My Dad started off with a Johnson then they handed him an M1 and he wanted his Johnson back.Better shooting and easier to carry with more capacity were his complaints against the M1.
Actually, with the M1941's bolt forward, all you need to do to eject the rounds from the magazine is to depress the loading gate. Like loading with stripper clips, you can get really good at it, until you're pressing with one finger and the rounds eject right into the palm of your hand.
The only true flaw that the Johnson had was it's bayonet feature as the sliding barrel could not operate fully with a sturdy bayonet piece. Aside from that is was Garands equivalent.
Great video! Rarity to say the least of even seeing M1941s in action. I actually own both the M1941 and Garand for over +10 years now. And for the life of me I cannot decide which I like best..it is like asking a parent "which of your kids is your favorite". I'd like to chime in on a few things. Every person or video I've seen will always show and say the Johnson is so "cumbersome" to load with the clips. I like the fact your buddy pointed that out in mid video, you really need the seat time, eventually it becomes extremely smooth and ridiculously fast loading with clips once you get the mechanics down. Sure you can top off with the Garand too, but the M1941 is way faster and easier, as well as on a closed bolt w/ loaded chamber. Agreed also that it is much better to load with the bolt closed, and there is documentation to support that Marines have taken out the "bolt catch" so it no longer has a BHO on last round. The bolt catch is a L shaped metal piece that is easily removed with no tools required. As for unloading the Johnson magazine, you do not need to cycle to eject each round as you guys have mentioned in the end. You can finger the loading gate, and it will shoot the unspent casing out the gate since it is spring loaded..just need to find the sweet spot. This can be done with one hand fingering the gate, and the other hand catching the cartridges. Regarding the history, most do not know that Melvin Johnson later became a consultant at Armalite and worked alongside Eugene Stoner during his development of the AR15 rifle...note how similar the lugs look on the bolt as well as the buff system, near identical. Some go so far as to say the M1941 Johnson is the grandfather or father of the AR15 rifle...just as the Garand is to the M14.
You know what’s funny is Johnson originally wanted to use a 20 round box magazine (the BAR magazine actually) if he had I wonder how long this would’ve stuck around maybe we still would’ve been toting this around in Vietnam lol
My friend Lt. Col. (Retired) Joseph Michaud was a paratrooper. He joined the Army in the late '40's. Missed out on WWII. Became a paratrooper in 1948. Spent two years training and testing equipment for a true paratrooper unit. An original Rakasahn. He loved the Johnson rifle. When you are taking what you need with you,resupply being a problem, you want reliable items.
Two more rounds capacity and easier reload vs. a better bayonet- I will take the rounds. If only Melvin had decided on a double column magazine for his light machine gun...
I like both rifles as well. I have shot an M1 but not a Johnson. If I had to choose which to take into battle though, I would pick the M1 for a few reasons (not because of its history or the ping). First It's easier and faster to reload. The barrel has better protection and support. Finally the bayonet is actually functional. The Johnson 1941 looks a little awkward to reload especially in the heat of battle, that exposed barrel could be damaged or bent without much support not to mention the barrel is reciprocating (for lack of a better term) since it actually moves back with the recoil to unlock the bolt between shots. And that spike bayonet that was added was a terrible afterthought. At the time, the military required a bayonet and the Johnson's action won't work properly with too much weight added to the barrel, so a cheap lightweight spike bayonet was created to check that box but it sucked. Truth be told though, minus the bayonet issue, the Johnson is the Garand's equal, but I can see why the military chose to stick with Garand. Mainly due to it already being adopted and it was just better and cheaper to stick with the first choice. At least we can credit the bolt design of the Johnson rifle for the AR10 and AR15 locking design bolt designs, since Johnson would go on to work with Eugene Stoner at Armalite in later years. Both rifles are awesome with great history and I would give my left nut to own both both rifles personally.
The M1 can also be "topped off" with training anyone can learn how to do this? Id I had to bet, if you'd of sean the elephant you'd know that no one ever heard the "ping" of a M1 clip ejecting in combat?
Johnson rifles are a bit harder to get ahold of and parts are scarce for it. I personally would prefer to own a Johnson rifle. Not because of anything particular but I guess I am a sucker for those “hidden potential” objects that just don’t quite make the cut.
I believe Dan was quoting General Patton. Garand a fabulous weapon. I was very impressed with the Johnson. I heard of it but this was the first time I had the opportunity to hear them in action. Wow! Thanks guys. Really enjoy your presentations.
Finally the 3 Oregon Boys out and about in the woods shooting 2 Great Rifles. Official : Jealous ^^ Looks like you had a great time. Want more of such videos with you guys in the future :-D pls make it happen. !!
I have both a Johnson and an M1 I traded a 16ga Ithaca pump shotgun for the Johnson. When I've taken it to the range it gets a fair amount of attention. Nice video.
