Johnson M1941 rifle

Published on December 8, 2013
Duration: 12:49

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the M1941 Johnson Rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It focuses on the unique barrel removal process, highlighting the importance of safety checks throughout. The video emphasizes the rifle's innovative short recoil system and its historical context as a competitor to the M1 Garand.

Quick Summary

The M1941 Johnson Rifle is field stripped by first ensuring it's unloaded, then depressing a barrel release button with a cartridge tip, and finally pulling the barrel forward and off the receiver. This rifle uses a short recoil operating system and features a unique 10-round rotary magazine.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction: M1941 Johnson Rifle
  2. 00:21Historical Context and Development
  3. 01:45Mechanical Design and Marine Corps Adoption
  4. 05:21Technical Features and Magazine System
  5. 08:08Field Stripping and Operational Drawbacks

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the M1941 Johnson Rifle field stripped?

Field stripping the M1941 Johnson Rifle primarily involves removing the barrel. This is achieved by depressing a release button on the receiver with a cartridge tip, then pulling the barrel forward and off. Ensure the firearm is unloaded before starting.

What is the main operating system of the M1941 Johnson Rifle?

The M1941 Johnson Rifle utilizes a short recoil, semi-automatic operating system. In this mechanism, the barrel and bolt recoil together for a short distance, enabling the cycling of the action.

What made the M1941 Johnson Rifle unique compared to the M1 Garand?

The M1941 Johnson Rifle featured a 10-round internal rotary magazine that could be topped off anytime, unlike the M1 Garand's en-bloc clip system. Its short recoil operation also differed significantly.

Why wasn't the M1941 Johnson Rifle widely adopted by the US Army?

Despite testing favorably against the M1 Garand, the US Army declined widespread adoption to avoid disrupting established wartime production lines. The Dutch government was a major purchaser for their colonies.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →