I need Help dating my old Iver Johnson

[Old Grumpy]

I have an old Iver Johnson my father had purchased. I believe he picked it up in the early to middle 60s. I do not know if he bought it new or used. I've searched the internet for serial number information but have come up short. Can anyone give me a tip or point me in the right direction?

The pistol is an Iver Johnson Trailsman 66 in .38 S&W short.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Never seen one quite like that. It sure is a nice little wheel gun.

 

[JohnBT]

www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=50628

Read Post #6, he wrote the book.

"the model 66 with 4 and 6 inch barrels chambered for the 22 long rifle cartridge was introduced in 1958 and discontinued in 1978. the model 66S in centerfire calibers 32 S&W and 38 S&W was introduced in 1961 and discontinued about 1964 when the model 67S viking snub was introduced. the model 66 trailsman does not have the "hammer the hammer" action while the model 67 viking does."

 

[Old Grumpy]

JohnBT, thanks for the information and the link. I have several books that list production dates for the Trailsman 66, but they all refer to the .22 only. It appears I was fairly close with my "guess-t-ment" on its age. Now I'll try to find a copy of this gentleman's book.

 

[Old Grumpy]

RevolvingGarbage, it is a very nice small revolver. It truely is a "pocket pistol". I believe my father shot less than 1/2 a box of shells through it before putting it in the closet. The .38 S&W shorts do not produce much recoil even with the lightweight pistol. It works great, a little stiff, but still perfect. I believe the stiffness comes from being "new" and possibly some old gummy oil residue. A good cleaning is in order. I did buy a new box of shells for it, they are a little hard to find, just to have some on hand. I ran a few rounds through it at the range last fall and at 7 yards I cut paper four out of five times. I think the little top-break would do better in "more experienced" hands. LOL