Ridge Runner

I was watching Ken Burns THE WAR on public television tonight and saw quite clearly, footage of a Johnson Machine gun in three different scenes. They were invading Italy (according to the narration) when the Johnson video footage was shown. Anyone else catch it?

Well, after a year of buying it, I finally had it out to the range. It took awhile to save up the money for the restoration, then finding the time to work on the stock, then I lost one of the screws and had to order another one from Joseph Scott. Then I had to find the time to sneak away to the range. What a great rifle to shoot. Recoil was not bad at all and it holds really well. The sights present an excellent picture. It did however, keep grouping to the right, no matter how much I played with the rear sights. I determined that I need to drift the rear sights slightly to the left. Other than that, it was grouping very well. I did notice on my brass that it leaves a very distinctive mark. I small rectangle dent on the edge of the rim face. Is that the same for everyone? It worked perfectly, handled well, looked great and drew a small crowd at the range. I can not wait till next week end.

Thanks Walt. I appreciate the detailed answer. A thank you to all of you.

Thank you for the visual....however that is not it. Damn this is frustrating. It may be a part to something else. I took my JAR apart again and I can not see where this spring would fit. It is just OVER 1/4 of an inch long. The rifle seems to function well without it and I am hesitant to shoot it to find out. The bolt seems to be complete and intact.

Where does the "bolt stop plate plunger spring" go? I do not have a manual. Can anyone post a pic?

I was working on my JAR this week and shortly afterwards I found a small, tightly coiled spring near my workbench. It is proably only a 1/4 long and only a few millimeters wide. Is this a spring that belongs to my JAR? What are the smallest springs that go to a JAR so I can check?

Hi everyone. I wanted to know your opinions on what spare parts I should keep on hand for a JAR. I know that JAR are made with quality parts, but I always feel better having some "extras" on hand for just in case. Firing pin? Springs? Any comments would be appreciated.

If you are looking for stripper clips, buy swedish stripper clips (6.5X55 ammo) for the 96'. They are better than any other stripper clips for the 30-06 (and cheaper). They work perfectly for Johnson rifles, 1903a3's and 1903 Springfields.

Walt - Thanks for the comments. I do not expect a high figure. I have no delusions about what I have. It is a rare rifle that has been modified. I have tried to do the best I could on it. I do not feel like its owner, just its "caretaker". I am doing it more for fun than anything.

Going to Kittery Trading Post in Kittery Maine this Saturday. They are having a free Antique Gun and fishing appraisal show from 10am-6pm. I thought I would bring my JAR/bayonet & scabbard down to see what they say. Your comments would be appreciated - It was a sporterized JAR that has been worked on by Joseph Scott. New replacement stock from Joseph Scott M1 Garand barrel that has been parkerized with new front sight and bayonet lug (Again from Joseph Scott) Receiver and trigger guard is blued Dutch stamp on receiver Replacement but plate (Joseph Scott) Bayonet and Scabbard are original and are in excellent condition. Any guesses as to its value? Any guesses as to what they will tell me is the value? We could make this a contest

I sent a JAR bayonet and scabbard that I bought from a dealer over a year ago for $350. The bayonet is in excellent condition. No pitting, rust or major nicks. Color is uniform throughtout. The scabbard is in excellent shape also. If I remember correctly Joseph Scott told me over the phone that it is one of the nicer ones he has seen. What should I do to preseve the scabbard correctly? I assume I do not treat it at all......put do I seal it in a vaccume bag? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I recently disassemble my JAR and discovered that my firing pin is caked with grease. Is this a good thing. Should the inside of the bolt be loaded with grease or oil?

I have a match coming up for 100/200 and 300 yards. I just noticed that my rear sight elevations are in meters? Why is this? How do I adjust for YARDS? Up to this point I have only been shooting it at 100 yards. Any help would be appreciated.

Does anyone have any leftover stain from their rifle that they would be willing to donate? Does anyone know where I can find this stuff? I have been to Lowes, Home Depot and every local paint store and they look at me like I am an idiot? If I do locate it, how many coats should I apply to a new stock? How dark were the rifles stained? How do you guys apply BLO to your stocks and how many coats? I have a match on 5/12 and I would love to see everyones faces when I show up with this rifle to compete against their M1's......... Any detailed advice would be appreciated.

It is a shame when all you can do is sit back and watch your country slowly die..............