US M1941 BAYONET FOR THE JOHNSON SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE (RARE)
History
The M1941 Johnson Rifle is an American short-recoil operated semi-automatic rifle designed by Melvin Johnson prior to World War II. The M1941 competed unsuccessfully with the U.S. M1 Rifle. The M1941 rifle used the energy from recoil to cycle the rifle. As the bullet and propellant gases move down the barrel, they impart force on the bolt head which is locked to the barrel. The barrel, together with the bolt, moves a short distance rearward until the bullet leaves the barrel and pressure in the bore drops to safe levels. The barrel then stops against a shoulder allowing the bolt carrier to continue rearward under the momentum imparted by the initial recoil stage. The rotating bolt, with eight locking lugs, would then unlock from the chamber as cam arrangement rotates and unlocks the bolt to continue the operating cycle. The Johnson rifle utilized a two-piece stock and a unique 10-round rotary magazine, designed to use the same 5-round stripper clips already in use by the M1903 Rifle.
Johnson rifles are difficult to find, and often sell for $4000 - $5000 range, and the bayonets are even harder to find. This is an excellent piece of U.S. military history, ready to display!
Item Description
This is a very good example of a Model 1941 Johnson rifle bayonet complete with original leather scabbard. The bayonet is numbered 659 on the muzzle ring and has a tri-form blade. The leather scabbard is in very good condition and has matured to a nice dark brown color. It is maker marked and numbered 8954. The stitching is completely intact as issued and only had allowance for a 1 inch wide belt. Good opportunity to aquire one of these rae bayonets within Australia.