WWII Johnson Automatics Model 1941 .30-06 Rare Dutch Semi Automatic Rifle & Bayonet
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 clear markings on the metal which include a Dutch acceptance mark. A limited number of these rifles were used by American troops during WWII and are prized by collectors. This Model 1941 is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition and comes with a Model 1941 bayonet. 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.
Make: Johnson Automatics
Model: 1941
Serial Number: 0053
Year of Manufacture: 1941 to 1945
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Automatic Rifle
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with patent information, the serial number "0053", "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 face of the barrel collar is marked "44". The barrel shank is marked "JA", "30 06", and "1944"
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed 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 checkered 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 light wear. The wood shows scattered scrapes and compression marks as well as a repaired surface crack ahead of the bottom metal. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The muzzle shows an M.E. of 0.3. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 95% of its finish as refinished. Tool marks and cleaned surface erosion show through the new finish. The metal shows scuffs, scrapes, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The metal markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling, a Model 1941 bayonet, and a scarce Chilean contract Johnson Bayonet scabbard. The bayonet mounts the rifle properly.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified C&R: YES. CA PPT: YES
RIFLE