Iver Johnson 22 Supershot Sealed Eight: A Classic Rimfire Revolver

If you are looking for a vintage revolver that combines style, performance and affordability, you might want to consider the Iver Johnson 22 Supershot Sealed Eight. This is a large-frame, top-break .22 rimfire revolver that was produced by Iver Johnson from 1932 to 1958. It has a distinctive appearance, a smooth action and a unique safety feature that makes it stand out from other revolvers of its era.

Who was Iver Johnson?

Iver Johnson was a Norwegian immigrant who started his own firearms company in Massachusetts in 1871. He was a prolific manufacturer of revolvers, shotguns, rifles and bicycles that catered to the lower- to mid-priced market. He also patented several innovations, such as the hammerless revolver and the transfer bar safety. His company produced millions of firearms until it went out of business in 1993.

What is the Supershot Sealed Eight?

The Supershot Sealed Eight was one of Iver Johnson’s finest products. It was a series of large-frame, top-break .22 rimfire revolvers that came in three production stages: the first model (1932-1941), the second model (1947-1954) and the third model (1955-1958). The most common barrel length was 6 inches, but some variants had 2.5- or 4-inch barrels. The revolver had a blued finish and a single-piece walnut stock with a diamond-shaped checkering field over the backstrap.

The Supershot Sealed Eight had a unique safety feature that gave it its name. All eight chambers were counterbored into the cylinder face so that the shooter was shielded in case of a ruptured case head. The star extractor also fit flush with the cylinder face. This design made the revolver more reliable and durable than other rimfire revolvers of its time.

How does it shoot?

The Supershot Sealed Eight is a pleasure to shoot. It has a heft and balance that make it easy to hold steady. The trigger is crisp and smooth in both single- and double-action modes. The sights are adjustable for windage and elevation. The accuracy is impressive for a rimfire revolver, especially with high-quality ammunition. The recoil is mild and manageable.

The Supershot Sealed Eight can handle any standard or high-velocity .22 rimfire cartridge, but not magnum loads. The top-break mechanism makes it easy to load and unload the revolver. To open the cylinder, simply pull back on the latch at the top of the frame. To close it, push it forward until it locks into place.

How to find the serial number?

The serial number of the Supershot Sealed Eight is usually located on the bottom of the barrel rib or the bottom of the trigger guard. The serial number can help you determine the production stage and the approximate year of manufacture of your revolver. Here are some general guidelines:

If the serial number has no letter prefix, it was made between 1909 and 1919.
If the serial number has a single-letter prefix, it was made between 1920 and 1929.
If the serial number has a two-letter prefix, it was made between 1930 and 1939.
If the serial number has an all-letter serial number, it was made between 1940 and 1950.
If the word CHAMPION appears above all other markings, the gun was made before 1925. If the word appears below all other markings, the gun was made after 1925.

For example, a serial number with A605 would indicate a third model Supershot Sealed Eight made between 1955 and 1956. A serial number with 47078 would indicate a first model Supershot Sealed Eight made between 1932 and 1941.

How much is it worth?

The value of the Supershot Sealed Eight depends on several factors, such as the condition, the production stage, the barrel length and the rarity of the variant. In general, the first model is more valuable than the second and third models, and the shorter barrels are more desirable than the longer ones. The average price range for a Supershot Sealed Eight in good condition is between $200 and $400 . However, some rare variants, such as the 2.5-inch barrel with a bird’s head grip or the 4-inch barrel with a target sight, can fetch higher prices.

Why should you buy it?

The Supershot Sealed Eight is a classic rimfire revolver that offers a lot of features and performance for a reasonable price. It is a well-made, reliable and accurate gun that can handle any standard or high-velocity .22 rimfire cartridge. It has a unique safety feature that protects the shooter from case ruptures. It has a smooth action and a crisp trigger that make it fun to shoot. It has a distinctive appearance and a history that make it a collector’s item.

If you are looking for a vintage revolver that combines style, performance and affordability, you might want to consider the Iver Johnson 22 Supershot Sealed Eight. It is a gun that will not disappoint you.

Conclusion

The Iver Johnson 22 Supershot Sealed Eight is a classic rimfire revolver that deserves a place in any gun enthusiast’s collection. It is a well-made, reliable and accurate gun that can handle any standard or high-velocity .22 rimfire cartridge. It has a unique safety feature that protects the shooter from case ruptures. It has a smooth action and a crisp trigger that make it fun to shoot. It has a distinctive appearance and a history that make it a collector’s item.

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Iver Johnson 22 Supershot Sealed Eight Serial Number ➟