My grandfather passed away last week and my dad found his old Iver Johnson single shot (no shoulder stock...broke about 30 years ago) tucked away in his ceder chest. 20 gauge. It was his fathers (so my Great Grandfathers) and I doubt it will ever be used as a shooter; I think it may be Damascus steel but I could be wrong.
I don't have it in my possession yet, and I am not going to cause a family fued to try and get the gun. I did tell my brother that his reasons for wanting it was dumb since all he wanted was a shotgun and I want it for my kids to learn to shoot (if safe) or display and finally pass on down to them...he agreed with me and is going to just buy a 10/22 or something.
What can you guys tell me about it? Here is what I know. It was my great grandfathers and he gave it to my grandfather. I have seen pictures of Papa shooting the shotgun when he was about 16 so that would have been 1939-1940. I would estimate (without being able to look at the serial on the receiver) that it was probably purchased around 1915 or so. There is no blueing left at all. Rust isn't bad, I think sitting in the cedar chest for 30 years really helped to preseve the wood and metal. I would like to either do a full restoration myself or have it fully restored professionally. I have never done a firearm restoration and I will practice on something that holds no personal value to me. I have an old Remington 11 that needs some major work and plan to practice on that first.
Can this gun handle regular shotgun loads? I know that it has been shot in the 60's with whatever the standard load of the time was and the thing didn't blow up.
Where can I find a stock for this thing? The fore-piece is in good shape but could definitely use some work.
What blueing method would look closest to the original? I know that when it comes to blueing metal preparation is 99% of the work, and as I said I will practice on the Remington 11 that I have no emotional attachment to (and it was only about $100)
Thanks for the help. I know this is closer to a gunsmithing question than a shotgun question but I am very curious about the manufacturer history of this particular model. When I finally get the gun, I will post a picture of what there is...
I don't have it in my possession yet, and I am not going to cause a family fued to try and get the gun. I did tell my brother that his reasons for wanting it was dumb since all he wanted was a shotgun and I want it for my kids to learn to shoot (if safe) or display and finally pass on down to them...he agreed with me and is going to just buy a 10/22 or something.
What can you guys tell me about it? Here is what I know. It was my great grandfathers and he gave it to my grandfather. I have seen pictures of Papa shooting the shotgun when he was about 16 so that would have been 1939-1940. I would estimate (without being able to look at the serial on the receiver) that it was probably purchased around 1915 or so. There is no blueing left at all. Rust isn't bad, I think sitting in the cedar chest for 30 years really helped to preseve the wood and metal. I would like to either do a full restoration myself or have it fully restored professionally. I have never done a firearm restoration and I will practice on something that holds no personal value to me. I have an old Remington 11 that needs some major work and plan to practice on that first.
Can this gun handle regular shotgun loads? I know that it has been shot in the 60's with whatever the standard load of the time was and the thing didn't blow up.
Where can I find a stock for this thing? The fore-piece is in good shape but could definitely use some work.
What blueing method would look closest to the original? I know that when it comes to blueing metal preparation is 99% of the work, and as I said I will practice on the Remington 11 that I have no emotional attachment to (and it was only about $100)
Thanks for the help. I know this is closer to a gunsmithing question than a shotgun question but I am very curious about the manufacturer history of this particular model. When I finally get the gun, I will post a picture of what there is...
