DaveC

I would have thought that only an as-issued serial matching Jsar would demand such money. I did not see that mentioned. Not even a bayonet?

I took some pics in .jpg format and tried to create a gallery and upload them, but keep getting server errors. I tried both loaders. The files start loading with the progress bar, but end in a server error? Not sure how to resolve the issue? I was able to make them attachments in the post, but they were too small to be of any interest.

I'll try to post some pictures of the serial numbered components in a day or so. i would like to know if the way the numbers appear (font, etc) look right or wrong. There doesn't seem to be any over strikes of any kind, so somehow, they must of had components w/o numbers in order to stamp them? Also, the area of serial numbers never came up when I purchased the gun, and it seems weird that they would go to the trouble of striking serial numbers on internal components? But, I completely accept what you are telling me. It is a beautiful gun, and as much as it has been the jewel of my collection, I am thinking of selling it to get a long range rifle to shoot. Funny, you would think anyone that would go through the trouble of assembling a firearm such as this one would know what to "fake"? Why fake serial numbers that prove that the gun ISN'T original? Doesn't make sense? Was build information unavailable back then? I hate to think that the gun WAS ORIGINAL, but because none of the parts matched, they replaced them with parts that did! Wouldn't that be something?

Well, I started the field strip of my rifle using the guide provided here. I have the barrel and bolt assembly removed, but I am not certain I will go much farther until I acquire a detailed manual. At this point, I'm not certain there is much reason to go farther? Here is why. What I seem to be finding makes more sense to me (not knowing the manufacturing and assembly practices at the time), than the Cranston Arms data kindly provided by Brian. for JSAR#5538 (serial number of my receiver). The reason? None of the part numbers provided by Brian match the receiver number??? Doesn't that seem odd to anyone? Usually a matching numbers gun means just that...that certain major components carry the same serial number as the receiver. So, why would a newly manufactured firearm have all different serial numbers on every component? The reason for that question is of course, that I have found different component numbers on my firearm than those listed by Brian, but I think what I have found makes much more sense for an original firearm that has not been rebuilt. They are matching! Here is what I identified to this point in the field stripping. Receiver Serial Number: 5538 Bolt Serial Number: 5538 BBL Serial Number: 5538 Locking Cam Serial Number: 5538 Firing Pin Serial Number: K2777 I have not attempted to remove the buttstock, or go any further in the takedown, Seems we have a bit of a mystery here? I am very interested to hear from Ed and Brian on why "matching serial numbers" DO NOT make sense on an original, as new, firearm? Dave I

Brian and Ed, Thank you so very much for the reply and information. After this holiday I will make time to inventory the parts listed and post them on this thread, and post a few more pictures.. Have a wonderful holiday! Dave in So Cal

Hello, I have owned my first and only Johnson for probably close to 20 or so years. I am very interested to find out if what you show for this serial matches what I was told when I purchased it. It was purchased at one of the Pomona gun shows in So Cal way back when. At the time ( and still to this day), it was the most money I ever spent for a rifle. The handsome sum of $1000.00, which was a great deal of money for me. I probably overpaid at the time, but given today's prices, still not a bad investment. The dealer had a table with at least 20 Johnson's, both rifles and LMGs as I recall. All the firearms were as new, and appeared un-fired. All did not have any oil on them and were still white-ish from the parkerizing process. The rifle I purchased, as well as all the firearms he had, were not black (dark blued), but had the greenish parkerizing like the WWII Garands on the receivers and barrels. I was told by the dealer that he had acquired all of them from the estate of Melvin Johnson! That they were guns he apparently pulled off the assembly lines and kept! For some reason I recall him saying that the sale took place in Northern California which is a little weird, but I could be wrong on that. I asked, and he agreed to give me something in writing stating that the rife came directly from the Johnson estate, but when I went back the next day to pick it up (didn't have all the money with me the first day), I completely forgot to ask for the letter. Oh well? Given the story, the apparently un-fired condition, and the color and type of finish, I have always wondered if the story was true or if this was a refinished, overhauled gun? What I can say is that all markings are crisp and clear, and the bolt and receiver have matching numbers (have not checked any other components). Looking forward to hearing what the official ledgers might show. Thank you very much for helping.