Video—ARTV: Melvin Johnson’s Automatics
Melvin Johnson Jr., a lawyer and Marine captain, designed innovative semi-automatic firearms like the M1941 Johnson Rifle, which used a short-recoil system and a unique rotary magazine, contrasting with the M1 Garand. His designs, including a lightweight LMG and the Spitfire carbine conversion, influenced later platforms like the AR-10/15. Johnson also pioneered modern Gatling gun technology by integrating electric motors, leading to advanced rotary cannons.




