Rifleman Q & A: .44-Cal. Iver Johnson

posted on March 15, 2017
** 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. **
iver.jpg

Q: I have an Iver Johnson gun that I believe is in .44 caliber, according to its markings. There is no rifling within the bore. Is it okay to use 2½" .410 shotshells? Also, what pistol cartridges are safe to use? The word “CHAMPION” is marked under the manufacturer information along with 53XXX under the trigger guard.

A: Your Iver Johnson single-barrel shotgun was made between 1891 and 1919. Serial numbers were not recorded at the time, so I cannot furnish a better date of manufacture. Shotshells in .410 bore are .41 caliber, so this was probably made for .44-cal. shotshells that were available during the era. These guns were considered to be versatile game guns for use on the frontier.

Because of the shotgun’s age, inexpensive manufacture and no repair parts, I would not fire this gun under any circumstances unless it is examined and declared safe by a qualified gunsmith. 

Latest

Walther Arms Pdp Match Steel Frame Rifleman Review 1
Walther Arms Pdp Match Steel Frame Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Match Steel Frame

Walther Arms took its polymer-frame Performance Duty Pistol design and crafted it entirely from steel to create its PDP Match Steel Frame, which is a true heavyweight designed just for the pure joy of shooting.

150 Years Of The Boxlock Shotgun

Many hunters think of the iconic boxlock shotgun as an American field gun, but although the design was popularized on American hunting fields, it was initially developed 150 years ago for a renowned gunmaker in Great Britain.

Preview: Alpine Products Gun Slicker V2

Mother Nature can unexpectedly unleash her wrath on any outdoor range session or hunt, and this lightweight product from Alpine Innovations will protect your most valuable long guns without completely limiting their use.

Beretta AX800 Suprema: The Future Of Hunting Shotguns?

With its new AX800 Suprema, Beretta went back to the drawing board and developed an entirely new shotgun designed specifically for waterfowl hunting.

Preview: Daisy Woodland Trail Model 1999

The Daisy that Ralphie would want if he were still pining for a gravity-fed, lever-action BB gun in 2025, the feature-packed new Woodland Trail Model 1999 provides a modern update to the venerable platform while remaining highly affordable.

MidwayUSA Completes Corporate Office Building

Construction is complete on MidwayUSA’s new Roosevelt Corporate Offices Building, in Columbia, Mo., marking another major milestone in the company’s development of its 500-Year Campus.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.