Brian Alpert

How about this Chilean model http://tinypic.com/ka5i4k.jpg

There always seem to be questions regarding markings on original bbls. Many neophytes think the 41 and 30-06 on the collar signifys an original bbl rather than just an original collar. Here are photos of original bbl markings: http://tinypic.com/i5ocvs.jpg http://tinypic.com/i5offs.jpg

As close as I can measure, the top hole is 13/16" diameter and 5 7/8" in depth. The middle hole is 11/16 X 2 3/8" depth. This is based on measuring 2 stocks I believe to be original.

Bore, The magazine support assembly is a standard LMG support assembly and, as such, accepts standard LMG mags. The 10-12 round mag I have looks like a shortened standard mag....same markings. There are also slots cut in the top and bottom so one can see how many cartridges are in it.

Joseph, What an interesting find. What did he scan...the receiver? I wonder if the other parts like the bbl or butt plate were also blued or parked. I have an "A" prefix that has obviously NEVER been polished or bead blasted from looking at the markings, and it is blue-black (receiver).

Bore, I own 1 and have seen photos of Bruce Stern's. They are both semi-auto versions in 7mm with distinct markings. Mine has a Mexican crest engraved on the receiver....much like the "W" crested carbines. Stern's has "Systema Johnson", etc engraved on the side of the lower. Both have altered selector levers allowing semi-auto only and are thus marked. Mine has conventional MG front and rear sights. Stern's has conventional rifle sights, which would make it extremely difficult to use. Mine also has a shortened 10 or 12 round magazine with it. They were reported, by a most unreliable source, to have been also seen at the Miranda factory in Mexico City after the war. I personally consider them to be interesting phonys, origin to be determined. I don't know how to post photos on this board but will e-mail some to you.

A resurrected Garand bbl is not unusual on a Winfield "Standard" sporter which it looks like you have. I have owned 2 such rifles and seen several others. The bbl is obviously not worth what a decent original is, but then again, you have a $2M Sporter, not a $5M+ pristene original rifle. You can still "remilitarize" yours with a new butt stock, plate, swivel and bayonet lug and have a nice representative JSAR for well under $3M.

I learned at the Johnson gathering at the Springfield show that the NE is probably the subcontractor. I also have a couple "CA" but most seem to be marked NE. I suspect the #s are month and year of manufacture but am not sure. One recently went on E-Bay for over $100 and it was nothing special.

I remember (from the Las Vegas theft in the description) when the Utah dealer offered it for sale 5 or 6 years ago. This was well before "the book" with the published serial #s. I suspect the buyer made a handsome profit with that one. Great find Joseph!

He made no mention where he acquired it, just saying he had it a long time and had no idea of USMC provenance until he saw the serial # in your book. I never thought to ask the # nor did he mention it. I really talk up this message board to any who will listen so hopefully he will respond.

Surprise that this should come up but a man came to my table at the Louisville show last Saturday who claimed to have a USMC JSAR, the serial # of which was listed in "the book". He said he had owned the gun for many years, been unaware of the rifle's backround and was thrilled to learn of it's connection to the USMC when he saw the # listed. The ensuing discussion revolved around pride of ownership and not monetary value or the desire to sell.

Winfield Arms originally offered JSARs with either Weaver or Bushnell 4X Scopes. I have also seen them with Lyman Alaskan scopes but they may have been added later.

$3800 is a quite good price for an "original" JSAR. The bbl should have the proper proof marks and usually serial #s which match the locking collar. Originality of the wood is sometimes difficult since most of the restocking was done over 50 years ago by Winfield who was responsible for importing most of the rifles. Original buttstocks will have 3 unequal size holes under the buttplate, the dimensions of which escape me at the moment. On the flat part of the front of the buttstock, where it butts against the rear of the magazine, there should be a letter and a number stamped into the wood. These are sometimes difficult to see and may require brushing with a solvent and a toothbrush to emerge. Original JSAR wood was dark stained although I have seen original stocks over the years which were lightened by refinishing.

Sandy, If your prize is an original or even refinished JSAR in proper military configuration you did OK. Johnsons are investments...they only go up in value. It will probably be worth more than you paid for it when you finally get it. Go out and get yourself a copy of "Johnson Rifles and Machine Guns" by Canfield. This will give you an idea of what you have. Original finish and configuration JSARs go for $3500 and up. The record is $7700. Refinished rifles and those with replacement parts (stocks, bbl, etc) somewhat less (usually $2500-3500 range). Winfield or other sporters $1800-2500, less for ones drilled and tapped. In my experience, sporters are valued based on how much it would cost to return it to military configuration. For as really expert opinion, take it to a Houston Gun Show and have Joseph Scott take a look at it or contact him through his website. Welcome to the wonderful world of Johnson collecting.

Joseph Scott, who regularly posts on this board, makes reproduction rear sights which are practically indistinguishable from original type 2 sights. His are your best bet. Originals rarely come along.

The only known original blued JSAR was the presentation rifle given to the Queen of the Netherlands. Original finish on JSARs is Parkerized (called blackened in shop drawings). Originals 60 years later appear black-grey with a greenish tint in sunlight. Original finish magazines have a lighter tint but I have seen some which were black. Most of the polished and blued JSARs were done by Winfield Arms Co. in the 50's and 60's. They offered a Deluxe Military and a Deluxe Sporter, both of which were polished and blued. Standard Winfield Sporters were {arkerized