Description
10/28/25 - This is a Johnson M1941 Rifle from World War II, with original bayonet and scabbard! The finish on the metal is all original and in very good overall condition, with honest wear, areas of finish loss, and light surface oxidation here and there. Some thinning and finish loss throughout the heat shield. Scratchy wear and surface oxidation on the magazine housing. The wood is very nice, with areas of erosion here and there, and minor scuffs, dings, and nicks throughout. No major cracks or chips. Bore is mostly bright with strong rifling. Come with a rare, original scabbard and bayonet, which are also in good condition with honest wear and natural aging. This example was part of the contract that did not have the hold opens included. However, our consignor sourced a hold open and it is included in the listing, should the final buyer wish to put it in the gun. Only 20,000 of this model were manufactured!
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The Johnson Semi-Automatic rifle was invented by Captain Melvin M. Johnson, Jr. of the US Marine Corps Reserve, also the inventor of the Johnson Light Machine Gun, in 1936. After development completed, manufacture was commenced in 1941 by Johnson Automatics, Incorporated, and its subsidiary, The Johnson Automatics Manufactured Company, at Cranston, Rhode Island. The M1941 was ordered by the Netherlands for issue to the KNIL in the Dutch East Indies, but the Japanese invaded the islands before the rifles could be shipped from California. At this time, the U.S. Marine Corps found itself in need of a modern fast-firing infantry rifle, and acquired some rifles from the Dutch East Indies shipment for issue to its Paramarine battalions then preparing to deploy for action in the Pacific theatre. By all accounts, the M1941 performed acceptably in combat with the Marines in the early days of the Pacific fighting.
