During his tenure as the Marine Corps observer to Springfield Armory, Melvin Johnson Jr.

concluded that the Garand and Pederson rifles on test there both had flaws in design and would be difficult to mass produce. Johnson set about designing a rifle that would be reliable, accurate and easier to manufacture. So in 1935 he produced his first working model of a rifle using a delayed blowback system of operation. This first rifle was made from scrap firearm parts and had a knitting needle for a firing pin. Despite these rudimentary beginnings, the design worked fairly well but needed major refinements.

Johnson's first prototype rifle of 1936

On September 28 1937 Johnson's first U.S. Patent, number 2,094,156 was granted. The first of over a dozen different US patents concerning firearms (and bayonets for them).

This refined weapon now operated on a retarded recoil system. Using his Patent, he and Marlin Firearms of New Haven Conn., produced prototype military specification rifles which were submitted to the Army Ordnance Board for evaluation at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD in August 1938.These first tests were fairly successful, but some weaknesses were found in the design. These were quickly rectified by Johnson. These

refinements led to new Patents for Johnson, numbers 2,146,743 modified the bolt and extraction system, and 2,181,131 brought changes to the cocking handle and the extractor. This latter Patent made it possible to remove the extractor from the weapon while still leaving the bolt in place. A new rotary magazine was introduced to replace the vertical box magazine which had proven weak under testing, though the vertical box magazine model was still available to potential customers. The two types were identified by using the initial V (vertical) or R (rotary) to differentiate the magazine types.

Detail of Marlin a manufactured receiver The Taft-Peirce Company of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, who were making commercial sporting grade rifles for Johnson, was now contracted to make seven trials guns containing all of the modifications for further Army tests. These rifles cost $3500 each to make. The sporting grade guns were produced containing such civilian market refinements as checkered stocks, recoil reducing butt plates and provision for scope mounting. (Below) Johnson Sporting Rifles made by Taft-Peirce Co.

The Army Ordnance Board trials commenced in December 1939, again at Aberdeen. Using Taft-Peirce manufactured rifles, over 6,000 rounds of ammunition were fired with only 12 minor stoppages experienced. These tests found that although the Johnson rifle was well made, it was not suitable for Army use. The Ordnance Board stated in their report of the trial dated February 23 1940, that the rifle was too long and heavy for their requirements and that it would not function reliably with the bayonet fitted. The magazine was considered delicate and its design would allow the ingress of sand and other debris into the action, causing stoppages. Having suffered a setback with his hopes of acceptance by the Army, Johnson set his eyes on the Marine Corps, which still had doubts on adopting the Garand as their new semiautomatic rifle. Initial trials were held at Quantico Marine Depot, Virginia, in May of 1940. This trial was supervised command of Captain George Van Orden and the firing party consisted of four distinguished Marine Corps. marksmen and a Chief Marine Gunner as the shooting coach.

The test took place on the afternoon of May 6 and the whole day on May 7, and consisted of instruction in the operation and firing methods of both types of rifles. Courses of fire at 300 and 1000 yards both slow and rapid fire were then shot. All shooters firing both M1 Rifle and Johnson Rifle at each stage. Results concluded from the tests found that the Johnson Rifle was more accurate with a score of 81.2% total hits to the M1's 71.3%. There were no malfunctions with the Johnson Rifles or the M1Garands, however the M1's dropped their centre of impax during the test. The M1's were found to load and reload faster than the Johnsons but rate of fire in the rapid mode was identical with both rifles. Capt. Van Orden's Summary Opinion stated "The Johnson Semi-Automatic Rifle, Rotary Magazine Type, is materially superior to the U.S. Rifle, cal. 30, M1 in accuracy and potential combat efficiency" Rifles used for this test were: M1 Rifles - Serial Numbers 3536 and 3739 Johnson Rifles - Serial Numbers R13; R14 and R15 (all Rotary magazine models). Further tests were held at San Diego in November of 1940 using four different rifles as comparisons. These were the standard '03 Springfield used as a "control", a Garand, a Johnson and a Winchester design (which later went on to become the M1 Carbine). Results of these tests found that the Garand was the best rifle just beating the Johnson, the Winchester came in last. The Johnson was officially turned down in favour of the M1 Garand in early 1941. The decision was made mainly for logistical reasons, as the Garand was now in full production and spares were easily procurable from all Army Ordnance depots worldwide. (Below) A letter from General Wesson, Chief of Ordnance, to General Holcomb, Commandant USMC, referring to the San Diego rifle trials of 1940 in which the USMC's intentions are decided.

Click on image for full size view Not being a man to give up easily, Mevin Johnson refined his design a little more and gave it the military sounding "Model of 1941" name. It is interesting to note here that the U.S. Military stopped using dates in their rifle nomanclature in the latter half of the 1920's. Had the Johnson rifle been adopted as a replacement or supplement to the Garand it would have been the "US Rifle, Caliber .30, M2".

