IJ Safety Hammerless 22

[TheAbe]

Hi everyone. So along with my Iver Johnson Safety Hammerless revolver in 32 S&W, I also recently picked up one in what appears to be 22LR. I’ve seen discussion about what models (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of the 32 were hardened for smokeless powder, but does that apply to the rimfire versions as well? Both my 32 and 22 are third models, with coil spring, etc. Should the 22 be ok with modern 22LR ammo, and should I stick to “standard velocity” rounds (like with my High Standard Model A) or might Federal Automatch 22LR (high velocity) be ok?

Thanks!

[FergusonTO35]

Any idea what year it might be? As I recall the .22 LR wasn't introduced until 1890 so if it was made before then, .22 Shorts or Longs would be correct. I'm *pretty sure* that pressure specs for standard velocity .22 rimfire rounds are the same whether loaded with black or smokeless.

[TheAbe]

That’s a good question. So good, I think a photo is in order.310794

These are my two Iver Johnson Safety Hammerless revolvers. Bottom one is the .32 S&W S/N B1268 the top is the .22 S/N I35737. At least I think it’s an I. Any IJ specialists here? I think the 32 is around 1908 or so and the 22 later...maybe into the 1920’s?

[FergusonTO35]

I would start out with .22 Shorts and go from there. If it seems to handle them fine, move up to standard velocity .22 LR. Remember, there have been alot of guns made with much cheaper construction than your IJ's that handle HV .22 just fine. How does the bore and throat look? I would at least give it a heckuva scrubbing first to eliminate any rust or fouling that could raise pressure.

[rintinglen]

The chances are excellent that your gun was made well before the introduction of "Hi-speed" cartridges in the early 30's. Standard velocity only. That includes 22 shorts, no hi-speed. CB caps, will be fine (if you can locate any>)

[Mk42gunner]

The chances are excellent that your gun was made well before the introduction of "Hi-speed" cartridges in the early 30's. Standard velocity only. That includes 22 shorts, no hi-speed. CB caps, will be fine (if you can locate any>)
^^^^
This is what I was thinking too.

There were an awful lot of guns that couldn't take the added stress of the .22 Long Rifle High Velocity loading. Two that come to mind that I think anyone will agree were high quality were the original Colt Woodsman and the Marlin pre model 39 lever action rifle.

Robert

[TheAbe]

That’s just the advice I was looking for. Already familiar with SV-only with my High Standard. I actually do have a box of CB-shorts, and a source for more, though I was going to save those for my Sedgley Baby Hammerless once I got that functioning properly again. That’ll be the topic of another thread in the future.
As to the throat and barrel, there is noticeable rifling remaining, and the throat is fair, though checking it last night I’ll scrub it out again before using it. I think it’s got some particles from the cloth I used to clean. I might also run a bore snake through it, since I have one for 22 and that eliminates the potential for cloth bits.

[Thumbcocker]

Cb caps might be an option.