NRA Gun of the Week: Iver Johnson Arms Eagle LR Special

by
posted on October 9, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Since 2003 U.S. firearm importer Iver Johnson Arms has been known for providing the American shooting community timeless firearm designs at affordable prices. The company’s Eagle LR Special is one such example, a rendition of classic engineering but with a modern twist. The gun features a threaded barrel, accessory rail and specialized coatings.

Left-side view of Iver Johnson Eagle LR Special pistol on white background with text on image notating make and model.

The Eagle LR Special is built in the Philippines and is machined from bar stock with a frame derived from a casting. Iver Johnson requires its imported pistols to be hand-fit, which adds to the gun’s ability to be accurate and reliable. The frame of the Eagle LR Special is fitted with a straight-serrated mainspring housing and an upswept beavertail grip safety. A skeletonized trigger is utilized here, too. Our test sample exhibited a fine trigger pull with a weight recorded at 4 lbs., 8 ozs. Overall weight for the 5.5”-bbl. 1911-style pistol is 41 ozs. empty.

Muzzle of pistol on wood table.

An eight-round magazine ships with the Eagle LR Special, and a beveled magazine well is provided on the frame. Black Dymondwood stocks panels are provided with pattern modeled after alligator skin. An extended slide stop and safety lever were optioned for the .45 ACP-chambered pistol. The Eagle LR Special is a Series 70 1911 and is fitted with a skeletonized and knurled hammer.

Right-side view of 1911 pistol with bronze frame and black slide, wood grips and shown on a white background.

Topping the Midnight Bronze Cerakote-treated frame is a matte-blue steel slide that is fitted with a Tritium front sight. The big dot front is quick to assume with the shallow, V-notch rear unit. Both sights are raised to work with a silencer. A Picatinny rail is provided on the gun’s dust cover for additional accessories.

Man wearing protective shooting gear and a black shirt shooting a pistol on a white shooting range.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about the Iver Johnson Arms Eagle LR Special single-action pistol.

Iver Johnson Arms Eagle LR Special Specifications
Manufacturer: Shooters Arms Manufacturing
Importer: Iver Johnson Arms
Action Type: single-action recoil-operated center-fire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.5” threaded
Slide: matte-blue steel
Frame: Midnight Bronze Cerakote steel
Magazine: eight-round detachable
Sights: Tritium front, notch rear
Stocks: Black Dymondwood
MSRP: $1,030

Further Reading:
Iver Johnson Arms 1911A1 Carbine Review

1911 .22 Conversion Kits

Iver Johnson .22 Supershot Sealed Eight

Review: Iver Johnson Arms Eagle XL Long Slide 10 mm 1911 Pistol


Extras:










Latest

Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic Rifleman Review 1
Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Springfield Armory introduced a complete line of bolt-action .22s in 2023, and the Rimfire Classic is one of the most traditionally styled versions available, but it comes with a number of great design features.

Smith & Wesson Doubles Down On Rimfire: The M&P 22X & FPC 22LR

Two of Smith & Wesson's recent introductions include the Folding Pistol-caliber Carbine (FPC) and its .22 WMR-chambered M&P handguns. Now, both platforms are available for the popular .22 Long Rifle chambering.

Tips To Make Revolvers More Speedloader-Friendly

There are a few things you can do to enhance the efficiency of your revolver when using speedloaders. Here's how...

Bringing New Life To An Old Sporting Rifle

Through the years, this rifle has suffered the ravages of age and use; the stock had softened below the action, probably from over-oiling, and cracked. When the front action screw snapped in two during a routine zeroing session, it became clear that this old sporter needed a refresh.

Taurus, Rossi & Heritage Bring Back Fan-Favorite Rebates

Throughout the month of August, customers will have the chance to unlock savings and rewards on a wide range of firearms.

Rapid Reloads For Revolvers

Wheelguns are still a viable option for self-defense, offering some real advantages—but keeping them in the fight requires mastering a few tools and techniques.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.