An order was soon forthcoming for Model 41's. The Dutch Government in exile ordered 70,000 for use by their navy and troops in the East Indies. The order for these rifles was placed by the Netherlands Purchasing Commission. These rifles curiously, were produced in .30-'06 cal. instead of the standard Dutch 7.92mm (8mm Mauser). To meet this order Johnson Automatics in conjunction with Universal Windings of Providence, Rhode Island set up production facilities in nearby Cranston, RI, under the company name of "Cranston Arms Co. inc.".

The Johnson Factory in circa 1941, located at the UW Co. site in Cranston, RI Soon after production had started, the newly created Marine Corps parachute echelons became interested in the Model 41 due to the easy ability of removing the barrel, a good feature in parachute drops. It was soon adopted for paratroop use and saw action with the marines in the Soloman Islands. These weapons were procured directly from the Netherlands Purchasing Commission, which by this time had embargoed the export to their colonies due to the Japanese overrunning them. One of these rifles has been seen with "US" stamped on it, probably done at local level by an armourer. The Johnson met with mixed reviews with the marines, so loving its high rate of fire and reduced recoil and some hating it.One of the reasons for its unpopularity was the method of field stripping and the number of small internal parts which were easy to lose. It was also easier to procure spares for Garands due to their standardisation throughout the US armed service at that time. One of the things the marines did like about the rifle however was the ability to "top up" the magazine with either single rounds or five round stripper clips. This an advantage over the Garand which could only be loaded with the eight round en-bloc clip. The Johnson could also be loaded with the bolt forward on an empty chamber. It also proved very accurate at long range and with the reduced recoil it was less tiring to shoot than the Garand. Recoil being noted as approximately one third less than the M1. At the wars end, the Marine Corps parachute regiments were disbanded and the remaining Johnson rifles on hand were collected at the Marine Corps Quartermaster Depot at San Diego, California, for return to the Netherlands Puchasing Commission. Seeing a good business opportunity, Melvin

Johnson approached the Marine Corps Quartemaster at San Diego and bought back approximately 125 rifles for refurbishment. He then sold these at a profit via "American Rifleman" magazine.

Letterhead from Johnson Automatics stationary. The only other sizeable order for Model 41 rifles came from the Chilean mounted troops (as noted in 'Rifles and Machine Guns of The World's Armies" by Melvin Johnson), who in 1943 ordered 1,000 of them in 7mm cal. the only difference from the standard .30-'06 variety was the barrel group. Barrels for these came from Mexico, however Johnson Automatics did contract with Hoffman Arms of Amarillo, TX to make these barrels but Hoffman's prices were too high. Total production of Model 41 rifles is believed to be around 30,000 completed rifles, and 70,000 sets of parts (not receivers). This figure was from figures reported by Lt. Col. George M. Chinn in reports to the Ordnance board from figures supplied by Melvin Johnson. Approximately 3000 Johnson Model 41 LMGs were produced, verified from original ATF Form 2's. In 1953 Winfield Arms Co. bought the bulk of the Dutch rifles as military surplus, shipping them to Canada with a view to future importation to the U.S. They also bought all of the available spares from Numrich Corp. (now Gun Parts Corp.), who had acquired them from Winchester after Johnson had sold out to WRA in 1952. After stockpiling the rifles, and refurbishing the broken ones, Winfield's imported them into the U.S. and sold them for $70 to $110 dependant on quality. Supplies finally running out in the mid 1960's.

Click above to see some Adverts from American Rifleman Production figures are virtually non-existant however it is believed that total production was about 30,000 rifles but at this time a definite figure cannot be confirmed. Today a limited amount of original Johnson Automatics records still exists, mainly in the hands of collectors. The majority of

the archive is missing or lost, perhaps destroyed in the huge fire at the Winchester offices in 1961. Original records, production documents and drawings do surface from time to time, usually from obscure sources.

Specifications

Caliber System of

.30 -06 or 7mm Recoil, Semiautomatic

Operation Length Overall Barrel Length 45.87 inches 22 inches

10 round, rotary, Feed System non-detatchable type Sights: Front Sights: Rear Weight Muzzle Velocity Post with protecting ears Aperture 9.5 lbs. Approx. 2,770f.p.s.(30-06 M2 Ball)

Note: The 7mm version has identical specifications except for using the 7mm chambered barrel unit.

Identification
Identification of the Johnson 1941 Rifle is quite easy to do. It has the standard US military dark, uncheckered, walnut stock and the upper handguard is made of perforated steel. The rotary magazine gives the rifle a 'pot bellied' profile. All metal parts have a blue black parkerized finish, however cosmoline may have shanged it to the same dark olive green parkerized finish as other US military rifles, the only metal part not parkerized is the bolt which has a polished steel finish.

Serial Numbers ran in blocks of 10,000 - beginning at 0001 to9999, then continuing with A0001 to A9999 and so on.

