No More Thoughtful a Shot

[Researcher]

I have no such memories. My folks were of the opinion those little guns were cripplers, and I was started right out with my mother's J. Stevens 12-gauge double that was marked RANGER on the side of the frame. She got it in the early 1930s. The original J. Stevens bent piece of metal trigger guard was rough on her middle finger so a shirttail great uncle of mine who was a gunsmith redid the stock to a straight grip with a quality long back-strap trigger guard. Even at thirteen I had to use a lace-on pad for more length --

Pheasant Huntin 1959.jpg

[Stan Hillis]

My favorite single shot. Iver Johnson Special Trap, 32", VR, external hammer. The poor man's trap gun.

[Bill Murphy]

I wish I had my Iver Johnson Special Trap again. However my old gun lives forever in the great book written about single trap guns by Frank Conley. I wonder who owns it now.

[Mike Franzen]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I wish I had my Iver Johnson Special Trap again. However my old gun lives forever in the great book written about single trap guns by Frank Conley. I wonder who owns it now.

Do you have the serial number. I might know where it is.

[Stan Hillis]

I have a copy of that book, Bill, and have viewed your old gun often.

[Phil Yearout]

I have that book also. Stan I would love to break out that gun at my club; they think my SBTs are weird enough 🤣!

[Mike Franzen]

I have always wanted one of those model 20’s. I liked the schnabbel fore end tip and the sleek lines of the gun.

[Phil Yearout]

Funny how memories fail you; according to this photo provided by my nephew, the first shotgun I carried was also an Iver Johnson Champion. Don't know where my idea it was stamped Montgomery Ward came from, but I haven't seen the gun for probably 66 years; that's my excuse anyway.

[Bill Murphy]

Mike, the serial number is in Conley's book. I would buy it back for a reasonable price. I guess my single trap collection needs this gun.

[William Davis]

Started my grandson on a Iver Johnson 20 & my 3/4 oz loads. He’s 18 now 6’2 and regularly tops me Sporting Clays. His preferred gun is either a VH 12 or a Trojan 20

William