Developed to act as a squad automatic counterpart for the Johnson semi-automatic rifle, the 1941 machine gun shares a number of the rifle's distinctive features, particularly the short-recoiling barrel assembly installed inside a ventilated heat shield. The rotary magazine has been changed out for a side-mounted magazine well, with the loading door and clip guide retained to preserve the ability to "top off" the detachable magazines from clips. The front handguard has been shortened to make room for a quick detach metal bipod (bipod included), with the quick release barrel catch/accelerator still in place. The action has been changed from a pure closed bolt semi-auto to a dual function mechanism, firing from closed bolt in semi-auto mode and switching to open bolt operation in full auto mode; in operation, this permits controlled and accurate aimed semi-automatic fire while also providing improved cooling and reduced risk of "cook off" during strings of heavy automatic fire. Finally, the stock and grip assembly are reconfigured to accept the new fire control mechanism and provide increased comfort when firing prone off the bipod. Taken as a whole, the Johnson machine gun shows a number of virtues as a squad automatic weapon; light weight, good maneuverability, provision for barrel swapping, and (especially in conjunction with the Johnson rifle) the ability to share ammo supplies with squad mates. Unfortunately, the Johnson never saw large-scale acceptance, as the 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle already had its foot in the door as America's automatic rifle. Much like the Johnson Rifle, the machine gun was accepted as a substitute weapon by the United States Marine Corps due to a shortage of BARs in the early days of the war, seeing use with the Marine Raiders and the Paramarines. The Johnson also found fans with the famous First Special Service Force, which found that the agile weapon was a good fit for their fast and aggressive tactics. The five-line, two-block address and patent marks are present on top of the receiver, with the "star" stamp over the Cranston Arms "triangle" marking on the right side near the buttstock. A prominent blade front sight is installed on the barrel with "30-06/'41" on the flange and "J.A./30-06" on the chamber. Includes one extra magazine.

Very fine, retains 85% plus original wartime green/gray parkerized finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some thinning on the perforated barrel jacket. The wood is fine with a dark oil stained finish overall showing light scratches and pressure dents on the sides in some areas. Mechanically excellent. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.