Parts Guide

External Parts
The Butt Plate is made of checkered steel and has no provision for a butt trap to get at the cleaning kit stored in the butt.. The buttplate is removed by using the flat, screwdriver blade built into the cocking handle once it is dimounted from the bolt.

Unscrewing and removing the buttplate reveals two recesses, one for the Springfield/Garand nickel plated oiler, and another where a spare parts package was stored.

Trigger and Safety Catch made from milled steel. The trigger is grooved for grip and comfort. The safety catch is located at the front of the trigger guard. Positioning the catch to the left is the "safe" position and to the right "fire" position. Rear Sight is made from stamped sheet steel and held to the receiver by a dove tail. It is a graduated in metres for distance rather than in yards this was due to the large Dutch Govt. order which specified the sights were to be calibrated for metres. Cranston Arms never re-tooled to make sights in yards. Adjustment is done by simply sliding the ramp back and engaging a 'tooth' on the sight in a notch in the slide. Windage is altered by a knob at the rear of the unit, moving the aperture either left or right.

The Receiver is 20 inches in length, made in two parts. The rear is made from a billet of forged steel and the front ventilated part made from heavy gauge sheet steel. The two parts were then electro-arc welded together in a special jig. It has the rifle's serial number stamped on top with the maker's name and Patent details. The Cranston Arms Logo appears on the right side near the receiver's rear. The ventilated upper handguard ( "The Radiator" as the manual calls it) is part of the receiver.

In this photo the wooden fore stock, magazine and ancillary parts are still in place on the receiver.

Cocking Handle is a small knob which also holds the extractor in place. To actuate the bolt you have to lift the knob twenty degrees before pulling back. In its center is a small spindle which has to be pulled out to facilitate the removal of the handle from the bolt.

Magazine is loaded on the right side. Single rounds or five round '03 Springfield stripper clips can be used to load it.The receiver has lips machined into it to allow clips to be loaded (these can be seen in the photo on the left side - the magazine cover has a slight indentation to allow for them). It is manufactured from sheet steel and has a spring- loaded cover to shield the inner mechanism from dust and the elements. Unloading the weapon is done by pressing down on the cover and a round will be ejected into the palm of the hand from the magazine.

Barrel Unit contains the bayonet lug and frontsight. The barrel is 22 inches in length. At its rear is the locking bushing.The locking bushing fits over the end of the chamber, and the 8 lugs on the bolt fit into corresponding grooves on the inside of the bushing.

The bayonet lug is a pyramid shaped device held to the barrel by two cross-pins and is situated 3 1/2 inches from the muzzle.

The front sight is a post, protected by two ears. These ears were sometimes chopped off by the marines, due to they could give a bad sight picture in low light conditions and made it difficult to aim the rifle correctly.

Detail of the muzzle and front sight (note bayonet lug below barrel).

Accessories
Other than the Bayonet and sheath there are no other US military accessories for the Johnson Rifle. The Dutch did however did utilise a sheet steel sight hood which slipped over the front sight (similar to that used on Mauser rifles). It has been reported that Johnson Rifles were issued with a small waxed paper envelope containing a replacement extractor, firing pin and hammer spring - all heavily greased for storage. These 'spares packages' were found in the lightening cut located under the buttplate. The standard M.1923 pattern webbing cartridge belt was to be used with this rifle. Slings most likely to have been used were the M.1907 leather sling and the M.1923 canvas sling. It is possible that the M1 green canvas sling may have been used as well. For description of the manual see the publications pages There are other items available to collectors concerning Johnson Automatics., such as product leaflets, half-size cutaway diagrams and cartridge comparison.posters.

A Johnson Automatics products leaflet (right) from pre-1941. The handwritten name is that of John Howard, the Company Executive Vice President and Treasurer, written in his own hand. Used by Howard as a calling card when this leaflet was presented to Hoffman Arms Co., Amarrillo Texas. Hoffman Arms had been approached by Johnson's to become sub-contractors to make 7mm rifle barrels for the South American contract rifles.

Parts Guide

Internal parts

Bolt is made of steel and has a polished finish. It is comprised of two separate parts, the front which contains the eight locking lugs near the face, and the rear part which acts as a cam during the locking/unlocking stage.

Bolt face showing the locking lugs. The bolt is held together by a spring steel clip and within the bolt is the firing pin and spring.

Bolt Stop is located at the rear of the receiver

The Extractor is held into the right side of the bolt by the cocking handle. It is made of machined steel.

The hammer and Mainspring are located in the butt group. The mainspring telescopes back on itself into the butt.

Butt group showing top of hammer (shiney part) in cocked position and the mainspring can be seen at the in the semi-circular cutout near the extreme left of the photograph.

Schematic Diagrams of the rifle's internal parts taken from the users manual.

Diagrams

Schematic Diagrams From The Original Manual

In this diagram we can see all the parts of the rifle laid out in relation to each other. The sharp - eyed among you will have noticed that it is the same diagram Gun Parts Corp use in their catalogue - so now we know where they got it from!!