Acknowledging both rifles are great, personally id give the win to the M1. The 8 rd clip seems more fluid compared to two separate 5rd ones. Granted, i was never under fire with either so my opinion is moot.
when i was a young man, there was a gun store that had a bargain consignment rack and there were three of the Johnson's on there. The owner / smith test fired everything b/c he didn't want a single person saying he sold garbage. They were $135 ea. (in 1998) I didn't get any as i didn't want to buy another caliber, i kinda regretted it at the time but with 30.06 hovering from 0.80 to 1.00 per bullet when you can find them, I think i made the right choice for me. Hell, haven't seen surplus 8mm for 15yrs now, once my supply is gone, my mausers are just for show.
@@guaporeturns9472 it's all good if you don't believe me. I have no need to impress people i've never met or have no influence on my life. But ask yourself, have you ever been at the right place at the right time and gotten a great deal on something you've wanted? Only i didn't buy it as i was making about $5/hr and new caliber of surplus ammo was an extra cost. But hey, you're still entitled to your opinion.
In the Netherlands we had them in the army in and after WW2 our government used them in our colonial war in the dutch Indies , they ended up as training gun in the salty North Sea .
You can get the hang of topping off the Garand just fine. It is only done with loose rounds, but once I got practiced with it, I can do it pretty quickly.
Some people simple don't understand the Garand's safety. Putting your finger inside the trigger guard will not make the rifle fire. You can yank on the trigger till the cows come home, she won't fire with the safety engaged. The safety is disengaged by pushing FORWARD with your trigger finger ( Forward, as in AWAY from the trigger ). AWAY... Once disengaged, your finger is at the very front of the trigger guard, far from the trigger. It'll take deliberate effort to move your trigger finger back to the trigger. Designed by JM Browning, so it IS Correct. ( peasants... ) ☆
I would give up a Garand for an M1941 any day. A bayonet is situational, an extra 2 rounds isn't. Add onto that the unique load mechanism of the M1941, easier top off, less weight, no requirement to have a clip at all times, detachable barrel, the action that would go on to serve in the AR platform, the side eject instead of the top... Downsides are slower reload, worse accuracy, a bit less reliable, and no bayonet. Ffs, the Carbine could have been an M1941 with a lower power cartridge, perfect for backline personnel. But no. At least the Johnson action got its due on the M16/AR15 platform.
Some people have a double jointed thumb and cannot push the 8 round clip into the Garand. They probably would do better with the Thompson or M1 Carbine. Perhaps a non infantry job. I saw someone on UA-cam who had that problem. Their thumb was like a piece of rubber. Personally I don’t like magazines. SKS , JOHNSON, & GARAND are favorites for me. That tin box ( magazine) with a spring gets in the way. RUGER should make a mini 10 round clip Garand. The M1 MINI GARAND.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 GREAT VIDEO!
The Johnson has a reciprocating barrel due to the recoil action, causing bayonet issues. It had to have a special light spike bayonet so it didn’t effect both the action & accuracy too much. So IMAO it should’ve come with a (SKS style) folding bayonet. So if could be zeroed with the bayonet fitted & then just left on, but folded back till necessary. Bayonet could also be purposely made to suite the gun as it would just stay on & not be used on other firearms.
General Patton said of the M1 Garand “In my opinion, the M-1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.” Couldn't find what he said about the Johnson.
If tthe johnson holds 10 and garand hilds only 5,,,,,, in a fast combat situation. Now i dont know how hot barrel gets to warp. I have to remember the insane recoil, and re- targeting takes way to long 3 seconds on iron sights.?? You would really have to ask real life combat vets whis actually used them to get a clear real answer!! At least to me
The only advantages this noob can see that the Garand has over the Johnson is that loading seems easier and only one reload is needed to fill the magazine. I bet precious few marines bothered loading two stripper clips during a fire fight. Still, the Johnson is a worthy competitor.
using 4 fingers on your left hand over the top to push the rounds in the johston gives a more controlled pressure .......I watched someone do it that way and it was effortless
@@m2gjam139 Everyone is entitled to their "Opinion" . . . but the "Johnson" is LIGHTER, FASTER LOADING . . . I too, have "Loaded" (an SHOT ) BOTH. I'd take the "Johnson", in a COMBAT SITUATION, in a "Heartbeat" !. ( "Especially", the JOHNSON LIGHT MACHINGUN ! ) As much as I just "Love", the BAR . . . its "Not" even CLOSE !. As it was the M-249, of its day . . .
@@montanabulldog9687 OK my friend no hard feelings I prefer the M1 for me it's easier to load and I like the sights. In a combat situation I want to get accurate fire using less ammo. As far as comparing the BAR to the Johnson automatic rifles. I really don't like the single stack magazine it's to long. I never fired the piece on full auto I bet it's great. I've fired the BAR but don't own one. I still pissed they replaced the M60 with the M 249. But they followed up with the M240 that's a great weapon. I retired in 2010. So thru the years I was able to get a nice selection of milsurp rifles. I'm a shooter not a collector. I rarely shot my personal weapons between deployments and training I didn't want to look at a rifle. I have two M1 rifles and quite a few bolt action rifles. They were giving them away in the mid eighties.The Johnson was the most I spent on a milsurp it does turn heads at the range. Good luck to you stay safe...
