FlightRN

Good Day All, A good friend reached out and asked about the rifle in the video. My thanks to the group because I was able it fill in the historical gaps based on previous posts. SN 5521, was supposedly in the same family since 1953 Here is the factory data on JSAR#5521 Received from Cranston Arms 2/2/42 Stock #2 BBL #8788E Hammer block #7267 Hammer #9511 Bolt #5683 Locking cam #1552 Firing pin #3796 Extractor #5434 Magazine #9258 Transferred to Netherlands Purchasing Corporation (NPC) 2/12/42. When I inspected it approx two weeks ago, the reported "original" parts numbers were not the same. Therefore, I can surmise the rifle had undergone a rebuild prior to entering the original owners family in 1953. I did notice a "10" on the front sight assembly. Otherwise, a used, but complete and functional 41 JSAR now has a new home in NC. Regards, Michael

Good Day, I displayed (top to bottom) 1941 Johnson rifle Gas trap Garand (sn6200) Breda M1 Garand (TIPO2) with the Italian launcher and ENERGA practice anti-tank grenade. 1903 (original) rifle with Warner & Swasey musket sight. Australian No1MkIII H.T. Sniper (original) 1945 No4 (T) matching Italian Breda M1D Swedish fm23-36 target rifle and on top of the respective transit chests to the left was an Enfield Enforcer. Not seen was a L42A1 transit case with the requisite CES. It was a good weekend talking unusual rifles, selling some bits n bobs to cover the table, and letting Greg talk to people. It was a good weekend. Now if I can get the Australians museum curators to find the documentation of the scoped Johnson rifles they tested during WW2... Regards, Michael

I have a good friend who is running for Charleston [SC] County Sheriff on a leadership platform. He is a strong proponent of the 2nd Ammendment and wanted to reach out to potential voters by setting up a table at the gun show this past weekend and pass out flyers and answers questions. To help attract people, I said I'd display some more unusual pieces from my collection to attract individuals over to our area of the venue. One of the rifles I brought was my A block, 41 Johnson. It was on the top of the rifle display and attracted a continuous stream of admirers, those with numerous questions, and even individuals asking if they could hold and take their picture with the rifle. All recognizing in their own way, how atypical it was to see an example up close. From young children, to ladies and gentlemen in their 70's, they gravitated towards "the rifle with the thin barrel and fat belly". The saying goes, "if I had a nickel for everytime....," well, this past weekend, that rifle made me rich. The genuine interst and conversations filled my coffers. There is something about the Johnson rifle that individuals smile a bit more after seeing, talking about, and holding one. It attracted more than a little attention. Regards, Michael

Good Day, To capture it for posterity, here are pictures of the JSAR front sight muzzle cover sold in June,23. Regards, Michael

Good Day, Back in the days, many years ago, I was able to find and purchase from Peter Cardone (a well known militaria dealer) a front sight cover for a Johnson rifle. Pete could not provide specific insights on its origin but we both felt it was made for one of the Latin American (e.g. 7mm Chile) contracts due to markings and purpose built construction. It is reminiscent of a Mauser bolt action rifle front sight cover that were similarly built with a brass spring loaded cap/plunger and a heavy steel stamped bracket that provides resistance and pulls the cap so it the rests against the muzzle,. There is also a stamped number on the top (4239) that reminds me of other accessories seen on South American rifles. Have other collectors and shooters found other examples? Regards, Mike

Good Day All, I was reading through "One Shot Kills: A History of Australian Army Sniping" by G Wahlert and R Linwood and came across a short comment on Johnson rifles that had been scoped during WW2 for the Australians. I'm familiar with the Pattern 1918 scope since I have a Lithgow No1 MkIII H.T. and am curious about how they mounted it on a Johnson rifle and if it was similar to the claw mounts used on the Pattern 14(T) and H.T. rifles. Does anyone have additional pictures of these supossed Johnson scoped rifles? According the book, a few were so modified. Regards, Michael

Good Day All, After corresponding with the authors of "One Shot Kills..." and a number of other published authors and museum, I've received some interesting information. The incoming curator of one national museum in particular stated they have several standard configuration M1941 rifles in their collection, and recalls two in particular that were fitted with optics, with another painted in jungle green paint as was commonwealth practice in the pacific to preserve the metal and camouflage of sorts. It will be many months (perhaps early next year) before they can pull the requested documents and provide pictures of the rifles in question. The staff is undergoing a turnover due to retirements. Im hopeful this research might turn up a previously unknown chapter in the history and use of the JSAR. I will remain in contact with them in the meantime. Best Regards, Michael

Thank you Art, In 2001, i reached out to a dealer in Australia who used to advertise in te GCA Journal. After some back and forth discussions, I purchased the rifle and worked with Simpsons as the importing agent. The paperwork was submitted in the first week of September, 2001. Needless to say, everything ground to a snails pace and I finally received the rifle around 9 mths later. The Lithgow No1 MkIII H.T. is matching and unfortunately, still unfired by me. The transit crate is not original. I later found out correct crates were built for a pair of rifles. One day, I hope to see what this rifle will do at the range. If you look at the picture of the Australian scoped Johnson, the mounts look like the same used on the Pattern 1914 and later on the HT rifles. Mike

The book is centric to the history, small arms, and tactics used by Australia during its various conflicts and peacetime missions. Mr Canfield had access to a wealth of information on the subject of Johnson rifles. The authors of this book likely did not and were focused in other areas. However, if additional information can be found on these possible in-extremis wartime variations, it would be a good addition to the overall 1941 Johnson history. I'll toss my hat in the ring and see if few emails to the Australian Army History Unit bears fruit. I'm hoping they can provide a picture of the opposite side of the rifle and a better idea of how many might have been "converted." Regards Michael

