Compact Revolver

Question
"Have compact revolver. Chrome or stainless. Appears to be .38 caliber but no markings on barrel. Stamped on top of receiver is "US Revolver C." Serial number on bottom of trigger guard is 1784. What can you tell me about it?"


Answer
Tom,

"US Revolver" was a trade name used by the Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works Co. on inexpensive pocket type revolvers. The company was established in 1871 in Massachusetts. In 1984 The company relocated to Jacksonville, Arkansas. In 1987 the company was purchased by the American Military Arms Corp. (AMAC) The AMAC Corp. released some old designs and a few new ones. The AMAC Corp. went out of business in 1993.

As for individual guns, there were dozens of models released over the years many with little or no visible information contained on the guns other than Co. name.

They made a very large series of spur trigger revolvers bearing only the Co. name and perhaps a patent date. With the little information that I have to go on and based upon your description it is "likely" that you possess a version of the Safety Automatic Double Action which was manufactured in .22, .32, or .38 and was produced in a variety of barrel lengths with and without exposed hammers with nickle plating.

IF we are going with a version of the above and if the revolver is in "good" condition, it would have an approximate retail value of $125 to $150.

Another .38 that they cataloged that is very similar in description was the American Bulldog that was a double action revolver with either a 2.5" or 4" barrel with adjustable sights, blued or nickel plated with plastic grips made between 1974 and 1976, however I believe this to be too new of a model to be yours. This revolver if in "good" condition would have an approximate retail value of $75 to $100.

There are many other I.J. revolvers that were manufactured over the years with a large percentage being of .22 or .32 caliber. The .38 helps narrow it down a bit but without personal inspection it is difficult be 100% as to exactly which variation that you may have.

I hope this serves to help you narrow things down a bit and perhaps we've even hit upon the exact model that you have.

Thank you for the question Tom.

Sid Lark