iver johnson help

[50apiguy]

Ok so i purchased an old iver johnson 38 i believe. Its a five shot. I know these things are cheaply made and i prolly over paid at $60.00 but i drove an hour to get to the estate auction and felt the need to buy something. im not sure if it will handle smokeless powder. The pat. date is nov. 17 08. Anybody know anything about these things? It has amrex on the frame by the grips anybody know what that means? Thanks

 

[woodsie57]

Big thing to watch for is getting the proper cartridge. Could well be the .38 S@W, or any of the other old blackpowder loads that were prevalent back in the day. Shorter cases than the .38 spl., but some were made with the cyliners bored straight thru, perhaps allowing the later, longer, more powerful loads to chamber and fire. With the right ammo, assuming it's mechanically sound, they [the old IverJohnsons/ H@R's] are fun shooters.