Old Iver Johnson Owl Head - Question for you

[Pondoro]

I have an Iver Johnson Owl Head 32 S&W. Three points:
1) I know it is not a sought after collector's item.
2) That said it is in nearly perfect condition -
plating nearly 100% (just slight discoloration near
the forcing cone). Bore is excellent. I have the box,
the sides have collapsed but the top and bottom are
sound. This is shocking as it is a 1st model, dating to `1894 or 1895.
3) No less than Ken Waters recommends against
using even his lightest 32 loads in this gun. (Pet
Loads)

I know the gun is from the black powder era. Do I keep
it pristine (not shoot it), shoot it with BP only, or
try light loads of smokeless. How many of you are
shooting one of these old guns?

 

[spad124]

I'd only shoot black powder loads. Why risk it?

I recently inherited a similar IJ Black powder Owl Head. Mechanically it seems fine, but the finish is gone and it is now just patina. If i shot it, I'd only use BP.

 

[steveno]

I have an Iver Johnson revolver that says "Double Action Model 1900" on the top strap in 32 S & W and I have no idea when it was made. the nickel plating is flaking off and is probably 50% condition. I have shot it with factory smokeless ammo of unknown age. there were a few misfires but I'm not sure if it was a problem with the gun or the ammo of unknown age. I'm not going to buy a new box of ammo if I could find any to try and prove if it was a gun problem or an ammo problem. there is a lot of play in the cylinder. I'm not a fan of gun buy backs but if there was one close by I think this revolver would get a one way trip.

 

[Kurusu]

I have an Iver Johnson Owl Head 32 S&W. Three points:
1) I know it is not a sought after collector's item.
2) That said it is in nearly perfect condition -
plating nearly 100% (just slight discoloration near
the forcing cone). Bore is excellent. I have the box,
the sides have collapsed but the top and bottom are
sound. This is shocking as it is a 1st model, dating to `1894 or 1895.
3) No less than Ken Waters recommends against
using even his lightest 32 loads in this gun. (Pet
Loads)

I know the gun is from the black powder era. Do I keep
it pristine (not shoot it), shoot it with BP only, or
try light loads of smokeless. How many of you are
shooting one of these old guns?

Shoot it with blackpowder. Clean it thoroughly after and it will remain pristine. Well, almost.

 

[Pondoro]

<SNIP> I'm not a fan of gun buy backs but if there was one close by I think this revolver would get a one way trip.

I have two seriously worthless guns just in case there is another $100 buy back!

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have this exact same pistol as you do, including the original box, in okay shape. The pistol is sound and in 90% condition. I'm not planning on shooting it, as I have other IJs I can do that with if need be.

The problem with most IJs you find is some internal parts are usually broken, probably because people were smokeless powder in black powder pistols a long time ago. Finding one if great shape is not easy, so that's why I'm not shooting it any time soon! That's just my take on it.