#100 • Johnson Automatics Semi-Auto Model of 1941

Part of Sportsman’s Auction (timed auction by Isgett Auction Marketing)

High bid $8,000.00

Status: Sold

Fair to Good Condition Ser # B0074 .30-06 Springfield Barrel Length 28 in. Only App. 20,000 produced Many of these weapons can be traced to actual military service in the WW II Pacific Theatre, especially with U. S. Marines. Feed System: 10-round internal rotary magazine (can be topped off with single rounds or stripper clips) Action: Short-recoil with a rotating bolt 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.