@@m2gjam139 Your an M-1 fan, an that's OK . . . as "I" am an M-14 fan, it too is my "Long Range" rifle. I too had a "Garand", YEARS ago now, I once made "Over" $300.00 in an afternoon with it, firing at "Quarters", at 200yds. The "Single Stack" mag of the "Johnson", it was made that way because it was IMPOSSIBLE, to "Jam" it, an using the "Same Side Port", you could convert to "Belts", easily . . . I too am "Retired" ( Marines ) an a LOT sooner than you ! ( lol ) an mine was FORCED, an I'm "Not" over it TO THIS DAY !. I got "Hit" in my LEFT "Ankle . . . THEY told me I was "Disabled", its 50+ yrs this year, an I'll STILL "Argue the Point", as I still RUN my miles, "Weekly" now, but no less than 5mi, when I do run. ( In "1" hr ) an FOR THE RECORD ! . . . I'm STILL . . . "Not Done" !, just waiting for the "Big Shitstorm", coming down the road. Hope you too are "Ready for It", GOOD LUCK to you too.
@@montanabulldog9687 I have a M1A too great weapon. That sucks they retired you still a young man. That's some serious great shooting I can't see that far anymore LOL I retired disabled with thirty years in Army almost twenty in the Ranger Regiment I was wounded but recovered. My back is in very had shape. Shortly after I retired I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that locked my neck. I can't shoot prone anymore but I can still shoot. My wife passed away September 2018 crushed me. My kids are grown and I have my friends. I have my stuff and plenty of ammo for the shit show that's bound to happen. I retired a Sergeant Major so I do OK my pension and social security disability benefits. I can't run anymore or workbut I'm ready. I'm a good Archer too recurve only anything to keep busy. Again stay strong .(SUA SPONTE) SEMPER FI
IMAO the factory (or factories) that tooled up to make the Johnson should of been paid to keep making them till their tooling wore out. They also should’ve re-issued the couple of million M1917 Enfields they had left over from the 1st WW. Afterall they all add up, & it would’ve been cool to to see footage of all 4 (the M1903, the Garand & the previously mentioned 2) being used together.
I imagine the Embloc and Stripper even out in utility while running the gun. The top off is what sells the Johnson to me as well, topping it off is probably as efficient as reloading the magazine in an M1A and you cannot do that with a Garand. The Johnsons were going to the Dutch East Indies when the Marines picked them up off the dock to arm themselves going out to Guadalcanal. There was also a Light Machine Gun Version and that quick replacement of the barrel feature made it much preferred over the BAR in addition to the lightness.
The M1 Garand rifle would jam every seventh round if the top round in the clip was loaded on the right. Springfield engineers discovered this problem and solved it in late 1940 or early 1941.
You can top of a Garand hit the eject button on the left side of the receiver put one hand over the bolt to catch the inblock clip after pulling the charging handle back push the inblock clip in the magazine use one hand to load and the other to hold open the bolt and start loading rounds in the inblock clip after topping off push the inblock clip back in the magazine theres a video on UA-cam called M1 Garand myths by Blowk on the range I learned a bunch of tricks from him if you own a Garand I highly recommend his video.
Yeah.... that's not something you're gonna be doing in combat, and I'd go so far as to say it's not something that any soldier actually did. Especially since the enblocs came already loaded and soldiers didn't carry around loose ammo.
@@Viper2132 I've always wondered if GI's carried loose ammo just for the lull in battle. As experiened GI got battle harden; one would think some had the sense of topping off their Garands instead of giving away their positions. But who knows, Ima gunna have to ask a combat veteran.
@@KneeStrikes I agree but cannot prove it. I have heard accounts of WWII soldiers adding loose rounds to the Garand, think I saw a video interview, the guy served around Metz etc. Older sweats who served before WWII will have known the benefits of "topping off" as this was such a big deal for decades before and a key feature on so many rifles. Am sure some old sweats will have advised soldiers unofficially to top up when you can and if safe to do so. The technique isn't that hard to master.