Good Day All, I went with the thermal reaction mug. I'm out of the country but the wife sent a clip of it reacting. I'm looking forward to pouring a cup of Joe and watching the magic myself. Michael Video.mov

Good Day All, A small, local military museum was having a car, flea market, and car crush with tanks show this weekend to attract visitors. The American Military Museum , Fairfield, CA has been there for awhile but COVID hit them pretty hard. I was glad to see it open and a decent size crowd present and enjoying it. As i walked through their main building, I noted the displays of firearms and accessories. One cabinet in particular had an original 41 Johnson. Serial number B8952 was an original finish example that looked complete and was in overall good condition. The mounted bayonet was difficult to see but appeared to have been thinned down. I was pleased to see such a unique piece available for viewing. Regards, Michael

Recent events OEF, OIF, RS, etc. were "successfully" prosecuted because US had robust ground transport assets and 100% air dominance to either provide CAP or execute aerial delivery options. In WW2, long range penetration conducted by OSS detachments and SOE had to rely on resupply in a contested environment where air supply could be intercepted and ground logistical capabilities were environmentally limited. My hat's off to those who likely had to pack everything with them and hope for resupply. One of my mentors always said, amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics, and second and third order effects. I've always remembered that in all I do. As for Melvin Johnson's contributions, I'd like to know if any After Action Reports or Dispatches mentioned the reliability (or lack of) for the JSAR or LMG.

Fantastic! From a S4/logistical perspective, keeping such a unit in the fight would be trying. The detachment pictured has .30 (JSAR & LMG), 45ACP (M1A1 & M3), .30 Carbine ( M1A1 Paratrooper), and .303 ( BREN) ammo requirements. I don't see any pistols but that could add a .455, .38, or other ammo requirement to the mix.

Good Day, The construction style is similar, however, the one I own is not a 1909 Argentinean. The 1909 steel retention strap does not have a strengthening rib on the front and the edges are not rolled. My "JSAR" variant utilizes what apparently is the same muzzle cap construction. As I originally stated, it was felt the cap was likely Latin American in nature. The 1909 similarities seem to support this hypothesis. I appreciate eb in Oregon's comment about the cover. I have always called it a front sight cover. However, It's possible the intended function was a muzzle cover. To retain it, the cover rotates over the ears, the spring in the cap puts tension on the strap, and it then rests against the back of the front sight, between the ears. I believe this is reasonable supposition until another use, or rifle design, can be found to explain its construction. It could very well be a "one of" design but the addition (and font style) of the number is a lot of extra effort to put into a unique design. I look forward to more discussion. EDIT: I added a pictures of various countries front sight/muzzle covers including a 1909 muzzle cover example. Thank you

Good Day, A few years ago I was very pleased to visit the Virginia War Museum in Newport News, Va. I was amazed at the quality and quantity of fine exhibits. I was especially interested in the USMC Raiders display that contained various accessories and rifles used by this fascinating group. The JSAR leather scabbard (catalogue number W.M.81-26.1a-b) was especially fascinating since I had not seen this variant before. Recently, I reached out the museum staff about any known history associated with it, the Museum Registrar was quick in responding to my questions. They wrote: "No photograph was taken of it as our ongoing photography program had not reaching bayonet scabbards by the time it went into exhibit. However, the catalogue sheet indicates that it is stamped as in the following manner: EC 942 AMT " Since it, like so many others that rely on donations, the Virginia War Musuem certainly received this scabbard from a patron. They acknowledge that its probable the origin if from the Chilean contracted accessories.. I'm very appreciative of the museum staff and Mr. Jerry Coggeshall for his emails on the subject. Regards, Michael

Good Day, I've had my 1941 Johnson for over 20 years. It was purchased from an elderly gentleman in South Miami. He implied he had kept it after, and I paraphrase, trying to get rid of Castro in the 60's. I took this to mean he had been a member of Alpha 66 (or similar group) and this was likely the rifle he had trained with. I mostly ascribe to the "buy the rifle, not the story" idea but in this case, the man, the circumstances, and the rifle seemed to align. I'll let others come to their own conclusions. It retains its original configuration and by all accounts has never been refinished. The rifle has gone to Camp Perry with me on various occasions. I shot it in the Garand Matches. At times I felt sorry for the guy two spots over from me (on the firing line) as the cartridges were ejected at a 90 degree angle and invariably landed right on their necks and down their shooting jackets. The accuracy was acceptable but I never was in the medal round with it. When I purchased this rifle originally, a advanced collector I knew asked if I had looked under the butt plate. To my surprise I found a green waxed paper tube containing a spare extractor and firing pin assembly in one of the stock lightening holes. The individual indicated he had seen this on a very small number of rifles but had no information the origins of the spares or why. On an aside, I hope Mr. Scott can fix his email. I too would like a spare recoil spring since mine is certainly the original and a replacement/spare will provide many more years of enjoyment. Regards, Mike

Good Day All, I've had my 1941 Johnson for over 15 years and have taken it to Camp Perry on a few occasions to shot it in the Garand Match. It is still in the original configuration and never refinished. I always felt sorry for the guy two spots over from me (on the firing line) as the cartridges were ejected at a 90 degree angle and invariably landed right on their necks and down their shooting jackets. Best Regards, Michael