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

SOLD FOR: $5,049

LSB#: 231109MB019

Make: Johnson Automatics

Model: 1941
The rifle’s action sits in a sporting stock so it is now considered a Sporting Rifle.
Serial Number: 4258
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 “4258”, “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 (faded)“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 “9463”. Johnson made no attempt at the factory to use matching part numbers (page 251). The face of the barrel collar is marked “.30-06 / 41”. The barrel shank is marked “J.A. / .30-’06”, “star”, “947OH”, and “circled I sword O”.
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 hardwood stock has a pistol grip, raised cheek piece, several holes for mounting screws, channel under the forearm for the takedown lever, 2 sling loops, and a White Line hard rubber recoil pad. The pad shows compression, cracking, and surface loss. A screw hole on the right side of the butt has been filled. 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 wood shows scratches and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue. Parkerized Barrel
Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves. The bore shows an M.E. of 4.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 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 95% of its metal finish as refinished. The barrel has tool marks showing through the new finish. The left side of the receiver has surface erosion & tool marks showing through the new finish. This area also shows discoloration. The metal shows small scrapes & scratches. The screw heads show use. The markings range from defined to faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The magazine follower does not hold the bolt to the rear when the magazine is empty.
The action functions otherwise. We did not fire this rifle.
We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a green canvas sling.

Our Assessment: This Rare Johnson Automatics Model 1941 is over 75 years old. It is now considered a Sporting Rifle as the action is now set in a sporting stock. The rifle has been refinished. The stampings on the metal parts are light but they 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 1950s into the late 1960s. 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!