@@Viper2132 you cant say for sure US troops "didn't do that in combat" am not bothered either way but you cannot back up your statement and I have seen at least one interview with a WWII US vet who states he did. Easy enough to do in cover and having g mastered the technique as many did. I cant prove it but it means no one can be certain that no troops did as you claim.
my guess is you could carry a live round in the left hand for topping off and you might twist the rifle to the topping off round instead of twisting your hand to reach the loading flap. then practice "repetition top off loading" till it is muscle memory---> the 41 looks easy to lug around when nearly dead-tired/thirsty+lost
You technically can top them off but it’s not going to be while moving or in a very dynamic environment..also with how M1 garand ammo was issued you aren’t going to be likely to have a pocket full of loose rounds where with the Johnson you can easily top off with how the ammo was issued for use with the rifle
Johnson did develop his LMG with a box magazine on the side. With the rotary magazine on this rifle I’m not sure if it be smooth but it be interesting try. When I think of your suggestion I picture the madsen LMG kinda. Though the box magazine more straight up as compared to the curve look.
Johnson's initial rifle was actually fed by a ten round detachable box magazine, but the Army thought that detachable magazines were too fragile. So that's why Johnson developed the rotary magazine
The 1941 Johnson can be easily unloaded by pushing down the loading door all the way,all cartridges will fall into your hand,than pull back the bolt to clear the chamber and you're done.Easy peasy.
@@Viper2132 they're both incredibly similar and the differences are really negligible because they perform so closely and any advantages one hold over the other is incredibly slight
Even if you do hear it would you risk it by poking your head out. Even if one guy is empty an infantryman rarely fight alone so I guarantee you the second you poke up you’re going to be turned into a lead pincushion.
My Dad started off with a Johnson then they handed him an M1 and he wanted his Johnson back.Better shooting and easier to carry with more capacity were his complaints against the M1.
"Let's see how that Johnson feels" 😂
Excuse me while I whip this out.
That’s what she said
Johnson is holding his Johnson can now mean two things
You better keep that Johnson clean! Ahhh, the jokes just write themselves.....Why do you keep looking at my Johnson?
but, he never said how much he enjoyed that johnson.
For such a small channel, you guys sure seem to find many odd ball and rare guns. Nice!
Thanks! I’ve been lucky for sure👍
You just gotta know the right people 😁
Actually, with the M1941's bolt forward, all you need to do to eject the rounds from the magazine is to depress the loading gate. Like loading with stripper clips, you can get really good at it, until you're pressing with one finger and the rounds eject right into the palm of your hand.
Very few rifles can steel the scene when a garand is in frame, but this is one of them.
I have a .270 win bbl for mine too. Rifle shoots lights out in both calibers
The only true flaw that the Johnson had was it's bayonet feature as the sliding barrel could not operate fully with a sturdy bayonet piece. Aside from that is was Garands equivalent.
What's funny is we found bayonets to Ultimately be useless after the war.
@@BigWheel. Not for the marines, it wasn't. They made damn good use of it.
@@BigWheel. I wouldn’t say it definitely comes in handy even today but it’s definitely not an absolute need
Great video! Rarity to say the least of even seeing M1941s in action. I actually own both the M1941 and Garand for over +10 years now. And for the life of me I cannot decide which I like best..it is like asking a parent "which of your kids is your favorite". I'd like to chime in on a few things. Every person or video I've seen will always show and say the Johnson is so "cumbersome" to load with the clips. I like the fact your buddy pointed that out in mid video, you really need the seat time, eventually it becomes extremely smooth and ridiculously fast loading with clips once you get the mechanics down. Sure you can top off with the Garand too, but the M1941 is way faster and easier, as well as on a closed bolt w/ loaded chamber.
Agreed also that it is much better to load with the bolt closed, and there is documentation to support that Marines have taken out the "bolt catch" so it no longer has a BHO on last round. The bolt catch is a L shaped metal piece that is easily removed with no tools required.
As for unloading the Johnson magazine, you do not need to cycle to eject each round as you guys have mentioned in the end. You can finger the loading gate, and it will shoot the unspent casing out the gate since it is spring loaded..just need to find the sweet spot. This can be done with one hand fingering the gate, and the other hand catching the cartridges. Regarding the history, most do not know that Melvin Johnson later became a consultant at Armalite and worked alongside Eugene Stoner during his development of the AR15 rifle...note how similar the lugs look on the bolt as well as the buff system, near identical. Some go so far as to say the M1941 Johnson is the grandfather or father of the AR15 rifle...just as the Garand is to the M14.
In a certain way, the Garand is also the father of the AK😂
@@nikolastark8927 🤔 ummm…
You know what’s funny is Johnson originally wanted to use a 20 round box magazine (the BAR magazine actually) if he had I wonder how long this would’ve stuck around maybe we still would’ve been toting this around in Vietnam lol
My friend Lt. Col. (Retired) Joseph Michaud was a paratrooper. He joined the Army in the late '40's. Missed out on WWII. Became a paratrooper in 1948. Spent two years training and testing equipment for a true paratrooper unit. An original Rakasahn. He loved the Johnson rifle. When you are taking what you need with you,resupply being a problem, you want reliable items.
Two more rounds capacity and easier reload vs. a better bayonet- I will take the rounds. If only Melvin had decided on a double column magazine for his light machine gun...
