Make: Johnson Automatics

Model: 1941

Serial Number: B3378

Year of Manufacture: 1941–1945 (WWII Production)

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Short Recoil Operated, Rotary Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: Approximately 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set in a winged, protective base. The rear sight is a two-position flip aperture mounted to a range-adjustable ladder, graduated in meters on the right side from 100 to 1000, with range detents marked 1–3–5–7–9 meters.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is equipped with a two-piece walnut stock featuring a ventilated barrel shroud over the handguard, an integral rotary magazine housing, and a steel buttplate. The buttplate does not fit perfectly and slightly overhangs the toe. The wood has a beautiful tone with rich grain, showing scattered handling marks and expected hard knocks consistent with field use. There are no cracks or repairs. The sling is an original Dutch military leather sling, stamped “MILSCO 1943”, featuring a brass two-prong "claw" hook. It is supple, properly mounted, and adds significant authenticity to the package.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with strong rifling and visible corrosion in the grooves. There is no fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 65% of its original parkerized finish. The metal exhibits thinning, edge wear, and a smooth gray-brown patina across most surfaces. The receiver and barrel markings remain deep and legible. The bolt is marked B5981; mixed numbered parts are standard on Johnson 1941 rifles. The rifle shows honest use with consistent finish wear and mechanical integrity.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt cycles smoothly, the safety engages positively, and the magazine feeds as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is an original Johnson bayonet, socket marked with serial number 6435, and a correct leather scabbard bearing a hand-carved inventory number 1684. Both are worn but complete, with the scabbard stitching intact. The bayonet and Dutch sling significantly enhance the rifle’s collectibility and display value.

Our Assessment: This Johnson Automatics Model of 1941 rifle is a striking example of one of America’s most unique and mechanically innovative service rifles. Developed by Marine Corps officer Melvin Johnson, the M1941 offered several advantages over the M1 Garand, including a rotary magazine, short-recoil operation, and a quick-change barrel. Though it was not adopted widely, it saw service with the Marine Raiders and First Special Service Force, and it remains an object of intense interest among WWII collectors.

Serial number B3378 falls squarely within the range of rifles produced for Dutch military contracts, a connection reinforced by the presence of the “MILSCO 1943” Dutch sling and meter-graduated rear sight. Its worn but unmolested condition, paired with the rare inclusion of a correct Johnson bayonet and scabbard, makes this a complete and desirable rifle for display or advanced collection.

For those seeking a Johnson rifle with character, history, and scarce accessories intact, this example offers both exceptional value and historical appeal.