Bullitt08

Hey Ed, I got the reproduction extractor from Sarco for $40 looks like a good part and as I indicated it was a bit of a tight fit compared to the original. Racking dummy rounds it seems to be working just fine but a trip to the range is the only real test. Here's a link for the Sarco extractor: http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/1941johnsonextractor.aspx Of course after I purchased it - I found one on Numrich Arm's website for $23 - I'm thinking about ordering one just as a spare. Doesn't say if it's a reproduction or not. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/317240B.htm

Ok Good News! Just got the replacement extractor and putting everything back together she seems to be ok. I'll try'n take her to the range next week if possible. What's interesting is the new extractor is an extremely tight fit compared to the old one. I'm starting to think the old one might've been worn as I don't remember it fitting this snugly. Granted it might be because it’s a reproduction part but the original was really easy to remove and replace. Didn't feel as much tension on the operating handle assembly and required a bit more effort to install. Oh well – I’m feeling pretty good about it and can’t wait to take her back to the range.

That's awesome Ryche! Like anything I own - I don't tuck my firearms away in a safe only to be brought out to show folks once in awhile - I actually use mine whenever I get the chance. As I said - it could've been much worse. Lucky I was in an indoor ($100) range - made it easy to recover everything. Funny thing is the tip of the extractor fell into the magazine - could actually hear it rattling around in there - the other two items landed on the deck at my feet.

Hard to say Dash, But it would make sense if that was the case.. But like I said I'd fired about 50rds without any problems. So I'm bewildered as to what could've caused this. Just happy it wasn't worse.

All & all - she was a dream to shoot. Digested about 50 rounds without a glitch. Pretty freakin' accurate too - but I didn't try beyond 100yards. That'll happen the next time I find a longer outdoor rifle range. Likewise as many here have told me - I did draw a crowd when I started shooting her. But the trip was cut short because I made the mistake of allowing a young friend of the family to shoot the rifle without "properly" going over the basics before hand. I don't blame him - this was purely my fault - he was an experienced shooter (active duty Army & was an armorer) but had never fired anything remotely like this before. Started out ok - I loaded up the first 5rds via stripper clip for him as he observed going over each step best I could. The problem came when he tried to duplicate the process after firing the first 5rds I'd loaded up for him - after loading the rifle just as I did - he didn't pull the already "open" charging handle back as I always do to release the bolt - but rather "slammed" the charging handle forward with the palm of his hand. Not unlike you might see someone do with an M1 Garand after loading an E-Clip. This caused the operating handle assembly to "come off" and that in turn caused the "now loose" extractor to fly forward into the receiver and when the bolt tried to go home it snapped the tip of the extractor off. UGH! I was able to collect all the parts and have performed a complete inventory of the rifle and the extractor seems to have been the only damage and everything (including the operating handle) seems to be ok. I've ordered a new extractor (aftermarket) and hope to have the rifle fully operational after wards. But I'll admit this kind of freaked me out - I didn't think the charging handle would just come off like that. Would love to hear any thoughts about this? Me shooting my baby --- One of the 100yd groups: The broken Extractor!

Hey Ryche, Mine is one of the Winfield Sporters - it has the recoil pad and the ramped front sight. It's not the Monte Carlo stock like I've seen in some of the adverts - it almost looks like they took a GI stock & just slapped a recoil pad on it. But there's no inlet in the top of the stock for the top of the butt plate. That said I'm not sure if I can access the main spring without removing the recoil pad. Guess I have to do a little research before I dive into that. But I was actually thinking about hitting the next Crossroads of the West Gun Show out here in Del Mar to see what I might be able to find. What I would really like to do is to revert back to the GI butt plate and a barrel with the wing front sight & bayonet lug. But for now I'll just enjoy her as is. I'll have to think about the serial number - but thanks for all the help. Bret

Yes, I am so glad I found this website and am really looking forward to taking her to the range in the near future and will report back when I've had a chance to actually put a few rounds down range. I've long been a fan of this particular rifle - probably due in part to it's link to the Marine Corps (I'm a Marine BTW - 77-81) and I've always had interest in Military history. However I truthfully I never thought I'd ever be able to get my hands on one as they where hard to find and those I did find - the prices made them cost prohibited. But I guess it was fate - as this one more or less fell into my lap thanks to a trade for my old Porsche 928 (kind'a rare itself). Anyway I'm feeling pretty good about acquiring this little gem and am sure it'll be a centerpiece of my collection. Thanks again,

Thanks Gents! That was it - the spring was upside down. I finally figured out now to remove the mag and take it apart. I swear until reading the above - I must've taken it apart about three or four times and never noticed that the spring was upside down. Of course in my own defense - I've never torn down one of these before. Now she's taking all ten rounds - as advertized. Anyway I plan on taking her to the range in the next few weeks - extremely excited! Thanks again! Bret PS I've attached a pic of my new acquisition next to one of my other favorites - my M1A Scout.

Hi Folks, I just acquired a M1941 Johnson and best I can tell everything seems to be fine. However I do have a couple of concerns and questions. 1) For some reason the magazine wont take more than 9 rounds - can't load the 10 round. Any thoughts on what could be the cause of problem? I was thinking I should attempt to take apart the magazine as I've heard that there could be some sort of problem in there. Magazine spring? 2) That said I would like to disassemble the magazine to inspect and clean but can't find any documentation on how to access this. I've had the rifle broken down but I have not taken apart the receiver, fore stock and magazine drum. Any suggestions or links would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Bret Duff