41 Johnson

[Old Scout]

Been playing with my '41 Johnson lately. Trying to get a lead bullet load worked out. The rifle seems to shoot best with heavy bullets, around 170 to 200 grn.
To my surprise the rifle seems to like faster burning powder. Groups with 4227, 5744 or 4759 seem to shoot better than 3031 or 4895.
Interesting gun, to bad they dumped all of them in the ocean!

Also been working with a '92 Swiss Ordinance revolver. These are really strange revolvers. You open the loading gate, which disconnects the hammer, then use the trigger to cycle the cylinder for ejection and reload! Works a lot better than the usual gate loader!! Shoots rather well, but is a pip-squeak cartridge ( about like a 32 SWL ).
I plan to campaign this revolver with my K-11 S-R rifle.

[Adam Helmer]

Old Scout,

I like the Johnson. When were they dumped in the ocean? I read the Dutch ordered them for their Indonesian forces early in WWII and not all were shipped because of Jap conquest.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

The 1941 Johnson is an interesting rifle. Sure wish I would have bought a few when Ye Olde Hunter had them for $69.95 back in the 1960s. All the best...
Gil

[Old Scout]

Adam
The Marines used the Johnson in several pacific island fights, awaiting the M1 Garand. Following one of the campaigns, after the M1's arrived, the johnsons were tossed in the Pacific. Today they are only a handful of US property Johnsons. The Dutch had ordered a bunch of Johnsons, most of which they didn't take posession of. Those are the Johnson's that were sold here.

I have had this Johnson, 30-06 for a number of years, and shot it a lot. In my opinion it it is on a par with the M1 Garand for the most part.

Thinking back to my days in Korea, where I damaged several BAR magazine falling on them, I have to say that maybe the tin rotary magazine of the Jhonson might have been a weak point.

Today the recoil operated Jhonson, which will shoot lead bullets fine, is a source of great pleasure.

Gil
I bought this one for 99.95,. today they go for $1200 at local auctions. When these first hit the market I used to make other caliber barrels for them! They'll function with most any simimlar caliber.

Now I'm off to check out a Swisss Ordance revolver I just got hold of.
Made up some brass from 32-20, and we'll see how it performs.

Cheers
Old Sccout

[Jack]

If I recall correctly, Marine parachute units were equipped with Johnsons. The reason being that the Johnson's barrel can be removed easily- the rifle and barrel were put into a padded case during the parachute jump.
The Marine Raiders may have used Johnsons, too, early in the war when Garands were scarce.
The magazine was considered a possible drawback by the review boards that tested weapons. The Johnson also (so they reported) didn't cycle perfectly with a bayonet attached.

[Old Scout]

Jack

I hadn't heard about Para Units using the Johnson, but I can see where that might be good. Flip a lever and the barrel comes off.
I talked with one Marine that had carried the Johnson ( he was not airborne ). One thing he liked about it was the magazine could be topped off anytime.
The bayonet for the Johnson is a nail with a metal clip to hold it on the barrel. Pretty much a joke. The Johnson is recoil operated, and adding much mass to the barrel will cause it to fail to unlock.
I find mine to be quite reliable.

[Joe Boleo]

Have not seen one of these for sale in a long, long time. Probably could not afford one today. Take care...
Joe

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

You may get to see a Johnson and a lot of other exotic military surplus arms. A 93-year-old WWII veteran died on July 4th and left 150 guns to our local historical society. As society president, I will get to look at the heap next week. We have room to display about 10 or 15 long arms and accoutrements and some handguns. The remainder may be sold at auction with a reserve price set by the society.

Adam