Re-Chambering an old Iver Johnson

[kd7nqb]

My buddy in work has an old Iver Johnson that is chambered in .38S&W. He likes the gun hates how hard it is to find ammo for it. Any idea if he can get it re-chambered into a new caliber. He was particularly wondering about .38spc I think that would be all together wrong fit wise. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[steveno]

no way would I rechamber an old Iver Johnson top break to 38 special.

 

[Will5A1]

The cyclinder is too short for full length .38 Specials, the bore size too large, (at least for any accuracy) and the top break design isn't as strong as a solid frame revolver. If reloading isn't an option, and he can't or doesn't want to buy mail order, its probably time to retire the Iver Johnson. The last time I checked .38 S&W factory ammo was pushing $30 a box - way too pricey for me.

I just checked and Midway (www.midwayusa.com) has some reasonably priced .38 S&W, some searching would probably turn up more vendors with it, i.e. Graf & Sons, Georgia Ammo, etc.

 

[dogngun]

Spend the money you would pay to have the Iver rechambered and buy a used Smith & Wesson Model 10
Put the Iver Johnson in the safe for retirement.
Do not rechamber it, and if you rechamber it, do not shoot it.
The cylinder is too small, and the latch is too weak to contain a .38 Special round.

Mark