Iver Johnson 1911?

[thunderbyrd]

I'm shopping for a38 super and found one made by iver Johnson. It is priced about 90-100 bucks more than the rock island. I don't know anything about IJ, does it offer 100 dollars more value?

Thanks for any help.

 

[HPJeep]

They're an importing company now and have no affiliation with the USA made iver Johnson's of old. I think these 1911s are Philippine made which means they should be good shooters. Value wise of $100 over others? That's your call.

 

[bannockburn]

thunderbyrd

According to their website their 1911s are manufactured in the Philippines with any barrel and slide porting being done here in the U.S. I think Shooters Arms Manufacturing is the manufacturer. Have only seen basic 1911s from Iver Johnson and they seemed on par with the other Philippine 1911 makers, Armscor and Metro Arms.

 

[Riomouse911]

It sounds like Iver Johnson 1911’s are like the older Charles Daly 1911’s. Those were Filipino-made pistols as well. I had a CD .45 5” for several years, it was a decent shooter but not the finest finished gun inside or out.

If the IJ is of a similar quality, I’ll bet it’ll be a serviceable gun…but not a show stopper.

Stay safe.

 

[Victor252]

I would avoid this company. If you look at the "features" list, it includes a disclaimer: "Not for use with +P ammo or reloads." Not a sign of quality. People have been making 1911s that can handle +P loads for a long time. Why go with one of the only companies that don't build their guns strong enough?
https://iverjohnsonarms.com/store/p2/1911A1_9.html
https://iverjohnsonarms.com/store/p31/1911A1_45.html

I see that the 38 Super variant does not have that disclaimer which is probably an oversight. They are not making the 38 Super out of superior steel to the .45 and 9mm.

Does Rock Island Armory have that same warning? I don't see it on their website
https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/gi-series/gi-standard-fs-38super/
https://www.armscor.com/firearms/ria/gi-series/gi-standard-fs-nickel-38super/

 

[JTQ]

I see that the 38 Super variant does not have that disclaimer which is probably an oversight. They are not making the 38 Super out of superior steel to the .45 and 9mm.

Because all .38 Super is +P

 

[rust collector]

The disclaimer speaks more to risk management and advice of legal counsel than it does to durability of the firearm. Plus P loads will accelerate wear in any gun, and that often leads to disgruntled consumers in an era in which every adverse occurrence is someone else's fault. OP seeks a 38 super. It is unlikely that the gun would be offered in that chambering if it was not up to the task.

My ATI was made by Shooters Arms, and I have had good experience with it in 45 ACP. Philippines guns are not showy, but are normally solid guns.

 

[Victor252]

I'm not a metallurgist or risk management expert. But I'm pointing out that one Philippine maker with a great reputation, RIA, does not have disclaimers and warnings against +P, while another that is less well-known maker, Iver Johnson, does warn against using such ammo. And the RIA is $100 cheaper to boot.

Of course, the OP will make up his own mind.