Opinion on this model 1941 Johnson

[North of 55]

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

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

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.

[North of 55]

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

[lude92]

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

[browningautorifle]

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?

[jmoore]

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.

[North of 55]

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

[Bruce Canfield]

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.

[North of 55]

What would be a realistic value on this?

[RBruce]

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.