M1941 Johnson Gunbroker find; what do you think?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Wubbman,

Regretfully, I think it's definitely been reparked. Were you asking for opinions because you might be able to return it? Honestly, I felt very bad for you when I first saw the photos.
Yes, a flash will make a new phosphate refinish look even worse, but the refinish is obvious to me even if it wasn't put up against the worn stock.

I don't understand the logic given to you that it's common for any rifle to have the stock beat up, well used and in poor condition but the metal look brand new. You know the barrel has been used a lot too from the muzzle wear.

Just my opinion, and I don't want to make you feel bad at all.
If you're happy with it, then that's all that really matters.

~ Harlan

[jmoore]

Repair the stock or get a new one and shoot it! (Save the old stock for non-shooting display, even repaired they tend to be prone to fracture.) It's not a bad rifle. Just enjoy it.

[Wubbman]

Wubbman,

Regretfully, I think it's definitely been reparked. Were you asking for opinions because you might be able to return it? Honestly, I felt very bad for you when I first saw the photos.
Yes, a flash will make a new phosphate refinish look even worse, but the refinish is obvious to me even if it wasn't put up against the worn stock.

I don't understand the logic given to you that it's common for any rifle to have the stock beat up, well used and in poor condition but the metal look brand new. You know the barrel has been used a lot too from the muzzle wear.

Just my opinion, and I don't want to make you feel bad at all.
If you're happy with it, then that's all that really matters.

~ Harlan

Harlan, its no big deal. I bought the rifle without any promises that it was original, so I don't feel cheated in the least. And no, I have no plans nor even an offer from the seller to return it. Its at least a Johnson. Refinished or not, there's only so many out there. I did get a killer deal on it at least!! I'll let you know how it shoots.

[rayg]

You paid a mimium of $1000 less then they normally sell for, so just enjoy it, Ray

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Thanks for the clarification Wubbman. I was only concerned that you asked because you had an issue with the sale.

You did get it for a good price - The few I've seen here are priced MUCH higher.

Hope to get a range report soon!

[emmagee1917]

One thing to check on these is the wear on the upper bolt and carrier where the rollers are. Pull the back cover off , remove the bolt stop , unhook the tail from the main spring. Now , set the gun on it's butt plate ( carpeted floor) and shove the bbl back. The bolt should unlock from the bbl extension. If not , the upper serfaces may be worn. Does not mean it's unsafe , but could give functioning problems . If it does not unlock , use the bolt handle as a guide to see how far from unlocking it is by noting it's rotation amount . When you shoot it , check the brass. If it is slung far and dented on exit , it's a sign the mainspring is shot. Joesph Scott has new replacements for about $10 if yours is worn out.
Chris

[Wubbman]

Thanks for the replies, all. I'm planning on firing it tomorrow. Will let you know how it turns out.

[Wubbman]

Well, I went to shoot it the other day and didn't experience the greatest success. It fires fine, but failed to extract two thirds of the time. The extractor works fine, so fine that it tore the rim off of several cartridges while trying to extract. This left the case stuck in the chamber enough that a rod was required to tap it out. Upon close inspection, the throat of the chamber is extremely frosty and I guess the round is getting hung up at the throat. Would a fix to get it ejecting like normal be to hone and polish the chamber with some 1200 grit sandpaper, or something along those lines? If fed a few rounds of LC69 normally, but never once correctly fed HXP. Other than that, it was fun to shoot. Thanks for any remedies.

[emmagee1917]

first , polish the chamber . Not a 'smith , so can't comment on how. Once that's done , see how she works. The unlocking problem I talk about before , because of wear , could be part of the problem because excess energy is being used to open the bolt , causing short stroking. But the tearing of the rims tells me the case is sticking to the chamber walls which will do the same ( suck away bolt energy ). Get that fixed and see if it's the only problem.
Chris

[Harpers Ferry]

If the wood and the metal are original to each other then it appears as someone has media blasted the metal,as the patina has been removed.If it is a Marine issued rifle it should have a number stamped on the top ear of the butt plate.