Cranston Arms Co Johnson Automatics M1941 .30-06 Rifle, MFD 1941-1945 C&R
Sold For: $7,025
LSB#: 200807DW02
Make: Johnson Automatics
Model: 1941
Serial Number: B2915
Year of Manufacture: 1941-1945
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with 10-Round Internal Rotary Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with patent information and “CAL. 30-06 SEMI-AUTO. / “JOHNSON AUTOMATICS” / MODEL OF 1941 / MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A. / B2915”. The right of the bolt is marked “2915”. The right rear of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON / ARMS / CO” in an inverted triangle. The face of the barrel support is marked “.30-06” on top and “41” on the bottom.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a windage adjustable aperture. The adjustment knob functions. The aperture is set on an elevator that is marked “M2” on the left. It is marked “METERS 0-1000” and “1 3 5 7 9” on the right.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, several holes for mounting screws, two sling swivels and a checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with a couple spots of pooled finish. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, mostly at the edges and heel. The vertical lines of the checkering are well defined, the horizontal lines are shallow. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is deep. There is infrequent minor erosion. Our gauge shows an M.E. of about 1.75.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light marks, some scuffs, scratches and operational wear. The screw heads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Johnson Automatics Model 1941 is in NICE shape. We don’t see these much as not many were made and those that are still around live in very nice safes with other very collectible rifles. Now you have the chance to own one. The M1941 Johnson Rifle was an American short-recoil operated semi-automatic rifle designed by Melvin Johnson prior to World War II. The M1941 competed unsuccessfully with the U.S. M1 Rifle, better known to us as the Garand. The M1941 rifle used the energy from recoil to operate the rifle. As the bullet and propellant gases moved down the barrel, they imparted a force on the bolt head that was locked to the barrel. The barrel, together with the bolt, moved a short distance rearward until the bullet left the barrel and pressure in the bore had dropped to safe levels. The barrel then stopped against a shoulder allowing the bolt carrier to continue rearward under the momentum imparted by the initial recoil stage. The rotating bolt, which had eight locking lugs, would then lock the bolt. Following, a cam arrangement then rotated and unlocked the bolt to continue the operating cycle. One disadvantage of this design was its impact on the use of a bayonet, as the complex movements of the barrel would be subject to unacceptable stress when a bayonet thrust was used. The Johnson rifle utilized a unique 10-round rotary magazine and a two-piece stock, the weapon using the same 5-round stripper clips used by the M1903 Rifle. This system had some advantages over the M1 Rifle, including less perceived recoil and greater magazine capacity. Unfortunately, the Johnson’s recoiling barrel mechanism resulted in excessive vertical shot dispersion that was never fully cured during its production life, and was prone to malfunction when a bayonet was attached to the reciprocating barrel. Nevertheless, due to the immense need for small arms during WWII, it still saw limited use during the war and there were a few contracts for foreign militaries. This example will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R CAN be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
