Iver Johnson Shotgun

Drm50 · Feb 7, 2016

Bought 7 guns as Parts Guns yesterday. When I got them home and cut them apart, they were duct taped in a bundle. Found this old IJ to be in
good shape. This one is 16g 30" FC with a solid factory rib, this is marked
on side of reciever with IJ address. Gun locks up tight and has mirror bore.
To my surprise wood has no cracks, even a little factory checkering. Metal
turning grey, but no rust. I think It may be a old Trap Model. Anyone got one
of these. Would have shot it today but I don't own a 16g shell.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1454892831.918579.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1454892847.082203.jpg

Drm50 · Feb 7, 2016

Pic trouble:

SG-688 · Feb 7, 2016

I have the Iver Johnson 12 ga. hammerless double barrel that belonged to my grandfather. Decent wood on it.

Google suggests it's a Hercules made from 1924 to 1941.

alwslate · Feb 8, 2016

Looks like the old Iver Johnson Champion. I've never seen one with a
rib before. You don't have any 16 ga shells? I do and I'm just one state
over. Bring it over and drop it off and I'll check it out for you and
report back :>)

Drm50 · Feb 8, 2016

I think it's older than a Champion. I have a 410 champion and
It's marked on the receiver. Never keep 16s, not enough bigger
than 20, or smaller than 12.

GatorFarmer · Feb 8, 2016

I have an ancient Iver Johnson 16 gauge single shot that I paid $45 last year. Mine is a reservation gun and thus has been camo painted, shortened, ported and has load bearing tape holding the stock together. Mine was originally sold as a store brand under the Diamond Arms label. I have shot mine. The Indian kid manning his grandfather s table was right, it does shoot just fine.

The local Walmart has 16 gauge game loads and I ordered slugs and buckshot online, from Sportsmans Guide I think. Only number one buck is still factory loaded.

I also have an insert for mine that lets me shoot .22 lr. I believe .410 and 28 gauge inserts can be had too.

I repainted mine, added more and better tape, and added a slip on recoil pad and buttstock shell holder.

I will likely own the thing forever, because I doubt anyone would ever buy it.

That is okay. It is capable of doing most utility shotgun tasks.

DWalt · Feb 8, 2016

I doubt it is a Trap Model, at least I have never heard of one of those made by IJ. And certainly not in 16 gauge. But H&R actually did sell a single shot trap model, much fancier than a field-grade gun. I think it was made in Europe somewhere, not by H&R.

Back in the early days, many hunters believed that longer barrels would somehow "shoot harder" (I never knew what that was supposed to mean), especially on ducks. Therefore long barrels were very popular. I think most everyone now knows that you get about the maximum MV out of about an 18" barrel (at least with smokeless powder), and anything longer is just for better balance.

Nothing wrong with the old IJ single shots, or for that matter, anyone's single shots. My experience for the most part is that if you don't hit the game with the first shot, you probably won't get it on the next shot either. And one nice thing about the single shots for us old farts is that they are lightweight and easy to carry.

I occasionally see 16 gauge shells at Academy, a little pricey, and the selection of shot sizes is limited. 16 gauge may be more popular in certain parts of the country than others, with better ammunition availability.

poordevil · Feb 8, 2016

I'll give you 50 bucks for it.

2152hq · Feb 8, 2016

The solid rib bbl on the Champion single shot intro'd in 1912 and avail till 1940 or 41.

No factory records on the ser#s that I'm aware of.

The numeric and alpha character(s) can give some indication of production era according to some who have researched this. There was a book in the works on the subject but the author (Wm Goforth) died and it was never published AFAIK. Another is some info from Jos.Vorisek his book "The Breech Loading Shotgun In America 1865 to 1940.
Some of his research info has been posted on the net. Wether it's correct or not is up for discussion.
Anyway,,here it is,,,

Iver John's Arms & Cycle Works Champion serial numbers:
If made between 1909 and1919——No Letter (alpha) prefix to serial number
If made between 1920 and 1929—-Single letter (alpha) prefix to serial number
If made between 1930 and 1939—-Two letter (alpha) prefix to serial number
If made between 1940 and 1950—Serial number is all alpha characters

Not considered a 'Trap' gun as such, but instead just an option available to purchase and add on to the basic Champion shotgun.
Champion Solid Matted Rib Model...
Avail in 12,16 & 20ga ,,28", 30" & 32 inch bbl, full choked, auto eject, or auto extractor.
Walnut stocked w/ checkering
(410 added in 1928 w/28 in Bbl.)

Drm50 · Feb 8, 2016

2152HQ, thanks for posting the IJ info.

Iver Johnson Shotgun

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