Suffice it to say, the company Iver Johnson rose to prominence making bicycles as well as firearms. The history of Iver Johnson and their many revolvers could be the subject of a college dissertation. But if any other company had a strong stake in the pocket revolver market, it had to be Iver Johnson. Other companies made similar handguns - some good, some bad.

Firms like Smith & Wesson made their modern reputation with guns like the “ Lemon Squeezer”, a top-break five-shooter with a grip safety. 38 caliber handguns were starting to show up on the market. Perhaps the most prolific and successful pocket pistol of the age was the top-break revolver. Despite that, carrying a small handgun in a concealed manner was a normal, but unspoken occurrence. As we leave the 20th century firmly in the dust, I want to look back to see what people were carrying at the dawn of the century we just left behind.Īt the turn of the 20th century, openly carrying a pistol was practically impossible unless of course you were a member of law enforcement and there were no permitting systems in place. The topic is quite popular today given that, since the 1990s, the passage of concealed carry legislation and the production of small pistols to suit this need has simply exploded. My affinity for pocket pistols, both new and old, lead me to this gun. What is innovative yet archaic and popular yet infamous? In the world of handguns, perhaps no firearm better illustrates this little riddle quite like the Iver Johnson Safety Automatic revolver.

32 SW rounds and 32 black powder bullets. Iver Johnson Automatic Safety revolver with smokeless.

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