I like both rifles as well. I have shot an M1 but not a Johnson. If I had to choose which to take into battle though, I would pick the M1 for a few reasons (not because of its history or the ping). First It's easier and faster to reload. The barrel has better protection and support. Finally the bayonet is actually functional. The Johnson 1941 looks a little awkward to reload especially in the heat of battle, that exposed barrel could be damaged or bent without much support not to mention the barrel is reciprocating (for lack of a better term) since it actually moves back with the recoil to unlock the bolt between shots. And that spike bayonet that was added was a terrible afterthought. At the time, the military required a bayonet and the Johnson's action won't work properly with too much weight added to the barrel, so a cheap lightweight spike bayonet was created to check that box but it sucked. Truth be told though, minus the bayonet issue, the Johnson is the Garand's equal, but I can see why the military chose to stick with Garand. Mainly due to it already being adopted and it was just better and cheaper to stick with the first choice. At least we can credit the bolt design of the Johnson rifle for the AR10 and AR15 locking design bolt designs, since Johnson would go on to work with Eugene Stoner at Armalite in later years. Both rifles are awesome with great history and I would give my left nut to own both both rifles personally.
I have a Garand and I love it, but never heard of the Johnson. Nice to see the comparison.
I've never owned a Johnson but, bought my M1 from the DCM many decades ago for the total of $165 to my door and still own it.
The M1 can also be "topped off" with training anyone can learn how to do this? Id I had to bet, if you'd of sean the elephant you'd know that no one ever heard the "ping" of a M1 clip ejecting in combat?
Another good video, thanks for the insight into the Johnson.
That is how much I paid for mine
Johnson rifles are a bit harder to get ahold of and parts are scarce for it. I personally would prefer to own a Johnson rifle. Not because of anything particular but I guess I am a sucker for those “hidden potential” objects that just don’t quite make the cut.
The Johnson is better. It's got holes in it. Holes make the gun work better. And they're cooler.
I just did a Johnson1941 (mine) and M1 Garand comparison at the range today. what a great day!
I believe Dan was quoting General Patton. Garand a fabulous weapon. I was very impressed with the Johnson. I heard of it but this was the first time I had the opportunity to hear them in action. Wow! Thanks guys. Really enjoy your presentations.
Finally the 3 Oregon Boys out and about in the woods shooting 2 Great Rifles. Official : Jealous ^^ Looks like you had a great time. Want more of such videos with you guys in the future :-D pls make it happen. !!
Garand an Johnson 1941 hour in 276 petersen would have been better. Another MacArthur foul up
I saw a Johnson at a gun show about 10 years ago...$2500 =)
So, the US Para-marines preferred a short Johnson to jump. Isn't that interesting.
I have both a Johnson and an M1 I traded a 16ga Ithaca pump shotgun for the Johnson. When I've taken it to the range it gets a fair amount of attention. Nice video.
Acknowledging both rifles are great, personally id give the win to the M1. The 8 rd clip seems more fluid compared to two separate 5rd ones. Granted, i was never under fire with either so my opinion is moot.
if the Johnson came out sooner I think it would have beat the M1 Garand
when i was a young man, there was a gun store that had a bargain consignment rack and there were three of the Johnson's on there. The owner / smith test fired everything b/c he didn't want a single person saying he sold garbage. They were $135 ea. (in 1998) I didn't get any as i didn't want to buy another caliber, i kinda regretted it at the time but with 30.06 hovering from 0.80 to 1.00 per bullet when you can find them, I think i made the right choice for me. Hell, haven't seen surplus 8mm for 15yrs now, once my supply is gone, my mausers are just for show.
bs
@@guaporeturns9472 concur. no way $135 in 1998 and I'm not buying one store had three at once either.
It's possible. I saw a few M1 garands around 96-98 for $99 each at Turner's Outdoorsman.
@@guaporeturns9472 it's all good if you don't believe me. I have no need to impress people i've never met or have no influence on my life. But ask yourself, have you ever been at the right place at the right time and gotten a great deal on something you've wanted? Only i didn't buy it as i was making about $5/hr and new caliber of surplus ammo was an extra cost. But hey, you're still entitled to your opinion.
Rare rifle. Thanks for showing it off.
Also the AR foundation, read your history, meaning the rotating bolt
Bolt, bolt carrier, and recoil system. The guts of the AR are very much modeled off the Johnson LMG
Great shooting guys.Thanks for taking the time to do the comparison between these 2 great American firearms.
Good video.
So what’s a Johnson going for in 2024? I know most Garands are in the 3 plus range
"Let's see how that Johnson feels" uh huh huh huh uh huh huh huh
In the Netherlands we had them in the army in and after WW2 our government used them in our colonial war in the dutch Indies , they ended up as training gun in the salty North Sea .
A lot of them were bought by Winfield and ended up in the US and Canada.
