Fun Junker - Iver Johnson 55

[Old School]

I picked up a 22lr revolver for a plinker today. It was so cheap and like new so I just had to give it a try. It is an Iver Johnson 55 in 22lr. It is a homely and peculiar little gun. You remove the cylinder to reload it and the shells actually have to be punched out with removable cylinder axle. It has a parkerized finish like an old military colt.

It is quite a process to reload this thing compared to a modern gun and it is built like a guy made it in his garage but darn it, for some reason I really like it. Surpisingly it shoots really well in single action and can easily hold the 10 ring at 7 yards. Double action is pretty rough and the hammer actaully obscures the site view during the double action trigger pull, so I spent most of my time shooting in single action.

It is equiped with combat style rear sites and a blade site on the front that does not look adjustable. I would like to adjust the front blade site as the guns shoot to the left if you don't compensate. All in all, it is fun to shoot. While it is no modern firearm, it has a charm that I can't explain. It may be because it is not a modern firearm, I don't know. It is an odd thing for me to enjoy because I am a real stickler for guns that are practical and efficient and this Iver Johnson is neither. Regardless, I enjoyed shooting it a great deal. Go figure.

 

[Mike Franklin]

I've owned 2 breaktops and really enjoyed'm. Both were .38 S&W. One would hold 5 shots on a cactus pad DA at 5 yards. When I'd work cattle from horse back I'd carry the better one in my pocket. It was not a combat gun but was fun and much better than carrying a sharp stick. A collecter talked me out of both of'm. I got much more than I had in'm but wished I'd a kept the better of the 2.
Those old guns were very popular in the Old West and likely settled many bar disputes, more than the movies want to admit.

 

[Old School]

Here are a few pics of this interesting little piece.

 

[Gator]

I have one of those too. They are neat old guns!

 

[Old School]

Well, I put about 200 rounds through it today. Definately alot of fun. However, it shoots about 4 to 5 inches to the left at 7 yards. I have no idea how to adjust the front blade site or what to do about it. If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear it.