Iver Johnson Top Break 32 Revolver: Overcoming the Main Spring Conundrum

As a gun enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of working on various firearms, but none have presented as many challenges as the Iver Johnson Top Break 32 revolver. Specifically, the main spring has proven to be a stubborn opponent when it comes to disassembly and maintenance.

The first hurdle is releasing the tension on the main spring before attempting to adjust the bar to one side or the other. It seems that there's no straightforward way to do this, but I've found that applying gentle pressure while turning the screw from the left side of the grip can help loosen the nut insert. However, it's crucial not to apply too much force, as this could cause damage to the old plastic Owl's head grips.

Once the nut insert is loose enough, you'll need to remove the grip panels to access the main hammer spring. This is where things get interesting. The Third Model Iver Johnson has an adjustable tension coil main spring arrangement, which is a significant improvement over the leaf main spring found in the Second Model. Unfortunately, this also means that the process of disassembling and reassembling the gun becomes more complex.

To overcome these challenges, I turned to YouTube tutorials and online forums for advice. One user, The Original Lumpy Gritz, recommended using a straight pin trick to release the tension on the main spring. I was skeptical at first, but after soaking the screw with PB Blaster overnight, I gave it a try. To my surprise, it worked like a charm! With the main spring loose enough, I was able to remove the grip panels and access the inner workings of the gun.

The next step was to clean out the cylinder and its spring-loaded ejector mechanism. This involved removing any debris or residue that had accumulated over time, as well as lubricating the moving parts to ensure smooth operation. After reassembling the gun, I gave it a test run and was pleased to find that it functioned as expected.

One of the most notable features of this top-break pocket gun is its enormous 3-inch barrel, which dwarfs my own H&R Premier with its 2-inch barrel. While some might view this as excessive, I find it adds a certain charm to the overall design.

In conclusion, disassembling and maintaining an Iver Johnson Top Break 32 revolver requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to think outside the box. With the right tools and techniques, however, even the most stubborn main spring can be overcome. And with its unique features and nostalgic appeal, this little pocket gun is sure to remain a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Iver johnson top break 32 revolver