Hello... the. Advantage. Here. Is. A. Full. Load. Is. 10 rnds. In. The. J...and. 8.rds. In. The. M.1. But. This. Video. Makes. A. Total. Of. Three. New. Handlers. I. Have. Seen. Now. Fumbling. Slightly. With. The. Stripper. Clips. And. The. M.1. Seems. To. Be. Easier. To. Learn... don.t. get. Me. Wrong. The. Johnson. Is. The. Only. Real. Competitor. The. M.1. Has. Ever. Had. And. Is. Most. Likely. The. Best Recoil. Operated. Rifle. Ever. Built.. you. Mention. Para. Drops. Here. It's. Hard. To. Ðamage. The. M.1 clips. Especially. When. Loaded...and. the. Rounds. Do. Not. Fall. Out. Easy. When. Dropped. have. A. Nice. Day.
Johnson is definitely on my wish list, unlikely that I will ever get my hands on one though. Keep up the good work, Very interesting.
nice...I have a first series one. Love the comment that its easier to load with bolt forward...some folks dont get that and give it a bad knock.
You can get the hang of topping off the Garand just fine. It is only done with loose rounds, but once I got practiced with it, I can do it pretty quickly.
Such a Great Rifle,,
Not sure there is any other such video produced of these 2 legendary rifles shooting it out. Thank you and stay safe!
John Garand was French Canadian. Whilst Melvin Johnson was a Bostonian, therefore the Johnson must be the superior rifle as it's more AMERICAN
Some people simple don't understand the Garand's safety.
Putting your finger inside the trigger guard will not make the rifle fire.
You can yank on the trigger till the cows come home, she won't fire with the safety engaged.
The safety is disengaged by pushing FORWARD with your trigger finger ( Forward, as in AWAY from the trigger ). AWAY...
Once disengaged, your finger is at the very front of the trigger guard, far from the trigger.
It'll take deliberate effort to move your trigger finger back to the trigger.
Designed by JM Browning, so it IS Correct.
( peasants... ) ☆
I would give up a Garand for an M1941 any day. A bayonet is situational, an extra 2 rounds isn't. Add onto that the unique load mechanism of the M1941, easier top off, less weight, no requirement to have a clip at all times, detachable barrel, the action that would go on to serve in the AR platform, the side eject instead of the top...
Downsides are slower reload, worse accuracy, a bit less reliable, and no bayonet.
Ffs, the Carbine could have been an M1941 with a lower power cartridge, perfect for backline personnel. But no. At least the Johnson action got its due on the M16/AR15 platform.
Some people have a double jointed thumb and cannot push the 8 round clip into the Garand. They probably would do better with the Thompson or M1 Carbine. Perhaps a non infantry job. I saw someone on UA-cam who had that problem. Their thumb was like a piece of rubber. Personally I don’t like magazines. SKS , JOHNSON, & GARAND are favorites for me. That tin box ( magazine) with a spring gets in the way. RUGER should make a mini 10 round clip Garand. The M1 MINI GARAND.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 GREAT VIDEO!
The Johnson has a reciprocating barrel due to the recoil action, causing bayonet issues. It had to have a special light spike bayonet so it didn’t effect both the action & accuracy too much. So IMAO it should’ve come with a (SKS style) folding bayonet. So if could be zeroed with the bayonet fitted & then just left on, but folded back till necessary. Bayonet could also be purposely made to suite the gun as it would just stay on & not be used on other firearms.
General Patton said of the M1 Garand “In my opinion, the M-1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised.” Couldn't find what he said about the Johnson.
If tthe johnson holds 10 and garand hilds only 5,,,,,, in a fast combat situation. Now i dont know how hot barrel gets to warp. I have to remember the insane recoil, and re- targeting takes way to long 3 seconds on iron sights.?? You would really have to ask real life combat vets whis actually used them to get a clear real answer!! At least to me
Been a while since I have watched buddy still love the videos. now I want a Johnson! Need to get out and shoot with you sometime! 👍🏼
For sure man!👍
The only advantages this noob can see that the Garand has over the Johnson is that loading seems easier and only one reload is needed to fill the magazine. I bet precious few marines bothered loading two stripper clips during a fire fight. Still, the Johnson is a worthy competitor.
Ah, the beautiful 1941 Johnson ! Thanks guys
Garand was easier to field strip. Just needed detachable box mags.
I've never heard of the Johnson Rifle. Thanks for posting.
Your finger is only in a bad spot if you put it in a bad spot and have no finger control. I love the M1 and M14 safeties.
using 4 fingers on your left hand over the top to push the rounds in the johston gives a more controlled pressure .......I watched someone do it that way and it was effortless
I would take the Johnson rifle over the Garand. I don't like the idea of the enemy knowing I'm out of ammo when they hear that ping.
So badass
You can top off the Garand easy as pie. Open the bolt and stuff in single rounds.
