Iver Johnson over and under 50 cal

[oldrifter]

I have a Iver Johnson over and under 50 cal rifle in very good shape that I am planning to sell and I am trying to get an idea of it's true value.  Does anyone know anything about these other than they were made in 1987 and new price was 414.00 . They were only made one year as far as I can tell.
any help
Thanks oldrifter
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[coyotejoe]

That's a tough one since there were so few made it's not like you can see what they're going for in the pawn shops.  Basically it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay. If you put it on Gunbroker.com I'd try for a reserve price of $1000 and a starting price of $500 to see what sort of bids you get. If it doesn't sell you can always come down on your reserve price.

[filmokentucky]

I saw one go for $350 at a recent local gunshow and it was NIB. The Blue Book of Blackpowder Gun Values lists a mint one at $400.  They aren't target rifles and some states only allow single shot rifles for hunting, so actual usability is often limited. Most had fit and finish issues that keep their prices down. There were reports of difficulties in getting the lower barrel to fire consistently.

The main reason for the low production was that no one bought them, as word of problems surfaced, coupled with what was at the time a high price. Iver Johnson pulled the plug after a year--maybe a bit less.

[coyotejoe]

But Iver Johnson pulled the plug on everything. There were some pretty interesting guns sold under the IJ name, all made by other companies,  but they just didn't have the distribution and marketing system to run with the big dogs. 

[Graybeard]

I know the one I had would put one bullet fairly close to POA but the other barrel was pretty much useless beyond 10-15 yards it shot so far away from the other. It was effectively a VERY heavy single shot rifle. I got rid of it a long long time ago but even then I don't think I got $150 for it but honestly when I picked it up new in box it wasn't but about $200 so I didn't lose a whole lot on it.

[filmokentucky]

Yep. They weren't much of a gun. I can't recall who actually built them, but I'll bet they don't make guns anymore!

[filmokentucky]

But Iver Johnson pulled the plug on everything. There were some pretty interesting guns sold under the IJ name, all made by other companies,  but they just didn't have the distribution and marketing system to run with the big dogs. 

If you'd ever handled one of these guns you'd quickly see why they didn't sell. Anyone with $400 to spend on a muzzleloader had higher expectations than these things could hope to satisfy. They simply were not desirable guns when new and are less so now. Parts availability is non-existant and you will definitely be needing parts. These guns are not not collectors items and they leave a lot to be desired as shooters.

[Ladobe]

... There were some pretty interesting guns sold under the IJ name, all made by other companies,  but they just didn't have the distribution and marketing system to run with the big dogs. 

I never followed IJ's "modern" firearms in the latter years, so know not about their firearms then.   But I do know firsthand about IJ's "Hammer the Hammer" Saftey Automatics and Supershot's (all revolvers) that their company was bulit around and they were all made "in house" with inovative features designed and patented by IJ.    I owned many of them back in the 50's, 60's and 70's, both hammer and hammerless, most vintages and all in 22LR, 32 S&W and 38 S&W caliber.   They were actually great shooters, but even then the condition of each revolver was important for it to be a safe shooter.   They could be picked up for $5-$15, so were great for "tool box" guns.   I had a nickle 38 S&W that stayed on my Boston Whaler for sharks all through the 70's, and it was probably the last one I still actually used by the 70's. 

[quickdtoo]

I found this on it, B Goforth is an expert on Iver Johnson firearms, check his website. http://www.geocities.com/iverjohnsoncollector/

Tim

http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=387713

I.J. 50 CALIBER BLACKPOWDER OVER/UNDER PERCUSSION RIFLE -----1985-1988
Over/under (two barrels) .50 caliber percussion rifle; back action side locks; two hammers; two triggers; 26 inch barrels; overall length 41 ¼ inches; weight 8 ½ lbs; sights: rear adjustable for windage and elevation front gold tip post; removable breech plugs; checkered European walnut stock with ramrod under bottom barrel; blue finish. IMPORTED FROM ITALY
VALUE: 100%=$415 60%=$265

[Graybeard]

Good luck finding a sucker to pay even $200 for one today. 

[Anduril]

"Good luck finding a sucker ..........."

With a description like "Rare", "Hard to Find", "Limited Production", etc, Oldrifter has a potential goldmine on some internet auction site.

But I'm not bidding.
..

[oldrifter]

I don't remember asking anyone to bid or did I ask anything other than the value.  It is begining to sound like I found a bunch of democrats.
Youall have a good day
oldrifter
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[filmokentucky]

But now that you know what the fair price is, you will adjust your asking price accordingly, like a good Republican should. Right?

[oldrifter]

I said or offer .   Y ou were more understanding as to what I wanted .
Thanks oldrifter
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