December 15, 2025
1941 Johnson Rifle: An Unsung Hero of World War II
The M1941 Johnson rifle is one of those firearms that makes gun history fans lean in a little closer. It was the brainchild of Melvin Johnson, a Marine captain who believed he could design a rifle that would outperform the M1 Garand. His creation was lighter, had less recoil, and used a unique rotary magazine that could be topped off at any time, something the Garand could not do.
The Marines who carried it in battle, especially the elite Paramarines and Raiders, praised its reliability and appreciated how quickly it could be reloaded. While it never replaced the M1, the Johnson earned a quiet but loyal following. Many who used it swore it was the better rifle, even though it never became the star of the show.
Photo:The rare 1941 Johnson rifle, a WWII design known for its smooth recoil and innovative 10 round rotary magazine.
The M1941 Johnson Today
Today the M1941 Johnson is a prized piece for collectors. With its unusual design, limited production, and connection to some of the most daring American units of WWII, it remains one of the most fascinating rifles of its era.
Fun Fact
The Johnson rifle was so smooth to shoot that some Marines joked it felt more like a sporting rifle than a battle rifle.
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