Opinion on this model 1941 Johnson

Hello I have the chance to purchase this Model 1941 Johnson Rifle but I have never came across one like this before... Anyone have a opinion on this?

Thanks

Mario

I've never seen anyone do that to a Johnson before. Easy to restore though. All you need is a complete stock, bead blast and parkerize, probably barrel change and lifting the gold plate off those parts could be a nightmare...never mind the small parts like the bayonet lug and sights and sling swivels and a new buttplate. It might be OK...or do you just want to hunt with it?

It has no value as a collector. It's too heavy to hunt with.

Hello Jim

I was told that the rifle was a presentation award and there is only 28 made?........ Its sure has alot of work that has gone into it...... No I not looking to hunt with it, I just thought this may have been a rare item. I have read some where some were {sporterized}

Regards, Mario

WOW I can honestly say I was not expecting that (was like a slap in the face).

There were lots sporterized and there was a sporter. It was different. This might have been a presentation...but for whom and what? Not military...only 28? Whomever has it needs to prove that theory before one buys it. I just doubt it...

Sorry to have hurt your feelings Lude...how were you involved in this?

Haven't seen a Johnson rifle that fancy before. But the swivels for some reason make me think it's not a Winfield Arms job or anything but a "custom" sporter. Unfortunately, without verification as some sort of factory presentation rifle then it's worth is in it's parts. Unless you just happen to like "bling".

If I had to guess, it was fancified in the late sixties or early '70s.

My guess is like yours it was custiomized in 60/70s most likely.... The gentleman who showed it to me, knows I collect Military items and thought I would be interted in it, But I know nothing on Johnson weapons....Well I will see what he digs up for me in a storey and some proof......Thanks all for your input.

Best

Mario

It is indeed a sporterized M1941 Johnson rifle. I couldn't tell from the photos whether or not it was done by Winfield Arms, but that company sporterized a large number of Johnson rifles. However, it doesn't look like the typical Winfield conversion and it may have been done by an individual gunsmith. The "presentation" rifle story is fantasy. All M1941 Johnson rifles were made under contract for the Dutch government and Johnson Automatics did not make any "special" or "presentation" Johnson rifles.

What would be a realistic value on this?

I'm not an expert, but I do have some experience with both sporterized and original Johnsons. The stocks on the rifle shown are either highly modified or non-original. Originals are available occasionally, and at one time someone was making nice reproductions. I can't tell from the photo if the barrel is original, but at a minimum, the original front sight has been replaced with a ramp sight. If the barrel has not been physically altered (thinned or shortened), then the present sight can be removed and an original installed. It appears that the rear sight is original which is good because some conversions ground of the dovetail section. All of the metal appears to have been polished and blued. There are folks here who can repark the metal. Of course a closer inspection would be necessary to provide an accurate valuation. However if everything is original other than the stock and finish, and is in working order, and the barrel is not shot out, I would say it is worth at least $1000, maybe more.

From what little I've seen, Canadian valuation may be far different than US. Seems like prices are lower. Auction is likely your best way to find out!

1. missing th rear sight, but otherwise appears to be all original. - Johnson Automatic Model 1941 Cal. 30-06 Semi-Auto : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

2. Front sight commercial, but otherwise appears to be original. - Johnson Automatic 1941 Cranston Arms Co : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

3. Same as number 2. - JOHNSON 1941 Rifle Model 41 SEMI AUTOMATIC RIFLE : Semi Auto Rifles at GunBroker.com

4. this one looks really nice. - Johnson Automatics Model 1941 great shape : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com

I sold one like number 4 back in 2009 for $6750. The one pictured above will never be as collectable as one with all original parts and finish. However, you could spend quite a bit on the one above bringing it back to close to original without having too much in it.

Thanks for the info and your input guys.......I will see what I can pick it up for.

Best

Mario

As stated above, the prices here in Canada do not reflect, even nearly, the prices in the US...and getting parts to re-build it here is nearly impossible. Take care...

It is the Winfield Arms version of a Johnson sporting rifle. They sold both sporters and original rifles.

I wouldn't call it a version, rather a slight customization - front sight, stock and bluing of an original. One thing Winfield often did in sporterizing the Johnson was to trim the top of the receiver where the rear sight was attached, then add a receiver sight (Lyman, Redfield, etc.) or a scope. I've also seen pictures of a one-piece stock. Parts are available in the states, although not as easy to find as five or ten years ago.

Here is an ad from Winfield Arms advertising the Johnson, along with a picture of the "Sporter" they sold.

Winfield Arms Johnson 30 06 Rifle Gun 1953 Print Ad | eBay

Mano

I remember seeing a Johnson pretty much like the one in your picture back around 1965 at Dawson's Small Arms of the World which was a gun shop in Annandale Virginia. The stock reminds me of one that was made by Reinhart Fajen of Missouri. It was a big source of sporting stocks for the military surplus rifle market the only other source that I recall was Bishop. It appears that a company with the same name is now located in Woodbridge Virginia and they claim to have been in business since 1956. They have a web site Gun Shop Woodbridge, VA - Dawson's Small Arms Of The World

While it's not like it was like yesterday, maybe someone there might remember. I regret not buying one of the surplus Johnsons from Ye Old Hunter in Alexandria. They werre about $ 79 back then.

Bubba

Thanks for the info, I will look into.