Iver Johnson Arms

About Iver Johnson

Iver Johnson Arms has been a pioneering force in American firearms manufacturing since 1871, with a remarkable 154-year legacy of innovation and quality.

The company was founded by Norwegian immigrant Iver Johnson (born Ivar Jonsen Floe) and Martin Bye as Johnson Bye & Company in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Iver Johnson was a skilled gunsmith who emigrated from Norway in 1863 and worked for Allen & Wheelock for eight years while learning English and developing his craft.

In 1883, Johnson purchased Bye's interest and renamed the firm Iver Johnson & Company, later becoming Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works in 1891 when they relocated to Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

The company revolutionized firearm safety with their innovative transfer bar safety system and produced nearly one million Safety Hammerless revolvers between 1894 and the 1940s.

After the original company ceased operations in 1993, the Iver Johnson name was revived in 2006, continuing the tradition of producing quality firearms including 1911-style pistols, shotguns, and derringers.

Popular Iver Johnson Features

Transfer Bar Safety System

• This revolutionary safety innovation allows revolvers to be safely carried with the hammer down on a loaded chamber, preventing accidental discharge.

"Hammer the Hammer" Technology

• Their famous drop-safe technology became synonymous with the advertising slogan that highlighted their superior safety features.

Top-Break Design

• The automatic ejection system expels spent cartridges when the revolver is opened, providing quick and efficient reloading.

Robust Construction

• Despite affordable pricing, Iver Johnson firearms feature well-built mechanisms with quality materials including case-hardened components.

Double-Action Operation

• Optimized for defensive use, their double-action revolvers provide reliable performance when it matters most.

Distinctive Owl Logo

• The iconic owl logo on grip plates became a recognizable symbol of Iver Johnson quality and craftsmanship.

Best-Selling Iver Johnson Firearms

Safety Automatic Revolvers

• The flagship product line introduced in 1894 featured innovative safety mechanisms and was available in both hammer and hammerless versions.

Safety Hammerless Model

• Nearly one million of these affordable "every man's guns" were produced through the 1940s, featuring the company's revolutionary transfer bar safety system.

Champion Shotgun

• This single-barrel break-action shotgun became one of their most iconic models, introduced in the late 19th century and remaining popular for decades.

Special Trap Shotgun

• Produced from 1926 to 1950, this modified Champion featured a ventilated rib, ivory sights, and 32-inch barrel designed specifically for trap shooting.

Top-Break Revolvers

• Various models in .32 and .38 calibers became synonymous with affordable personal protection firearms for the common person.

Modern 1911-Style Pistols

• The revived company produces quality 1911-style pistols that carry on the tradition of reliable, well-built firearms.

Modern Derringers

• Compact and reliable derringers provide effective personal protection in a convenient concealed carry package.

Popular Uses for Iver Johnson

Personal Protection

• The Safety Automatic revolvers were specifically marketed as concealed carry weapons for civilians needing reliable personal defense.

Law Enforcement

• Police departments favored Iver Johnson revolvers due to their reliability, safety features, and affordable pricing for department purchases.

Sporting and Hunting

• Champion shotguns became popular choices for hunters and recreational shooters seeking dependable single-barrel performance.

Competitive Trap Shooting

• Special Trap models were designed specifically for competitive trap shooting with precision sights and specialized features.

Home Defense

• The affordable pricing made quality firearms accessible to working-class Americans seeking household protection.

Iver Johnson FAQs

QUESTION: Are Iver Johnson revolvers safe to carry with a loaded chamber?
ANSWER: Yes, their revolutionary transfer bar safety system allows safe carry with the hammer down on a loaded chamber.

QUESTION: What does "Hammer the Hammer" mean for Iver Johnson firearms?
ANSWER: This famous slogan highlighted their drop-safe technology that prevents accidental discharge even when the hammer is struck.

QUESTION: Can I get parts for vintage Iver Johnson guns from the current company?
ANSWER: No, the modern Iver Johnson Arms has no information or parts for pre-1993 models from the original company.

QUESTION: What is the warranty on new Iver Johnson firearms?
ANSWER: New firearms come with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship for the original retail customer.

QUESTION: Are Iver Johnson guns good for beginners?
ANSWER: Yes, their "every man's gun" philosophy emphasized safety features and reliability that made them ideal for first-time gun owners.

QUESTION: What calibers were Iver Johnson revolvers available in?
ANSWER: Historical top-break revolvers were commonly available in .32 and .38 calibers for personal protection use.

QUESTION: Can I use modern +P ammunition in vintage Iver Johnson revolvers?
ANSWER: No, historical models were designed for black powder and early smokeless powder cartridges, not modern high-pressure loads.

QUESTION: How many Safety Hammerless revolvers did Iver Johnson produce?
ANSWER: Nearly one million Safety Hammerless revolvers were manufactured between 1894 and the 1940s.

QUESTION: What products does the modern Iver Johnson company make?
ANSWER: The current company produces 1911-style pistols, shotguns, derringers, and accessories.

QUESTION: Where can I buy Iver Johnson firearms?
ANSWER: All firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for legal transfer and background check completion.