Johnson Question ????

[Buzz 0]

Hello,

I am a new member and Johnson owner.

I bought my first johnson about 6 weeks ago. The previous owner had it on this board for discussion, and the general responce was that it was a very nice example with original finish.

I have wanted a 41' Johnson in my collection for many years and, after buying that one I have become totally into it. What a really neet and advanced rifle for it's day! No wonder it is so highly collectable and sought after.

Being obsessive and compulsive, I bought two more, but intend to just keep two. I really can't aford 3, but learned long ago with my M1 Carbine collection, sometimes it is better to buy a few, then sort out the "keepers".

Quality being the main objective in a collection.

So here are my questions;

Is one serial number range more collectable than another?

The serial numbers I have are as follows, (No Prefix) 1198, B 6263 and B 7879

The B 6263 rifle was discussed on the board. The stock finish was about the only thing questionable.

Are any of the parts normaly blued? The B7879 rifle has a blued rear sight base.

Is there anyway to determine if the numbered parts on the rifles are original to the rifle?

Is there a way to find out any history on the individule rifles?

I appriciate any and all help to figure out which are the two "keepers"

All 3 are in great shape and should be keepers, but I need to payback the loan on one of these.

Thanks much.............

[Ed Johnson 0]

Regarding production logs, see archive item below. B series is not available. Ed J

[Buzz 0]

Ed,

Thank you for your direction, any direction is appriciated!

Any input on which serial number block is more desirable for a collection?

Or, is pretty much any Johnson rifle in nice shape a "keeper" about equally?

Any info on the SN: 1198 ?

Is there a websight that I can access information from the Netherlands Purchasing Commission?

Thanks....

[webmaster 0]

Buzz,

I'll get you a more detailed answer tomorrow when I can check my files.

Ed,

Thank you for your direction, any direction is appriciated!

Any input on which serial number block is more desirable for a collection?

Or, is pretty much any Johnson rifle in nice shape a "keeper" about equally?

Any info on the SN: 1198 ?

Is there a websight that I can access information from the Netherlands Purchasing Commission?

Thanks....

[Buzz 0]

Buzz,

I'll get you a more detailed answer tomorrow when I can check my files.

[Buzz 0]

Jim,

Thank you - it is appriciated.

Check out that rifle on gunbrokers (#92879915), let me know what you think of that?

Thanks again,

Buzz

[webmaster 0]

Details for JSAR 1198:

Delivered from Cranston Arms to Johnson Automatics Manufacturing Co. : 11/10/41

Stock Type: Not Listed

Barrel # 1569a

Hammer Block # 2842

Hammer # 1644

Bolt # 1834

Locking Cam # 3321

Firing Pin # 5067

Extractor # 2265

Magazine # 5409

Delivered from Jamco to Johnson Automatics Inc 11/14/41

Contract : Netherlands Purchasing Commission.

[Buzz 0]

Jim,

Thank you for the information.

This leads me to another question......

Since the rifle were not assembled using a system to match all the part numbers (serial number and individule parts), is it common or to find a "B" serial block rifle with later block (C,D,E etc) numbered parts?

The serial number 1198 has a "A" block barrel.

The two "B" block rifles I have both have later (C,D.&E) block parts.

Is this "normal" because the parts subcontractors or parts manufacturing lines were ahead in production of the numbered parts?

I guess to make a long question short, is it OK for a "B" serial number rifle to have C'D' or E marked parts?

Thanks again,

Bill

[webmaster 0]

As we know the production records for the A and B series rifles are not available at the moment. That being said from original records I have in my possession it is normal for the A and B series rifles to be assembled in the same manner as the non-prefixed series i.e. with parts from the other series and runs.

[Buzz 0]

Hi Jim,

Thanks again for all your help.

Looks like the barrel and mag have been replaced.

All numbered parts are correct per your data with the exception of those two parts.

The barrel is now 504e, and the mag is c1944.

I think the finish looks like it should. I've tried to attach a couple pictures.

Thanks again,

Buzz

[Bruce Canfield 0]

The serial number block has no bearing on the collectibility or value of a M1941 Johnson rifle. Those factors are determined by condition and degree of originality.