iver johson

Question
i bought a 12 ga. and a 20 ga. iver johnson. they have fitchboro ma.usa on them nothing else i can find. can you give me a general date they were made.

Answer
Hello,Billy Singleton.
  Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works of Fitchburg, Mass. began manufacturing shotguns in 1880. These had 'twist steel' or 'damascus steel' barrels, with case hardened receivers. The barrel composition changed in early 1900 to hammer forged steel capable of firing the 'new and improved' nitro smokeless powders. The 20 gauge shotgun was not added to the line until 1909, and was known as the Model 36. It was manufactured in some form until 1957. There were several minor changes on these guns during this time. If I could examine your shotguns closer, I may be able to narrow the dates of manufacture. Can you include a close-up of the receiver with the action open in a follow-up? I will be glad to do further research. Thank you, Charles Gage