something is not working properly if you don’t have single action as well.

[@KZ-kj4xh]

Does any one know why my trigger won’t reset after firing each round I manually have to reset the trigger by pushing it forward

[@314299]

It sounds to me like you have a broken spring.

[@KZ-kj4xh]

@@314299 that’s what I was thinking. I went on eBay and bought a whole new trigger piece that includes the lever,lifter and small bent spring piece and I ended up switching the trigger and it went from being basically broken to a single action and I don’t mind it tbh I just found out that the reason it didn’t reset was because the lifter piece wasn’t sitting In the right spot and therefore it would not act as a spring

[@FelixPerez-h7v]

Wath is the price for one of those

[@314299]

Prices vary depending mostly on the condition. I suggest you find a copy of the Blue Book of Gun Values, or keep an eye on the on line vendors and auction houses to see current asking and selling prices.

[@MrRainbowrooster]

Great video! Thanks

[@314299]

No problem, thanks for the comment.

[@wagon9082]

Good video

[@314299]

Thanks. It's a rather obscure old gun.

[@JosemanuelCervantesgaspar]

Puedes desir en español

[@314299]

I don't speak Spanish.

[@countrylife8347]

I want one

[@314299]

Should not be too hard to find and should not be too expensive either.

[@countrylife8347]

Can shoot mini mag 22lr

[@robertlaws1554]

Pretty much just a trap gun

[@314299]

Not very "target" with no adjustable sights.

[@thomasglorius5730]

Why u say that mine has the 5 one half inch barrel very spot on if u know how to shoot a revolver ya know there very good guns better than shit made today

[@thomasglorius5730]

That's why u shoot a bit put a dab of orange or green on end barrel sight u see. Some of us old timers can shoot my boys