WWII Johnson Automatics 1941 US .30-06 Rare Dutch Semi Auto Rifle U.S. C&R

SOLD FOR: $7913

LSB#: 230819RF004

Make: Johnson Automatics

Model: 1941
Serial Number: A4005
Year of Manufacture: 1941-1945
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Automatic, 10 Round Internal Rotary Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with patent information, the serial number “A4005”, “CAL. 30-’06 SEMI AUTO.” and “ ‘JOHNSON AUTOMATICS’ / MODEL OF 1941 / MADE IN PROVIDENCE, R.I., U.S.A.”. The right rear of the receiver is marked “CRANSTON / ARMS / CO” in an inverted “triangle” with a small “star” above it. The “triangle” was a Dutch National symbol and the small “star” is a Dutch acceptance mark (page 251 of Bruce Canfield’s book, Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns). The side of the bolt is marked “2797”. Johnson made no attempt at the factory to use matching part numbers (page 251). The replacement barrel is unmarked.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The 2 piece oil stained hardwood stock has a pistol grip, several holes for mounting screws, channel under the forearm for the takedown lever, 2 sling loops and a metal buttplate. The hole on the right front of the forearm is a takedown button. It can be pressed with the tip of a bullet to release the barrel takedown lever that is on the bottom front of the forearm. The buttplate shows wear and light surface erosion. The top of the grip shows a repair at the receiver tang. Small pieces of wood have been glued into this area. The wood shows scattered scratches and compression marks as well as sanding marks. The wood has been oiled. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The rifle uses a replacement barrel. The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is some light erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.0.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8.5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The magazine has been refinished in blue. Surface erosion shows through the new finish on the magazine. The metal shows scrapes, areas of light discoloration from oxidation, and thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads show use. The markings range from deep to defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The pin at the rear of the ejection port is a replacement. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This Rare Johnson Automatics Model 1941 is in nice shape for a Military Rifle that is over 75 years old. The rifle has been rebuilt and uses a replacement barrel that has a strong bright bore.  The stampings on the metal parts tell a story about the rifle. They include a Dutch acceptance mark. A limited number of these rifles were used by American troops during WWII and are prized by collectors.

The following information can be found (with much more detail) on pages 73 to 87 and pages 216 to 223 of Bruce Canfield’s book, Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns:
In July of 1940 the Netherlands (Dutch) placed an initial contract for 10,200 Johnson Model 1941 Rifles. At the time Johnson Automatics did not have the production capabilities to fulfill the contract. Johnson had to develop partnerships to fulfill production of the rifles. Johnson partnered with the Universal Winding Company of Cranston, Rhode Island to form the Cranston Arms Co.; hence the Cranston Arms Co. “triangle” stamping on all Model 1941 Rifles. The “triangle” was a Dutch National symbol.
Johnson Automatics went bankrupt in 1949. Many of the leftover Johnson Automatics spare parts and barrels were purchased by an importer who was also able to acquire surplus military M1941 Rifles that had been sold to the Dutch. The Johnson Automatics spare parts & barrels were used to put the surplus Dutch Johnson M1941 Rifles into working order. These rifles were then offered to the public by mail order from the late 1950’s into the late 1960’s. Many were offered in “as is” Military configuration while others were “Sporterized”. The Sporterized rifles featured new barrels made by the Apex Rifle Company of Sun Valley, CA.

…Now go shoot something!