Opinions on a 1941 Johnson Rifle

Hey!

I stumbled upon an 1941 Johnson rifle here in Europe. This is actually only the second I've seen for sale here; they are really rare here. The rifle is pretty beat up, especially the stock.
I am thinking about buying this, it is quite expensive (~2k€) but I am really lusting after one :)

Can you have a look at the pics and tell me what you think? I think the finish is original, but am really not sure. And the stock looks pretty bad, but maybe can be saved with careful cleaning and oiling?

Thank you a bunch in advance, info on these is really hard to come by! Very interesting rifle to say the least. I have more pics if you need them, please let me know

P.s I noticed the crack in front of the trigger guard (visible in pic), does it look terribly bad?? Fixable, maybe?

It's really tough to say from pictures, but I have seen worse. The wood can be repaired and restored with a little care and patients. The condition of the bore and interior parts are important as everything on these rifles is hard to replace. You do not say what caliber this rifle is. 3006 or 7MM were the only two used to my knowledge. I have owned three of these Johnsons, all in 3006. I really liked them but couldn't keep my finger of the trigger, so they were better off in someone elses hands.

Thanks for the input! It is in 3006, serial B38XX. I haven't seen the internals, but according to the seller the bore is a bit (?) rough. This is unfortunate but the rifle is for my collection and I do not intend to shoot it.

Price isn't all that bad, actually. And since you don't intend on shooting it, the crack- which is common- can be left alone. It looks like the stock could use a gentle cleaning, but it's not bad enough to do much more. If you want a "pretty" stock, that's not a huge problem, as reproductions have been made. You could leave the old wood alone for originality, and have fancy bit of wood for show.

I love the way it looks just as it is! I'd do as jmoore said and just clean the stock up lightly and not do anything else.

I'd go for it if you have the money available. They're not getting any cheaper and if you save the money you'll end up spending it on something silly like taking your girl out to eat.

Priorities, Beginner - Priorities :)

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Originally Posted by cafdfw

I love the way it looks just as it is! I'd do as jmoore said and just clean the stock up lightly and not do anything else.

I'd go for it if you have the money available. They're not getting any cheaper and if you save the money you'll end up spending it on something silly like taking your girl out to eat.

Priorities, Beginner - Priorities :)

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Hah, funny you should say that: I am getting married in a month, and REALLY shouldn't even be thinking about getting this rifle :)
But I agree, the "beat-up" look is really cool, and I think a light wiping could make a big difference. Maybe even some light/heavy sanding. KIDDING!! :D

:rofl:

You GOT ME! I'm sure my blood pressure jumped even in the split second before I read 'KIDDING' in the next line!

Congratulations with the marriage! Think of it this way - you're doing your future wife a favor.
Lots of men have one last 'fling' before they tie the knot and you're only buying a gun.

Actually , this is a fine time to buy it. You never know what you'll lose intrest in after your neutered......er...married.

Remember.....a man is incomplete until he takes a wife to wed......only then can we all agree he is finished.

Good luck , Chris

It would be a great wedding present for both of you. :D, Ray

Thank you for all your help, and advice on marriage :D
I actually went ahead and bought it, I will likely get it next week. More pictures to follow!