That’s 4 1/2 million to several thousand!
you need to wear tight-fitting gloves with the johnson and the reload is lightning fast with the gloves
Maybe "rotary" magazine rather than "helical"?
What was the "Inspection Arms" with the Johnson?
It's so obvious neither of you have ever handled a Johnson
Right when Battlefield 5 adds the Johnson rifle.
I really like your videos, you deserve more views and likes, your videos are so beautiful and pretty background
The bayonet was a problem with the Johnson.
THE U.S. NAVY HAD A .50 CALIBER JOHNSON SUB MACHINE GUN.
0:35 - What is the rifle or MG of the guy at right in this picture?
so George S Patton said...
It's very accurate
I love this channel
Very cool video!
I like both.
As GOOD, as the "Garand" is . . . after a SIDE by SIDE evaluation, it becomes clear, that the "Johnson" rifle, is the BETTER of the two . . .
Sorry my friend the Garand or M1 rifle is better. I have both loading is the issue the M1 is more stout or just easier.
@@m2gjam139 Everyone is entitled to their "Opinion" . . . but the "Johnson" is LIGHTER, FASTER LOADING . . . I too, have "Loaded" (an SHOT ) BOTH. I'd take the "Johnson", in a COMBAT SITUATION, in a "Heartbeat" !. ( "Especially", the JOHNSON LIGHT MACHINGUN ! ) As much as I just "Love", the BAR . . . its "Not" even CLOSE !. As it was the M-249, of its day . . .
@@montanabulldog9687 OK my friend no hard feelings I prefer the M1 for me it's easier to load and I like the sights. In a combat situation I want to get accurate fire using less ammo. As far as comparing the BAR to the Johnson automatic rifles. I really don't like the single stack magazine it's to long. I never fired the piece on full auto I bet it's great. I've fired the BAR but don't own one. I still pissed they replaced the M60 with the M 249. But they followed up with the M240 that's a great weapon. I retired in 2010. So thru the years I was able to get a nice selection of milsurp rifles. I'm a shooter not a collector. I rarely shot my personal weapons between deployments and training I didn't want to look at a rifle. I have two M1 rifles and quite a few bolt action rifles. They were giving them away in the mid eighties.The Johnson was the most I spent on a milsurp it does turn heads at the range. Good luck to you stay safe...
@@m2gjam139 Your an M-1 fan, an that's OK . . . as "I" am an M-14 fan, it too is my "Long Range" rifle. I too had a "Garand", YEARS ago now, I once made "Over" $300.00 in an afternoon with it, firing at "Quarters", at 200yds. The "Single Stack" mag of the "Johnson", it was made that way because it was IMPOSSIBLE, to "Jam" it, an using the "Same Side Port", you could convert to "Belts", easily . . . I too am "Retired" ( Marines ) an a LOT sooner than you ! ( lol ) an mine was FORCED, an I'm "Not" over it TO THIS DAY !. I got "Hit" in my LEFT "Ankle . . . THEY told me I was "Disabled", its 50+ yrs this year, an I'll STILL "Argue the Point", as I still RUN my miles, "Weekly" now, but no less than 5mi, when I do run. ( In "1" hr ) an FOR THE RECORD ! . . . I'm STILL . . . "Not Done" !, just waiting for the "Big Shitstorm", coming down the road. Hope you too are "Ready for It", GOOD LUCK to you too.
@@montanabulldog9687 I have a M1A too great weapon. That sucks they retired you still a young man. That's some serious great shooting I can't see that far anymore LOL I retired disabled with thirty years in Army almost twenty in the Ranger Regiment I was wounded but recovered. My back is in very had shape. Shortly after I retired I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that locked my neck. I can't shoot prone anymore but I can still shoot. My wife passed away September 2018 crushed me. My kids are grown and I have my friends. I have my stuff and plenty of ammo for the shit show that's bound to happen. I retired a Sergeant Major so I do OK my pension and social security disability benefits. I can't run anymore or workbut I'm ready. I'm a good Archer too recurve only anything to keep busy. Again stay strong .(SUA SPONTE) SEMPER FI
Great vid, thanks.
The Garand….
IMAO the factory (or factories) that tooled up to make the Johnson should of been paid to keep making them till their tooling wore out. They also should’ve re-issued the couple of million M1917 Enfields they had left over from the 1st WW. Afterall they all add up, & it would’ve been cool to to see footage of all 4 (the M1903, the Garand & the previously mentioned 2) being used together.
I imagine the Embloc and Stripper even out in utility while running the gun. The top off is what sells the Johnson to me as well, topping it off is probably as efficient as reloading the magazine in an M1A and you cannot do that with a Garand. The Johnsons were going to the Dutch East Indies when the Marines picked them up off the dock to arm themselves going out to Guadalcanal. There was also a Light Machine Gun Version and that quick replacement of the barrel feature made it much preferred over the BAR in addition to the lightness.
