1941 Johnson Rifle Support

Good Morning,

Just began negotiating on Johnson here in Miami. The rifle is complete and functions correctly. However, it is missing it's rear sight and has been tapped for a scope. I have some questions before moving forward with a potential purchase:

1. What do you believe is a fair price. With a trade, I am looking at $6300 out the door.

2. What would the repair cost to fill the scope holes and restore the finish correctly

3. Sources for a rear sight


Thanks,
Randy

Attachment 136939Attachment 136940

A gunsmith with a wire feed welder can fill the holes but you can never make them completely gone. You can also use filler screws and more or less blend the holes but again they will leave evidence. The roll mark may be damaged too. If you refinish there will be difference most times in color at the repair. Good luck on the rear sight. The money sounds like a rifle that is in pristine shape...not with the noted detractions. But then, I'm not in Miami.

Is your trade part of the $6300 or is it $6300 AND your trade? And what is your trade?

$6300 would be the cash he wants, $4800, and my Second Model Trapdoor (50-70) worth $1500. The gentlemen likes Civil War period weapons. Randy

---------- Post added at 04:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 PM ----------

I am not looking to make money on the Johnson. Just want a nice, representative piece that shoots well. Twenty years from now, when my time is short, it might be time to sell. Randy

Check out Vulcan Arms in Maidstone Ontario Canada he does amazing military weapons restorations and I have seen laser applied markings that are beyond belief

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rescuerandy2

$6300 would be the cash he wants, $4800, and my Second Model Trapdoor (50-70) worth $1500. The gentlemen likes Civil War period weapons. Randy

---------- Post added at 04:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 PM ----------

I am not looking to make money on the Johnson. Just want a nice, representative piece that shoots well. Twenty years from now, when my time is short, it might be time to sell. Randy

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Well, judging by the asking prices on Gunbroker, Johnson 1941's have gone waaaay up in value since I sold mine 25 years ago. Yes, I would do the deal.

A nice example recently sold on a local (Indiana) forum for $5k in original shape…it’s hard to see them jump to this price with the receiver modified for a scope.

In the end, if your happy with it, it’s only money. [emoji1303]

As the conversation brings in more information with each post, looks like $5000-$6000 is a fair price for a complete rifle. If my buyer will go down to $4000, this would leave room for the $1500 in repairs and for securing the rear sight. I doubt he will knock off $2300 unless he agrees with your collective assessment and my potential repair and replacement costs.

Thanks all,
Randy

Remember the adage all milsurp collectors live by: you never pay too much, sometimes you pay too soon.

Agreed. Now at age 66 it often is "it's always the right time."