Johnson M1941 LMG
Johnson Automatics · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: Johnson LMG, M1941 Johnson, Johnson Light Machine Gun
Overview
The Johnson M1941 is a short-recoil-operated, air-cooled light machine gun designed by Melvin M. Johnson as a lighter alternative to the Browning M1918 BAR. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, it fed from a 20-round box magazine inserted horizontally from the left side, which could be topped off through the action with standard M1903 stripper clips. It uniquely fired from a closed bolt in semi-automatic for accuracy and from an open bolt in full-automatic for cooling, with a variable cyclic rate. Featuring a quick-detachable barrel and a light weight of about 6.5 kg, it saw limited service with US special operations units in World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6480 g (228.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1066 mm (41.97") |
| Barrel Length | 558 mm (21.97") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Detachable Barrel, Side Mounted Magazine, Open Bolt Full Auto, Closed Bolt Semi Auto, Variable Rate Of Fire, Bipod, Clip Reloadable Magazine
Variants
- Johnson M1944 LMG — Improved
Service history
Operators
- 1st Special Service Force (Devil's Brigade) · adopted 1942 · as M1941 LMG
- United States Marine Corps Paramarines · adopted 1942
- United States Army Rangers
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
Production
Production years: 1941-1945
Produced in limited numbers; never adopted as a standard US infantry weapon, issued mainly to special operations units.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Melvin M. Johnson
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Originally ordered by the Dutch East Indies, but the Japanese occupation prevented delivery; remaining stocks were purchased by the US Government and issued in small numbers to elite units such as the 1st Special Service Force and the Paramarines.
Background
Melvin Johnson developed both the M1941 rifle and this light machine gun in an attempt to displace the M1 Garand and BAR; though the US Army rejected both, the LMG found favor with the Devil's Brigade, who valued its light weight and quick-change barrel during raids in Italy.