The M1 Garand rifle would jam every seventh round if the top round in the clip was loaded on the right. Springfield engineers discovered this problem and solved it in late 1940 or early 1941.
The Johnson loads easier if you load it with the bolt locked back.
It loads easier with the bolt closed(forward)
You can top of a Garand hit the eject button on the left side of the receiver put one hand over the bolt to catch the inblock clip after pulling the charging handle back push the inblock clip in the magazine use one hand to load and the other to hold open the bolt and start loading rounds in the inblock clip after topping off push the inblock clip back in the magazine theres a video on UA-cam called M1 Garand myths by Blowk on the range I learned a bunch of tricks from him if you own a Garand I highly recommend his video.
Yeah.... that's not something you're gonna be doing in combat, and I'd go so far as to say it's not something that any soldier actually did. Especially since the enblocs came already loaded and soldiers didn't carry around loose ammo.
@@Viper2132 I've always wondered if GI's carried loose ammo just for the lull in battle. As experiened GI got battle harden; one would think some had the sense of topping off their Garands instead of giving away their positions. But who knows, Ima gunna have to ask a combat veteran.
@@KneeStrikes I agree but cannot prove it. I have heard accounts of WWII soldiers adding loose rounds to the Garand, think I saw a video interview, the guy served around Metz etc. Older sweats who served before WWII will have known the benefits of "topping off" as this was such a big deal for decades before and a key feature on so many rifles. Am sure some old sweats will have advised soldiers unofficially to top up when you can and if safe to do so. The technique isn't that hard to master.
@@Viper2132 you cant say for sure US troops "didn't do that in combat" am not bothered either way but you cannot back up your statement and I have seen at least one interview with a WWII US vet who states he did. Easy enough to do in cover and having g mastered the technique as many did. I cant prove it but it means no one can be certain that no troops did as you claim.
my guess is you could carry a live round in the left hand for topping off and you might twist the rifle to the topping off round instead of twisting your hand to reach the loading flap. then practice "repetition top off loading" till it is muscle memory---> the 41 looks easy to lug around when nearly dead-tired/thirsty+lost
you can top off m1 grand ccheck out bloke on the range m1 myths
You technically can top them off but it’s not going to be while moving or in a very dynamic environment..also with how M1 garand ammo was issued you aren’t going to be likely to have a pocket full of loose rounds where with the Johnson you can easily top off with how the ammo was issued for use with the rifle
Wouldn't you call the magazine in the Johnson capsulated? Like they did the Krag's magazine?
Gun?????????????????????????????????? Take it off him.
I wonder if the Johnson would have worked better with a conventional 10 round box magazine loaded from the top like an M14 or FN49
Johnson did develop his LMG with a box magazine on the side. With the rotary magazine on this rifle I’m not sure if it be smooth but it be interesting try. When I think of your suggestion I picture the madsen LMG kinda. Though the box magazine more straight up as compared to the curve look.
Johnson's initial rifle was actually fed by a ten round detachable box magazine, but the Army thought that detachable magazines were too fragile. So that's why Johnson developed the rotary magazine
@@Viper2132and back then even if the rifle has detachable mag the military just issued you stripper clips like lee Enfield, svt 40.
Used to shoot in the woods like that in the West Washington area Olympic Nat'l forest
Seems his Johnson is bigger.
You can top off the garand also, I’ve done it. but it would take some practice to do it while moving
I'd like to see you guys do a video on the French Lebel 1886, please?
Was David on a recent podcast talking about the Johnson? Great video guys
The Johnson uses a rotary magazine not helical .
Would ya'll ever do a video with the best Thompson vs. best M3 Grease Gun Vs. M50 Reising. Because not that many people know about that last one.
If I ever got the opportunity I would totally do that👍
I still love my M1 Garand
4th like
The 1941 Johnson can be easily unloaded by pushing down the loading door all the way,all cartridges will fall into your hand,than pull back the bolt to clear the chamber and you're done.Easy peasy.
agree but not impossible.
Cool
Comparing these two is like comparing a mig 15 and an f86
How so?
@@Viper2132 they're both incredibly similar and the differences are really negligible because they perform so closely and any advantages one hold over the other is incredibly slight
I will keep with my M1 GARAND.
The problem with that ping though is that it tells the enemy you're out.
I think nobody can hear so clearly in such a noisy environment especially the battlefield.
you need supernatural hearing to "catch" that ping sound over a 300 yards distance...
That's a complete myth that has been debunked.
Even if you do hear it would you risk it by poking your head out. Even if one guy is empty an infantryman rarely fight alone so I guarantee you the second you poke up you’re going to be turned into a lead pincushion.
No it didn't. They wouldn't hear that, especially in a firefight.
That ping killed a lot of gi s
I highly highly doubt that. Most soldiers on the other end wouldn’t hear that ping unless they’re very close.
Nope, that's a myth. Have you ever shot without earplugs? It's giving noone away in a fire fight