Joseph Scott

Blueprint calls for 1-10 twist.

I have two original printings which came from the Winchester offices.  Also two Johnson Automatics annual reports from same source.  Another "read" about the Johnson is in "Rifle in America" by P. Sharpe.

I have new bayonet lugs. Message me.

Check your messages, Joe

Under the plug is a solid key without screw holes. Most have epoxy around the key.  You will have to drill a small hole on the opposite side and punch the solid key out the large hole. To remove the tube, unscrew the buffer about half way and drive it toward receiver end.  The tube is very thin and easy to damage the threaded end. Once you move it, use a 5/8" wood or plastic rod to drive it out forward.  The original stocks have a square thru hole for a 3/16" key and has counterbored recesses for the screw heads.  The design of the tube and key arrangement is ingenious but very hard to make correct on new stocks.  The location of the key/tube affects the closing of the bolt and proper functioning.  I have new threaded keys and screws.

• Just attended he Great Western and SAR combination show in Phoenix.  Six large buildings and large outside tents, very large attendance but not much buying.  I had two Johnson's for sale and it seems they are rare out here.  One sporter was bought at the gate for $1200 and put on table for $2750.  Inspected two (not for sale) one Winfield sporter and one military that had been sanded, blasted and reparked.  The SAR building was huge and full of machine guns, cannons and military stuff.  Saw a  US T2 prototype rifle priced $100,000.  Black rifles and parts seemed most popular next to vast amount of ammo.

As many know, I live on the Texas Gulf coast about 5 miles from the Port Neches chemical plant explosions and fire.  About 50,000 persons in 4 miles radius were evacuated with 2 hour notice.  So far only 3 injuries at plant, fires still burning.  Many windows and doors blown in near plant.  I am thankful for our safety.  I pray for all of those that are snowbound on this holiday.  May all have safe travels.

I have the recoil key screws and keys. Message me. Joe

Art, there are cars there from almost every state except Hi and  Alaska.  Next spring advertise for a shared ride from near you. Good hotels can be found for $100 or less.  We pay $89 plus tax with breakfast.  Less than 5 miles from show. Estimated attendance 50,000 plus.

A

My late report on the big Tulsa guns show.  There were about 12 1941 Johnson's at the show.  Asking prices ranged from 6k to 9k.  I handled two top grade ones walking the floor for sale.  No bargains and only one bayonet for sale.   One rifle on display at Rock Island Auction was missing bolt catch and front pull pin. Estimated sale price 6-9k.  High prices are bringing out the closet queens.  If you have never been, it is worth seeing 4000 tables.

I had to drill a Murray $400 butt stock for customer who waited a year for it.  There was no evidence of any drill attempted by Murray.  The outside work was excellent.  I don't think they had a clue on what was required inside.  The tube hole and cross key holes are critical. 

If I can still find some blanks, I will try to make wood again (with my wife's eyes and hands helping).  Had to quit due loss of vision in right eye.   I will post notice if I start production again.  Joe

I received 30 bayonet lugs from a machinist friend. (two years waiting).   Nice matte finish with 3/4" pins.  Pins can be shortened to 5/8"  (correct length).  Pin holes are 80-90% through to allow final reaming on your barrel.  Message for information.    Is there a need for front sights?  Joe

A number of years ago I purchased a box full of hold-opens that had come from old Winfield Arms.  All the front fingers were slightly short per drawing.  It is my belief that when Winfield stripped the guns for inspection and reassembled them,  if hold-open (bolt catch) worked they sold guns with it.  If they didn't work in that gun, it was sold without the catch.  Each catch finger had been fitted to each  gun when built and varied slightly.  I had weld metal added to each finger back to spec length and test them in my guns.  Have only had to exchange one.  I still have some available.  This is probably the most difficult (expensive) part for the factory to make and I can see why Mr Johnson  didn't like it.   Message me, Joe

2/0 Morse taper x 5/8" long.  1" pins are readily available and can be cut to length.  Reamers are available at machinist supply companies.

I know of them being used at Camp Perry military matches.  Local club has military matches out to 600 yards several times a year.

They were in .30-06 because the US had been arming Batista's army with WW2 rifles and ammo.  It was expected invaders were to resupply  from captured Cuban army stock.  I once talked to a retired US navy captain who had been involved.  He said they chose the Johnson because they had no US markings and used the .30-06 ammo.  I don't remember if ammo marking's were mentioned.  Likely might have been non US sourced. In my opinion, the whole event was a CIA snafu.

Years ago, I talked to employee of major gun parts importer, he said there were approximately 800 JAR's in Cuba.  They were not available to import, no reason given.  

Cross pins are 3/16" diameter.

I have seen rifles with serial numbers in the B-88xx range. This might indicate numbers in 28,000 range.  Guess we might never know unless we find the missing logs books. 

I found my old factory drawing 212 of the barrels.  Correct length from rear face to front is shown as 21.890",   commonly called as 22".

Mailed Wednesday.

Yes, I have plenty left.  Still $25ea.  Same address, Add $7.95 postage.  Joe

It is hard to compare as nobody seems to have shot the 38m due to rarity.  What I know comes from You tube "forgotten weapons"  Poland's WW2 Battle rifle"..  It is also stripper clip fed, pull pin take down,  and has few parts.  Main spring on gas rod, tilting one piece bolt, very simple take down, fixed barrel. adjustable gas plug.   Could take regular size bayonet.  Look at the video and form your own opinion.

I know of five Johnson's for sale on the floor.  Don't believe any sold.  I sold one bayonet with scabbard.   Inspected a nice all original rifle (first series 8000 range) for another vendor who was selling it for a friend.   Found fine sand under the butt plate.  This is the third one I have found with  sand under BP. ;  don't know source but may have come from a beach landing somewhere.   Seller was going to ask $6300 for it.  Don't know if it sold.  Lots of people but slow sales overall.  Saw a beautiful Polish firearms display including a super rare 8mm semi-auto rifle, one of 155 made before WW2.  More information on line and  You tube about  Polish 38m rifle. A lot cleaner design than our M1.  If it had got into volume production earlier, Germans would have had a harder time in Poland.

Very well done.  A cross between animation and photography.  I wish everything came apart that easy.   Some of the riveted pins should not be removed as shown.  I don't remember seeing the buffer disassembled (which sometimes needs cleaning).  The barrel parts are a press fit onto tube, not easy to replace.  Also the butt stock seems to be non original (only one hole).  It would be nice if part numbers could be added.  This video shows me how far behind computer skills I am.