iver johnson revolver question

Bad Habit

recently inherited an iver johnson 32 and have found some conflicting info online
barrel is inscribed

iver johnson arms & cycle works
serial # is on grip frame and bottom of trigger guard and is 37xxx

no other info is on the revolver- no model, patent, or letters

looks like a 4" barrel terget grip model

due to markings
some info says made between 1883 and 1891 and is blackpowder only

but other info says that the blackpowder cartridge versions had a free spinning cylinder- even when closed.

just trying to get some real info cause it was my great grandfathers

Bad Habit

link to pic of another just like it
http://gastatic.com/UserImages/5611/958846447/wm_3616741.jpg

NN

Where on the grip frame, do you have to take the wood grip off to see the serial number?

DoctorWho

What exactly do you want to know ????
It is a good round to hand-load, low power loads

Bad Habit

serial # is on left side of grip frame . i do have to remove the wooden grips to see the #.

just trying to pin down which model it is and approx dates of manufacture. i know IJ's records were destroyed so i can't get the exact year.
also would it be safe to shoot with current 32S&W short ammo made by remington?

NN

Looks like mine, only it is a 78xxx serial number; however, the cylinder does not free spin with the action closed unless the trigger is slightly pulled and before the hand makes contact with the star.

I've never shot .32 S&W, though I have shot .32 S&W long lead round nose. I would not shoot Fiochi Semi Wad cutters as they seem to be a hotter loading.

Bad Habit

thanks for the help. firing pin is broke. i'm gonna clean it up and put it in a heirloom case. .

DoctorWho

I remember seeing many of the early H&R and Iver Johnson revolvers when I worked at the gun-store / range, lots of .32 short Remington Kleenbore ammo around then too.
Diminutive pocket revolvers in .32 short were quite common in the late 1800's.